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Alabama
What might PR super districts look like

This map is an example of how full representation voting systems -- such as choice voting, one-vote voting and cumulative voting � can be vehicles for providing fair representation for black voters.  Existing U.S. House districts, numbered 1 through 7, have been combined into two larger "super districts", A and B. 

The voting-age-populations (VAP) and black share of these populations are shown below.  The percentage of votes necessary to win is based on use of a full representation voting system.

Note how a state with currently one black-majority district and one black House member might easily have two black members with this plan. Using a similar technique, we were able to draw super-district plans that likely would increase the number of black U.S. House representatives from Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Notice districts 6 and 7, gerrymandered into a puzzle-shape by politicians creating safe seats.  The gerrymanders are diluted when the puzzle shapes are combined with their neighbors into larger districts.  The super districts lead to more competitive elections and more choices for all voters. 

In 1967,Congress passed a law requiring states to use one-seat U.S. House districts. This year, Congressman Mel Watt has introduced a bill called the States' Choice of Voting Systems Act (HR 1173) which would lift this requirement.  Similar super-district plans could be used for local and state redistricting plans in 2001-2.

 

Alabama
Super Districts

Northern District  A
3 seats
Southern District  B
4 seats
Population:  1,272,826 1,708,973
Population per seat: 424,275 427,245
Winning Percentage: 25% 20%
Black % of VAP: 26.9% 19.5%
Voting Rights Analysis: Black voters could elect a candidate of choice. Black voters could elect a candidate of choice.

For more information, contact:

The Center for Voting and Democracy
www.fairvote.org

[email protected]
301-270-4616