Judge Rules Redistricting Maps Invalid

BRADENTON – Late Thursday, Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis released his opinion in the Florida redistricting trial, declaring that the Congressional map drawn by the state legislature and adopted in 2012 is invalid and unconstitutional. The case sets a major precedence that could trigger more movements to curb gerrymandering.

The League of Women Voters, who helped bring the suit, was elated by Judge Lewis' decision.

"For the first time, a group of citizens has shown that with commitment and perseverance, they can take on the might and unlimited resources of the Florida Legislature and win by exposing what the judge calls 'the secret, organized campaign to subvert the supposedly open and transparent redistricting process," said Deirdre Macnab, President of LWV Florida. 

"Judge Lewis' ruling puts real teeth in the Fair Districts amendments that were passed so overwhelmingly by Florida voters. With many other states grappling with the cancer of gerrymandering, this nationally precedent-setting decision sends a clear message that triumphs in the name of fair and transparent government are possible. This is a thrilling victory for the people of Florida and for the open, fair and accountable government that for decades the League has worked tirelessly to promote."

Click here to read Judge Lewis' full decision (pdf).