Judge tosses Miami’s voting map over racial gerrymandering

A federal judge in Florida threw out Miami’s district map Wednesday, ruling that the city has been racially segregated for decades and casting doubt on the future of the city’s elections.

Civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP filed a lawsuit against the city of Miami in 2022, alleging that the composition of congressional districts illegally discriminates against residents because the city explicitly categorizes districts by ethnic composition. He claimed to be in isolation.

Justice Michael Moore agreed with this opinion. ruling Wednesday.

“By classifying Miami residents on the basis of race, the city relegated Miami residents to more than just their racial background, thereby denying them the equal protection of the laws promised by the Fourteenth Amendment. ” Moore wrote.

miami herald report During the 2022 public hearing, city commissioners said they intend to ensure the commission is comprised of three Hispanic commissioners, one Black commissioner and one white commissioner.

The next municipal election is scheduled for 2025, but the ruling opens the door to the possibility of a special election after a new map is decided. Moore said he will set a date for the plaintiffs and the city to meet to discuss next steps.

“Today is another victory for democracy and equal representation,” said ACLU of Florida attorney Nicholas Warren. statement. “Our Constitution protects us from racial gerrymandering, which the City of Miami grossly violated. We want voters to ultimately choose their representatives, not politicians choose voters. We look forward to a new remediation process.”