📖 Overview
David Daley is an American journalist and author known for his extensive coverage of gerrymandering and democratic reform in the United States. His work has particularly focused on exposing the strategic redistricting efforts undertaken by political parties to gain electoral advantages.
His 2016 book "Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count" became a defining text on modern gerrymandering tactics, specifically documenting the Republican REDMAP strategy implemented after the 2010 census. This was followed by his 2020 book "Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy," which examines grassroots efforts to combat gerrymandering and promote democratic reforms.
Daley served as editor-in-chief of Salon and has contributed to numerous publications including the New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Atlantic. His expertise on redistricting and voting rights has made him a frequent commentator on national media outlets and at academic institutions.
As a senior fellow at FairVote, Daley continues to research and write about democracy reform, electoral systems, and representation in American politics. His investigations into the mechanics of modern political redistricting have influenced public understanding of how electoral maps affect democratic outcomes.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Daley's detailed research and clear explanation of complex redistricting tactics. Amazon reviewers for "Ratf**ked" praise his ability to break down technical concepts into understandable terms, with one reader noting "he makes redistricting math accessible without oversimplifying."
Readers appreciate:
- Thorough documentation of specific redistricting cases
- Clear maps and visual examples
- Nonpartisan presentation of evidence
- Concrete solutions proposed in "Unrigged"
Common criticisms:
- Dense statistical sections in "Ratf**ked"
- Focus on Republican rather than Democratic gerrymandering
- Some readers found the tone too alarming
Ratings:
Ratf**ked
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.6/5 (580+ ratings)
Unrigged
- Goodreads: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings)
Most negative reviews center on political disagreement rather than writing quality. Multiple readers cite the books as their introduction to understanding modern redistricting practices.
📚 Books by David Daley
Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count (2016)
A detailed investigation of the REDMAP initiative and how technological advances in redistricting have enabled partisan gerrymandering to shape American democracy.
Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy (2020) Chronicles various grassroots movements and citizen-led initiatives across America working to combat gerrymandering and implement democratic reforms.
Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy (2020) Chronicles various grassroots movements and citizen-led initiatives across America working to combat gerrymandering and implement democratic reforms.
👥 Similar authors
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Carol Anderson examines systemic barriers to voting and political participation, particularly focusing on race and democracy in America. Her book "One Person, No Vote" documents the history and present-day manifestations of voter suppression techniques.
Michael Li analyzes redistricting processes and electoral law as senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice. His work focuses on the technical and legal aspects of mapping districts and the impact of electoral systems on representation.
Edward Foley studies election law and constitutional democracy at Ohio State University, writing about the evolution of voting rights and electoral systems. His book "Presidential Elections and Majority Rule" examines the Electoral College and proposals for democratic reform.
Rick Hasen specializes in election law and campaign finance regulation, writing about the intersection of law and politics in American democracy. His books, including "Election Meltdown," examine vulnerabilities in the U.S. electoral system and proposed solutions for strengthening democratic institutions.