TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The group of nonpartisan voting rights organizations involved in the Common Cause Florida v. Byrd case will not appeal the March 27 redistricting decision from the federal court for the Northern District of Florida. That decision ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional map, which intentionally silences Black voters, can remain in place for the 2024 election. The groups' request for the Northern District to reconsider the ruling was denied on June 11, 2024.
This case stems from the 2022 congressional map DeSantis pushed through the legislature in a process alleged to be discriminatory and detrimental to Black Floridians' representation in Washington. Despite this decision, the voting rights groups hope fairness for Black voters will be achieved in other pending redistricting cases in Florida.
Opting not to appeal in the current judicial landscape, these groups will instead channel resources into ongoing advocacy for improved voting and election laws and efforts to support voters while combating voter suppression during the 2024 elections.
"The impermissible racial motives outlined in this case are unacceptable, but the court chose not to act," said Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida executive director. "Although we are disappointed, this decision doesn’t change our fight for the next four months. Our focus is on making sure that Florida voters can vote despite the hurdles the legislature – and now the court – have thrown up in front of them. We know Floridians are angry about this decision, and we hope they will join us in channeling that powerful energy into making sure that every Black Florida voter who wants to be heard is heard at the ballot box in 2024."
Despite Judge Jordan’s opinion that Governor DeSantis intentionally discriminated based on race, the March 27 ruling upheld changes including dismantling former CD-5 across north Florida while recounting a history of racial discrimination in voting within Florida. The Court concluded its findings by acknowledging that when enacting a plan eliminating Black voters' ability to elect their preferred candidates in North Florida, “the Legislature eventually ran out of steam” and yielded to Governor DeSantis. However, according to the Court, a biased Governor and compliant Legislature were insufficient proof of intentional discrimination.
"Make no mistake about it – we think the Court was wrong on law and imposed an improper burden on us," said Ellen Freidin, CEO of FairDistricts NOW.
"With this ruling, the court failed Black Floridians. Failed to protect us from intentional discrimination seeking to limit our collective voice on basis of race. But setbacks and injustices like this are not new. We will keep fighting for Black communities in Florida to be heard," said Adora Obi Nweze, president of NAACP Florida State Conference.