Gerrymandering (February 26th, 2026)

In this meeting we discussed the mathematics of Gerrymandering!

To show how to combat Gerrymandering with mathematics we played games described by the following format:

  1. To start, divide the club into two teams and let them name themselves.
  2. Draw graph with key.
  3. Gerrymandering works according to the following rules:
    • Both teams are trying to score election in 5 districts.
    • They are allowed to draw the districts however they want, but there must be 5 districts.
    • If a district is a 50-50 split, whichever team proposed the districting wins that district.
    Tell Team A and Team B to spend 5-10 minutes thinking how they want to draw the graph so they win.
  4. After 5-10 minutes have passed ask team A and team B individually to draw all 5 districts. Observe that each will get all 5 districts to be in their favor.
  5. Next, discuss strategies of how to combat this. When the students are ready, discuss “I-Cut-You-Freeze” according to the following rules:
    • Team A draws 5 districts (Team A goes first).
    • Team B picks their favorite district.
    • Team B redraws everything else.
    • Team A picks their favorite of their four districts.
    • Repeat until there are no districts left.
    Then inform students that this game (under optimal play) results in the same map, no matter the number of districts.
  6. From here, discuss other strategies of combatting Gerrymandering. When the students are ready, discuss "Utility Ghost" according to the following rules:
    • Team B chooses one object that goes in any voting district (Team A goes first).
    • Team A chooses one object that goes in any voting district.
    • Repeat until all voting districts are occupied and all objects have been chosen.
      • Then inform students that this game (under optimal play) results in the same map, no matter the number of districts.

If any students are interested in the mathematics of Gerrymandering, they should consider the following resources: