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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 of minority voters. Existing U.S. House districts, numbered 1 through 23, have been combined into six larger "super districts", labeled A through E. 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. 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. |
District A, 3 seats | District B, 5 seats | |
Population: | 1,683,410 | 2,887,278 |
Population per seat: | 561.137 | 577,456 |
Winning Percentage: | 25% | 16.7% |
Non-white % of VAP: | 15.3% | 19% |
Black % of VAP | 12.8% | |
Latino % of VAP | 4.5% | |
Voting Rights Analysis: |
Minority voters could join other voters to elect one candidate. |
Minority voters could join other voters to elect one candidate. |
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District E, 5 seats | District F, 4 seats | |
Population: | 2,888,890 | 2,167,217 |
Population per seat: | 577,778 | 541,804 |
Winning Percentage: | 16.7% | 20% |
Non-white % of VAP: | 17.8% | 62.3% |
Black % of VAP | 10.1% | 14.9% |
Latino % of VAP | 6.4% | 46.1 |
Voting Rights Analysis: |
Minority voters could elect a candidate of choice. |
Minority voters could elect three candidates of choice. |
For more information, contact:
The Center for Voting and Democracy