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South Carolina:
What PR super districts might 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 6, 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.

Notice districts 1 and 6, gerrymandered into a puzzle-shape by politicians creating safe seats.  The gerrymanders are ineffective when the puzzle shapes are combined with their neighbors into one district.  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.

 
 

Super Districts

Northern District  A
3 seats
Southern District  B
3 seats
Population:  1,295,818 1,270,678
Population per seat: 431,939 423,559
Winner Percentage: 25% 25%
Black % of VAP: 21.3% 32.4%
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