Trial to decide whether state drew congressional districts fairly | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

This week a court in Tallahassee begins to examine the process used in creating various congressional districts in Florida. There is a widespread sentiment that the task was done without consideration of the constitutional amendment passed in 2010 that disallowed the drawing of lines to benefit one party or the other. What resulted was something that looked like no attention was paid to it. This will likely not affect this year's mid-terms, but could be concluded in time to make a difference in 2016. Click title for link.

Republicans held 19 of Florida’s 25 congressional districts going into redistricting. But following the 2012 elections, that margin was trimmed to 17 Republican seats and 10 held by Democrats.
Still, in a state where Democrats top Republicans by almost 500,000 registered voters, the congressional imbalance both puzzles and infuriates many Democrats.
The “Fair Districts” amendments approved by voters in 2010 were aimed at prohibiting gerrymandering when districts were drawn. But those challenging the congressional maps say those safeguards apparently weren’t enough.
In court filings, attorneys for the coalition and voters said:
“The map that emerged from the 2012 redistricting process is what might be expected from a Legislature that made key decisions outside the public eye and opposed the Fair Districts amendments at every hedgerow.”