Orlando Sentinel, April 7, 2026
Florida politicians should not be choosing their own voters
By Rev. Kathy Schmitz, President, League of Women Voters of Orange County, FL.
Later this month, the Florida Legislature will consider taking dangerous action — redrawing our state’s congressional maps outside of the normal constitutionally mandated process. This isn’t just a procedural quirk; it wastes taxpayer money, and violates the Florida Constitution, and ignores the clear will of the people.
In 2010, Florida voters sent a clear message to Tallahassee by passing Amendments 5 and 6, also called the “Fair Districts” Amendments. Our state Constitution now specifically states that “Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.”
By design, redistricting is intended to happen once every 10 years following the federal census. This is a pillar of the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that maps reflect actual population shifts so every Floridian is appropriately represented in the U.S. House of Representatives. Because there has been no new census data since the last maps were finalized, there is only one logical reason to redraw them now: partisan gerrymandering.
The governor has called a special session for April 20-24 specifically to address redistricting. This stampede into mid-cycle map-making is more about consolidating power than ensuring fairness. While similar power grabs are being attempted in other states, Florida is unique; we have an explicit constitutional prohibition against this kind of partisan maneuvering. Floridians expect — and deserve — better.
We must also consider the cost. The last redistricting process cost taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees and administrative overhead. At a time when Florida’s families are grappling with skyrocketing property insurance costs, a housing crisis, and aging infrastructure, we cannot afford to waste precious state resources on an unnecessary partisan project. Taxpayer dollars and legislative hours should be spent solving these urgent problems, not protecting political incumbents.
Allowing mid-decade redistricting sets us on a path of endless instability. If this precedent is established, politicians will begin shifting district lines every time they see a momentary political advantage. This creates “musical chairs” for representation, confuses voters and severs the vital relationship between communities and their elected officials. In a healthy democracy, voters choose their representatives; under this plan, politicians choose their voter choose their voters.
This erosion of consistency silences our voices and creates a deep distrust in our electoral system.
The League of Women Voters of Orange County has been working for Fair Districts since our founding in 1939. We were instrumental in the passage of the 2010 Amendments because our mission is nonpartisan: empowering voters and defending democracy. That means we must oppose any attempt at a partisan sleight of hand, regardless of which party is in power.
The 2021 redistricting cycle fulfilled our constitutional mandate. Preparation is already underway for the 2030 census. That is the proper time for this conversation.
When the time is right, maps should be created through a transparent, community-driven process consistent with our constitution. When elected officials rewrite the rules to suit their own interests, the public loses. But when we follow our constitution, the people win. I urge every Floridian to speak up and contact their representatives. Let’s ensure redistricting serves the people, not the politicians.
Rev. Kathy Schmitz is Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Orange County.