Many states have been involved in the process of redrawing the lines for their House congressional districts as a result of the last census. Florida is no exception and actually will add a congressional seat making their total 28. This is the result of rapid population growth as well as population shifts elsewhere in the country.
The Florida legislature originally drew two potential maps and sent them to the governor for his signature. He vetoed them based on the opinion of attorneys in the governor’s office that such maps were unconstitutional. Specifically, Florida law states that district lines cannot be “drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.” This law is supported by nearly two-thirds of Florida voters.
This is not what happens in many other states. Lines are often drawn to favor an incumbent or to dis-favor one. Both parties do it. South Carolina’s 6th congressional district is one such example of many across the country.
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