![]() ![]() ![]() Will humans lose control if an algorithm is used? Not at all. On the other hand, a powerful algorithm, guided by mathematical principles alone, can quickly find exceptional maps without error or bias. Should computer algorithms be involved in redistricting? Yes! Currently, district maps are being constructed by humans who manually click and drag a computer mouse to build maps piece by piece as they would a huge jigsaw puzzle. Such mapmaking is by nature subjective, slow, prone to human error, and, therefore, highly unlikely to achieve a good balance among the multiple criteria that define a fair map. Humans in control of process of creating electoral districts Many companies could not survive without these algorithms. Distinct from artificial intelligence and machine learning, mathematical optimization is used throughout the private sector to improve decisions in areas where managerial possibilities are nearly endless, including airline scheduling, factory machine scheduling, package delivery truck scheduling, warehouse operations management, cancer radiation therapy, and hospital staffing. When it is used, it is always implemented with a computer algorithm. Mathematical optimization is an academic discipline that focuses on finding the best options, among an astronomical number of possibilities, when options can be mathematically scored. to help Supreme Court Justices decide which map is the best. This quantification places redistricting squarely in the mathematical realm, particularly within the domain of mathematical optimization. There is, however, a bright spot: map performance can be quantified. Numerical scores can be attached to all map criteria - contiguity, federal law compliance, compactness, proportionality, competitiveness, etc. Computer algorithms should draw Wisconsin redistricting maps If the court decides to discard the current map, it will face the daunting challenge of identifying a good replacement. Wisconsin has more than 200,000 census blocks, each needing to be assigned to an Assembly and Senate district, with the goal of achieving an optimal balance among numerous features that define a good, fair map. The petitions argue that the current map, drawn by Republicans, should be replaced with a new, fairer map that is just and equitable to Democrats and Republicans. The key to fairness is proportional representation: the percentage of districts represented by each party should reflect the percentage of the total vote cast for each party in recent statewide elections. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has received two petitions calling for the redrawing of the state's legislative map, claiming it is extremely unfair to Democrats. Both petitions observe that despite the near 50-50 split in the statewide vote in recent elections, Republicans have represented about two-thirds of the districts in the Assembly and Senate for more than a decade. ![]()
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