The Voting Efficiency Gap is a metric used to quantify the extent of partisan gerrymandering by measuring the difference in wasted votes between political parties across districts. It provides a standardized way to assess whether electoral district boundaries are drawn to favor one party over another, thus impacting the fairness of representation in legislative bodies.

Voting Efficiency Gap

partisan gerrymandering

Wasted votes refer to ballots that do not contribute to the election of a candidate, either because they are cast for a losing candidate or because they exceed the number needed for a candidate to win. This concept is crucial in discussions about electoral systems and their efficiency, particularly in relation to proportional representation and the fairness of vote distribution.

wasted votes

Political parties are organized groups that seek to gain power within a government, typically by participating in electoral processes. They play a crucial role in shaping political discourse, representing diverse interests, and facilitating governance through policy-making and legislative activities.

political parties

electoral district boundaries

favor one party

fairness of representation

Legislative bodies are formal organizations within governments responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws, often structured as unicameral or bicameral systems. They play a crucial role in representing the electorate, scrutinizing government actions, and ensuring checks and balances within the political system.

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