bloodalchemy t1_iuipp33 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:05 PM

Reply to comment by dimonium_anonimo in eli5 What is gerrymandering? by Robert-Connorson

We can. But there is no strong incentive for politicians to do that. Both sides like the current manual process because either it's in their favor and they win, or they lose but they can stir up rumors that the vote was rigged. Either way the politician remains relevant in the public's mind.

dimonium_anonimo t1_iuiqejo wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:10 PM

The strong incentive is that they should ideally be voting for what their constituents want. And most people want fair voting.

Artemis__ t1_iuir84y wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:16 PM

Yes, ideally is the problem here. Once in power, many people tend to want to stay in power. You think you're doing the right thing, so it should be you staying in power and not the other person. Additionally, you can take bribes… I mean donations… to increase your income, as long as you are in power!

bloodalchemy t1_iuiy9kb wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:02 PM

Ideally that's true. And I'm sure for some individuals it is how they act.

In general politicians vote for things that keep themselves in power, which means avoiding things that piss the public off enough for them to take action. If the public is annoyed but doesn't actually do anything the politicians are safe to continue doing what they want.