Florida court to consider whether new US House map violates state ban on partisan gerrymandering
Summary
A Florida court will review whether new U.S. House voting districts break the state’s ban on drawing districts to favor one political party, known as partisan gerrymandering. The new districts, created by Republican lawmakers, could help the GOP win more U.S. House seats in the November elections, but lawsuits argue they violate Florida’s constitution.Key Facts
- Florida passed new U.S. House district maps that may help Republicans gain up to four additional seats.
- These new maps were signed into law by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis after a quick legislative session.
- Lawsuits have been filed seeking to block the use of these maps, claiming they violate Florida’s ban on partisan gerrymandering.
- Florida’s constitution, amended in 2010, prohibits drawing districts to favor or hurt a political party or incumbent.
- The law also protects minority voters from having their influence reduced and requires districts to be geographically compact.
- The U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 said federal courts cannot rule on partisan gerrymandering but allowed state courts to decide based on state laws.
- Similar redistricting fights are happening in other states, as Republicans and Democrats both try to redraw maps to their advantage.
- This case could impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold 20 of Florida’s 28 seats.
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