New Books in Science, Technology, and Society
Ismar Volić, "Making Democracy Count: How Mathematics Improves Voting, Electoral Maps, and Representation" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Feb 1, 2024
Ismar Volić, an expert in mathematics and democracy, discusses how mathematics can improve voting, electoral maps, and representation. He explores the flaws of the current winner take all system and introduces different voting methods. Volić also tackles issues with apportionment, rounding error, gerrymandering, and the electoral college. He provides recommendations for improving American democracy through mathematics, including instant runoff voting, eliminating the electoral college, and promoting political quantitative literacy in schools.
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Quick takeaways
- Mathematics is essential for improving various aspects of democracy, including voting methods, apportionment of seats, and addressing issues like gerrymandering and the Electoral College system.
- Alternative voting methods like ranked-choice voting can provide a more accurate representation of voters' preferences and overcome the limitations of the plurality voting system, such as vote splitting and discouragement of diverse opinions and third parties.
Deep dives
The importance of mathematics in improving democracy
Ismar Vollage, author of the book 'Making Democracy Count: How Mathematics Improves Voting, Electoral Maps, and Representation,' discusses the intersection of mathematics and democracy. Vollage highlights the significance of mathematics in addressing social issues and enhancing democracy. He emphasizes the need for a quantitative approach in improving various aspects of democracy, including voting methods, apportionment of seats, gerrymandering, and the electoral college system. Vollage suggests implementing ranked choice voting, multi-member districts, and an alternative apportionment method. He also stresses the importance of political quantitative literacy and its integration into the education system.
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