Florida Judge Rules Redistricting Plan Pushed by Governor DeSantis Violates State Constitution, Prohibiting Use for Future U.S. Congressional Elections

A Florida state judge has ruled that a redistricting plan pushed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution and is prohibited from being used for any future U.S. congressional elections. The ruling comes after voting rights groups challenged the plan in court, arguing that it diminishes the ability of Black voters in north Florida to pick a representative of their choice.

Judge John C. Marsh of the Second Judicial Circuit ruled that the enacted plan “results in the diminishment of Black voters’ ability to elect their candidate of choice in violation of the Florida Constitution.” The ruling prohibits the plan from being used for any future U.S. congressional elections.

The plan was proposed by Governor DeSantis in 2020 and was approved by the state legislature. It was intended to redraw the state’s congressional districts in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, voting rights groups argued that the plan would reduce the influence of Black voters in the state.

The ruling has been met with praise from voting rights advocates, who have long argued that the plan would reduce the influence of Black voters in the state. The ruling is seen as a victory for those who are fighting for voting rights and fair representation in the state.

The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming 2022 congressional elections in Florida. It is unclear at this time how the ruling will affect the redistricting process in the state. However, it is certain that the ruling will have a major impact on the future of voting rights in the state.