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League of Women Voters of Florida Responds to Judge Lewis' Order for a Revised Congressional Map By August 15
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Tallahassee, Fla -- In response to today's ruling by Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, League of Women Voters of Florida President Deirdre Macnab issued the following statement.
This is a champagne moment for Florida voters, who have waited too long for fairly drawn congressional districts. Per his ruling, Judge Lewis has laid out a path that will allow all Florida voters, for the first time in decades, to elect their representatives in fair and constitutional districts.
We believe that the restoration of legitimate, representative democracy is well worth one extra trip to the polls.
Although it is deplorable that the Legislature's failure to follow the standards laid out in the state Constitution has led us to this place, now that they have been tasked with redrawing the districts between now and August 15, it is critical that their process follows the will of the people and adheres to the letter and spirit of Fair Districts amendments 5 and 6, as they were passed by an overwhelming majority of the electorate in 2010.
Judge Lewis has shown that legislative violation of our Constitution will not be tolerated, will have consequences, and that the will of the people will be enforced. This gives hope to other states grappling with the cancer of political gerrymandering and the League is thrilled to see that the people's voice has been heard.
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The League of Women Voters of Florida, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, please visit the League's website at: www.TheFloridaVoter.org.
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