Algorithms are providing a way to fairly select citizens’ assemblies
The system picks candidates who represent the public
Computing democracy
The team’s system finds panels that satisfy quota requirements and give potential members as equal a chance of selection as is mathematically possible.
The algorithm first constructs a set of quota-dependent panels. These are developed by iteratively building an “optimal portfolio” of panels and computing the fairest distribution of participants. A single panel is then randomly drawn from the distribution.
The open-source algorithm has already been used to select more than 40 citizens’ assemblies around the world. In Michigan, the system was used to pick a panel of 30 residents to make recommendations about COVID-19.
The process was a success, according to a June report byFast Company:
The researchers will now explore new ways that computer science can contribute to democratic practices.
In a time of declining respect for professional politicians, the team’s algorithms could enhance an alternative form of representative democracy.
You can read the open-access study paper inNature.
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Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.
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