Designing the process of random selection of citizens' assemblies
Journal
Journal of Sortition
ISSN
3050-0664
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2025-01-06
Author(s)
Abstract
The principle behind organizing citizens' assemblies is that their members are selected at random (Curato et al., 2021; Setälä and Smith, 2018; Warren and Pearse, 2008). Random selection is conducted in such a way that the composition of an assembly reflects selected demographic, social, or economic criteria in the same proportions as in the society as a whole (Fishkin, 2009). Inclusion of demographic criteria in the composition of the group creates a challenge with regards to how to draw assembly members in accordance with democratic principles (Flanigan et al., 2021; Smith, 2012). We propose that the priority for random selection should be given to accuracy in terms of how precisely the demographic criteria are reflected in the composition of the group. The method we have developed to achieve this is based on the algorithm of simulated annealing. Our findings demonstrate that simulated annealing yields positive results concerning the Closeness Index associated with accuracy. Additionally, this method creates a large number of unique panels, offering in this way a variety of possibilities for the volunteers to be selected to an assembly. A welldesigned method for random selection improves the legitimacy of the citizens' assembly process, and thus of deliberative democracy.
Language
English
Keywords
deliberative democracy
citizens' assemblies
sortition
random selection
Accuracy Index
Closeness Index
simulated annealing
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Imprint Academic Ltd
Volume
1
Number
1
Start page
48
End page
59
Subject(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Gerwin et al._JoS_clean.pdf
Size
513.46 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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