Voting rights advocates in Florida are rallying behind a court ruling that deems Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s redistricting plan unconstitutional. The crux of this high-stakes battle revolves around North Florida’s Congressional District 5.
Florida Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh ruled this redistricting diminished minority voting power, breaching the Florida Constitution. Plaintiffs are now urging the appeals court to uphold this decision, highlighting a 2015 precedent affirming the non-diminishment of minority electoral influence.
The opposition, however, argues this move risks racial gerrymandering, violating the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. They insist the new districts prioritize geographical unity, not racial composition.
As we look ahead to a full court hearing on October 31, the urgency intensifies with a call for resolution by November 22. This would enable lawmakers to adjust the districts, if needed, ensuring equitable representation.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
