The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for September 12th to address the constitutionality of Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2022 congressional redistricting plan.
The plan has sparked controversy, particularly regarding North Florida’s Congressional District 5, which was significantly altered and subsequently flipped from electing a Black Democrat to a white Republican.
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Voting rights groups argue that the redistricting violates a 2010 state constitutional amendment that prohibits diminishing minority voters’ ability to elect their preferred representatives.
However, Governor DeSantis contends that maintaining a district similar to the previous District 5 would constitute unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
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The case was previously upheld by the 1st District Court of Appeal, prompting voting rights groups to appeal to the Supreme Court. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Florida’s political landscape and minority representation in Congress.
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