Name: Can math help repair democracy?
Uploaded: 2024-09-10T14:58:32Z
Duration: 12 min 4 s
Description: Could math help make American democracy more responsive to the people? From detecting gerrymandered districts to predicting the impact of alternative election methods like ranked-choice voting, neuroscientist Sam Wang outlines how computer simulations can help fix the bugs in US democracy — and put it on the path to repair.

Sam Wang: Can math help repair democracy?

Can math help repair democracy?

Could math help make American democracy more responsive to the people? From detecting gerrymandered districts to predicting the impact of alternative election methods like ranked-choice voting, neuroscientist Sam Wang outlines how computer simulations can help fix the bugs in US democracy — and put it on the path to repair.

Mathematical models and computer simulations can reveal the hidden flaws that destabilize democracy and even help fix them. With nearly half of American voters now calling themselves independents, polarization still dominates the system due to outdated rules. Simulations show that some reforms, like introducing a third party, can backfire, while others—such as ranked-choice voting and redistricting—can double the number of competitive districts. By testing reforms before enacting them, math can act as a GPS, guiding democracy through perilous times.