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A great deal of heat but little light has been generated lately from the recent gerrymandering controversy. One potential lesson from the debate is that democracy is not as simple, and its practical application not as pure, as many would think.
To most Americans the concept of democracy goes no further than “whoever gets the most votes wins.” But, in fact, there are, and have long been, instances where issues are not decided by a plurality or even an absolute majority of votes.
Rules and systems have been promulgated for various reasons to modify the principle of majority rule. Blatant and bold or surreptitious and sneaky, the manipulations have served interests of promoting compromise or favoring certain parties or protected groups.
Examples of methods include ranked-choice voting, gerrymandering and filibuster rules. The moving forces range from legislatures to courts, census commissions and political machines.
Like it or not, there have always been significant filters between our votes and the ultimate outcome.
William Master
Thomaston
