How to stop it?
It is hard to stop. The state that has done the best job of stopping it is Iowa. I think several steps are required. First, a multi-partisan independent commission. Give every official party including minor parties equal representation on the commission. If it is limited to the major parties you just get a deadlock. Give members with no real stake in the outcome a say and see what you get. Second, require compact districts with a requirement of following precinct, municipal, and county boundaries when possible. Third, rather than eliminate partisan considerations (which can’t be done), dictate the exact way that it can be considered. For example, how about this formula: 1) take the average result statewide for all statewide races in the last three state/federal election (eg. 06, 08, 10); 2) for state legislative races: a) 20% of the districts must have an average result for statewide races within 2% of the statewide average; b) another 20% of the districts must have an average result o
