TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) denounced the congressional map approved in a special session by the Florida Legislature. The new map is designed to give Republicans a better chance at winning additional seats in the House of Representatives.
“This map, which was rushed through approval without any meaningful opportunity for public review or commentary, is a direct assault on the voting rights of Floridians, plain and simple,” said Aurelie Colon-Larrauri, senior policy associate, SPLC. “In 2010, the majority of voters in the state made their position on gerrymandering clear when they passed the Fair Districts Amendments — rigging election maps to favor one political party over another has no place in Florida. By approving this map, legislators have turned their backs on the very constituents they swore to represent.
“While we are disappointed in the partisan gamesmanship on display this week, we’re also grateful to the tens of thousands of people across the state who spoke up and demanded better,” continued Colon-Larrauri. “The SPLC has spent decades fighting gerrymandering across the South, and we will continue advocating for fair representation in government for every Floridian. We urge every Floridian who also believes in a fair and equitable democracy to engage, organize and advocate against this antidemocratic effort and to vote like our futures depend on it.”
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.