Voters' groups challenge Republicans on redistricting as high-stakes map-drawing kicks off

TALLAHASSEE – Florida lawmakers take their first steps Monday toward redrawing political boundaries in the nation’s biggest presidential swing state, but voters’ groups are already testing the Republican-led Legislature.

A coalition led by organizers of the Fair Districts amendments in the state constitution is calling on lawmakers to use current, court-approved congressional and state Senate districts as the baseline for whatever changes are made during the redrawing of new maps.

Otherwise, they fear lines will be unlawfully set that favor ruling Republicans.

The demand is prompted by Senate Redistricting Chair Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, saying that lawmakers will “start with a blank slate.” Ellen Freidin, CEO of Fair Districts Now, said that view is misguided.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/09/16/florida-redistricting-begins-congress-and-legislative-seats/8340393002/