Black representation and district compactness in Southern congressional districts

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the assumed trade-off between district compactness and Black representation in legislative districts in the American South. We analyze heuristically generated districts using current US demographics and historical congressional maps since the 1970s. Computations are performed using an iterative heuristic to find feasible solutions guided by multiple objectives. We find that while the trade-off has been strongly observed historically, it is possible to effectively address both goals simultaneously in most cases. We can demonstrate maps substantially superior to the present enacted maps on both dimensions in at least seven of the nine states analyzed. Nevertheless, the trade-off appears more necessary in states with larger and/or more heavily rural Black populations than in more urbanized states, where the drawing of compact Black-influence districts is easier.