Last week the Florida Supreme Court invalidated boundaries for eight of the state’s 27 congressional districts. In the historic 5-2 ruling, justices ruled the maps violate the anti-gerrymandering amendments approved by voters in 2010 that prevent lawmakers from drawing political maps to favor incumbents or political parties.
Redrawing boundaries for those eight districts will likely impact the makeup of districts throughout the state. The ruling is the latest in the three-year legal battle over the constitutionality of the maps. In 2012, the maps were challenged by a group of plaintiffs led by the League of Women Voters of Florida. A Tallahassee Circuit Judge ruled that the original maps were unconstitutional, sending lawmakers into a special legislative session to redraw them. This latest ruling could also mean a special session for lawmakers to redraw district boundaries in time for the 2016 elections. We’ll take a closer look at the ruling and what it will mean for lawmakers, voters, and next year’s election cycle.
Guests:
Matt Dixon, Political Reporter for POLITICO Florida
David King, Lead Attorney for the League of Women Voters of Florida
