An editorial appeared recently in the TCPalm, the paper for the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches area in Florida, relating to the subject of statewide redistricting reform. Apparently, Common Cause and the League of Woman Voters have joined together to put an amendment to the Florida constitution on the ballot in 2010 (these organizations joined forces for the same cause in Pennsylvania).
In an effort to create a more level playing field for potential candidates and voters and to make races for the state Legislature and Congress more competitive, Common Cause has joined with other organizations, including the League of Women Voters, in petitioning for a state constitutional amendment to be on the 2010 ballot. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham is honorary chairman of the group.
The goal is to eliminate or at least reduce gerrymandering by banning the drawing of districts to favor a political party or incumbent or denying minorities an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. As much as possible, the new district lines should follow existing city, county and geographic boundaries.
The editorial does not provide very much insight into the specifics of the plan nor does it address whether it would apply to Florida State Legislators or Congressional Legislators (although it implies both). Hopefully more details will emerge shortly. You can see Common Cause and the League of Women Voter’s website on the initiative in Florida here.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.