The Effects of Spatial Population Distributions and Political Districting on Minority Representation

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the relationships between the geographical distribution of population, potential political redistricting schemes, and the resulting level of minority representation. The maximal fraction of districts that are minority districts is twice the fraction of minorities in the total population. The authors show how this maximum declines with increasing residential segregation. Finally, they provide some simulation results for both hypothetical cities and Buffalo council wards showing the degree of minority representation under random districting plans. This gives a baseline indicator of how population distribution is expected to influence representation and can then be compared with actual plans.