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Anti-gerrymandering amendments head off for approval

By Lynn Hatter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-960335.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida legislature is asking the federal government to approve a pair of redistricting amendments that voters approved in November. As Lynn Hatter reports the move comes after Governor Rick Scott withdrew the proposals upon taking office.

The proposals are aimed at stopping the legislature from gerrymandering or creating voting districts that benefit a person or party. When Governor Rick Scott first took office he withdrew the amendments, saying he wanted to review all new rules and regulations. Tuesday, legislative leaders sent out a memo requesting the proposals be re-submitted to the Department of Justice. Katie Betta is the House Spokeswoman.

"For practical purposes in terms of the day to day working on the redistricting process in the House, we would move forward assuming that they would be implemented as a part of Florida law when we receive word back from the Department of Justice."

Florida is one of a handful of state's that has to have justice department approval for changes in voting law due to a history of minority discrimination and voter intimidation.