Florida Congressional Map Challenge Moving Ahead

Contact

Jena Doyle

doyle@redistrictingfoundation.org

Florida Congressional Map Challenge Moving Ahead

Trial is set to begin in August

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Florida voters supported by the National Redistricting Foundation (NRF) filed a reply brief in support of their motion for summary judgment in the case Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute v. Byrd, a challenge against Florida’s congressional map in violation of Article III, § 20 of the Florida Constitution, commonly known as the Fair Districts Amendment. The NRF, the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), initiated this legal challenge in 2022. 

Olivia Mendoza, Director of Litigation and Policy for the NRF, released the following statement: 

“The Florida congressional map is an unconstitutional gerrymander that disenfranchised Black voters, unnecessarily dividing them across multiple Congressional districts. The facts and the law are clear, which is why a judge ruled last year that the map ‘diminishes the ability of African Americans to elect candidates of their choice.’ Despite that ruling, the unconstitutional DeSantis Map was permitted to be used in the 2022 election. Now, we look forward to presenting a strong case to the Circuit Court in August and to a new Congressional map, empowering all Florida voters, being enacted.” 

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