In order to increase accountability and provide adequate information to constituents pertaining to redistricting, State Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Miami) and Representative Joseph Geller (D-Aventura) have filed repealer bills, SB 530 and HB 6053, respectively, that will provide the public with crucial information involving the redrawing of the maps.
SB 530/HB 6053 will alert voters when a politician works towards plans for redistricting. This brings accountability to local politicians and brings awareness to the public about how politicians plan on redistricting, and if map manipulation is a problem in their district. All too often the task of redistricting leads to partisan gerrymandering, which too often favors one party and disadvantages communities of color.
Being as the Florida legislature is currently meeting to discuss redistricting in our state, it is imperative that this legislation be passed so we do not go another 10 years with map manipulation.
“It is essential that this redistricting records exemption be repealed” said Senator Annette Taddeo. “I am concerned that even though members have been urged to retain all records, by law, Florida Statutes currently exempts redistricting communications and draft maps from public records.”
“Redistricting is the public’s business, and the public has a right to know what’s going on. This is really just a part of the transparency we’ve been promised.”, said Representative Joseph Geller.
