Redistricting Realities: Techniques and Challenges

This chapter delves into the intricate world of redistricting and gerrymandering, addressing the multitude of districting options and the limitations of traditional analytical methods. By leveraging advanced mathematical sampling techniques and concepts such as Markov chains, the chapter presents innovative approaches to understanding and improving the redistricting process. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of ensemble methods in identifying manipulative patterns within district plans, using a Pennsylvania case study to illustrate the potential biases in seemingly neutral proposals.