Dear Leaguers and Supporters,

 

We are deeply disappointed that both chambers of the Florida Legislature have approved the Governor’s mid-decade redistricting proposal. This newly adopted map appears to violate the Florida Constitution’s clear prohibition on partisan gerrymandering and represents a troubling abuse of the redistricting process. Rushing through a mid-decade redraw undermines public trust and the integrity of our elections.

The Governor’s staff has acknowledged that the map relies on the same Census data used in 2022 to draw the current congressional districts. With no new data to justify this action, it is difficult to view this effort as for anything other than partisan considerations. Floridians deserve better.

Redistricting should be a careful, transparent process grounded in data, public input, and respect for communities—not a rushed, backroom exercise in political advantage. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais is a devastating blow to the Voting Right Act, which our national League will be addressing. Disappointing though it was, that decision did not require Florida to redraw its maps, making this action all the more unjustified.

Florida voters have been clear for more than a decade: they reject partisan gerrymandering. In 2010, they overwhelmingly approved the Fair Districts amendments to enshrine that principle in our Constitution. By ignoring that mandate, the Legislature has turned its back on the will of the people.

We will not accept this outcome as the final word. We are committed to working with partners to challenge this map and defend the constitutional protections Florida voters demanded. We will continue to keep the public informed as this fight moves forward.

In League,
Rev. Kathy Schmitz and Kathy Sheerin
Co-Presidents LWVOC

Could the timing be any more perfect? As we continue the fight to defend democracy, this is a great opportunity to remind us WHY we do what we do! Let's support our local chanteuses as they inspire us to STAND TALL...yet again.

Presented by ORLANDO SINGS, Harmonia’s STAND TALL traces the journey of the women’s suffrage movement from first calls for justice to the ongoing spirit of empowerment—beginning with Alexandra Olsavsky’s What Happens When a Woman? and closing with Rosephanye Powell’s rousing Still I Rise.

The heart of the program is Andrea Ramsey’s groundbreaking Suffrage Cantata, a five-movement choral-oratorio for SSA chorus, soloists, piano, string quartet, narration, and percussion. Written after extensive research, Ramsey interweaves original music with historical speeches, letters, banners, and songs of influential figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Church Terrell.

Due to the unexpected Special Session, panelist Jason Garcia will be in Tallahassee during our event. Fortunately for us, Aubrey Jewett, professor and administrator at the University of Central Florida will be joining us with his perspective.

Among the issues to be discussed at Hot Topics:
--What obstacles to voting the new ID law will create.
--How restrictions on signature gathering have affected citizens’ efforts to change the state’s constitution.
--The results of the redistricting special session.
--How dark money affects redistricting efforts.