Florida Redistricting Plans Cleared by U.S. Department of Justice

The United States Department of Justice has granted Floridas request for administrative preclearance of the state Senate, House and congressional redistricting plans under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

The announcement that the redistricting efforts for the three maps are in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act in Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe counties means local election officials statewide can begin implementing the redrawn and new districts for the 2012 elections.

Todays ruling by the Department of Justice is great news for all Floridians, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, stated in a release.

The decision follows a ruling Friday from the Florida Supreme Court to accept the Senates second attempt at redrawing the boundary lines.

I am grateful that the Department of Justice recognized the hard work and commitment that the Florida Legislature applied to the drafting of these redistricting plans, Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, stated in a release.

Gaetz, who chaired the Senate Committee on Reapportionment, attributed the Department of Justice ruling to the open, transparent and inclusive redistricting process that we, as a legislative body, conducted; and to our commitment to protecting minorities ability to participate in the process and elect candidates of their choice.

Qualifying for state legislative and congressional seats runs from noon, June 4 to noon, June 8.