Staff Reports
A judge ruled that the Republican-controlled Florida legislature's map for drawing districts was unconstitutional. He ordered the legislature to re-draw the map, which was criticized by voting rights groups. The judge also instructed the legislature to follow the Florida Constitution's requirements.
The court ruled that Governor Ron DeSantis's proposed map for the state's elections was not approved by the legislature. He had called a special session to discuss the issue, and he refused to back down from his plan to remove a district that was protected by racial gerrymandering. Despite the efforts of his own party members to undermine him, DeSantis still decided to veto the map. The new map significantly changed the district of Al Lawson, who was a former US representative.
The map from DeSantis is out. The plan is largely similar to previous maps. It’s 20-8 Trump over Biden. #flapol #sayfie pic.twitter.com/D55jXl3maQ
— Florida Data Geek ✝️🇺🇦 (@MappingFL) April 13, 2022
The groups that sued claimed that the new congressional map discriminated against African-Americans. Under the new map, a large portion of Florida is now only represented by white congressmen. The case is expected to go to the Supreme Court of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis' administration is expected to appeal.
The ruling highlights the debate about the effects of political gerrymandering on the right to vote. It also shows the importance of ensuring that the boundaries of districts are drawn in a way that does not favor one political party over another. Although the ruling is a victory for Democrats, it is still important that the two parties respect the rights of all voters.
