Redrawing the Lines: Black Voting Power at Stake in Georgia & Florida

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FILE - State Sen. Kelli Stargel looks through redistricting maps during a Senate Committee on Reapportionment hearing on Jan. 13, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. A Florida redistricting plan pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution and is prohibited from being used for any future U.S. congressional elections since it diminishes the ability of Black voters in north Florida to pick a representative of their choice, a state judge ruled Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
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Redistricting drama is unfolding in Georgia and Florida, two GOP-led states, as courts grapple with allegations that new maps suppress minority voters.

In Georgia, a federal trial kicks off this week probing whether Republicans illegally weakened the voting power of Black residents. Meanwhile, in sunny Florida, a state judge tossed out a congressional map saying it unconstitutionally diluted Black voting strength.

These are not isolated events and could tip the scale in the 2024 Congressional elections. In Georgia, if Republicans lose the trial, they may have to redraw the maps, potentially losing their nine-five majority in the U.S. House delegation.

Georgia Democratic state Reps. Kimberly Alexander of Hiram, left, and Sandra Scott of Rex vote against a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan as it passes on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta. Approval of the plan by the House Legislative Congressional Reapportionment Committee sets up a final vote in the state House on Monday, Nov. 22. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

In Florida, the rejected map had Republicans winning 20 out of 28 districts. The judge’s ruling could change that landscape, especially in districts between Jacksonville and the Panhandle.

Both states have historically faced accusations of voter discrimination. Now they are ground zero for a nationwide debate on fair representation.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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