TALLAHASSEE — Florida legislative leaders have ended their silence on the rejected congressional map and announced Tuesday they will not appeal the circuit court ruling but agree to redraw the map deemed unconstitutional because of two invalid districts.
Notably, the Legislature waited until after the overseas absentee ballots were sent on Saturday to announce its decision.
What happens next is still unknown. The two districts directly affected are held by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden. Surrounding districts, especially that held by U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, are also likely to be modified.
Will the court allow for another round of qualifying and therefore another round of ballots in November for the election? Will a remedy be approved in time for this year’s elections, or have to wait another two years?
The Legislative leaders, whose legal challenge involved months of delay over discovery documents related to GOP political consultants, say the new map should wait. They are asking the court to clarify that the ruling does not apply this year.
“Any attempt to change the districts at this late stage of the 2014 elections process would cause chaos and confusion and would threaten the rights of our deployed military voters,” wrote Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in a statement.
“It has been the practice in other states and in Florida to remedy maps at a future election so as not to disrupt and disenfranchise voters. We believe such action is appropriate and is in the best interest of Florida, and particularly our deployed military servicemen and servicewomen, who are casting their votes now.”
via Legislative leaders agree to redraw challenged congressional districts | Tampa Bay Times.
