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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 for black voters. Existing U.S. House districts, numbered 1 through 5, 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. 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. |
Super Districts |
Northern District A 2 seats |
Southern
District B 3 seats |
Population: | 719,962 | 1,106,493 |
Population per seat: | 359,981 | 368,831 |
Winning Percentage: | 33% | 25% |
Black % of VAP: | 38.1% | 27.2% |
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