I just received a great email from FairDistrictsFlorida.org a group fighting to reform Florida’s easily abused districting process. It seems they’re getting tons of positive press coverage all across the state. They’ve compiled a clever email using a few of the news quotes. Check it our behind the cut.

FairDistrictsFlorida.org has so much press coverage recently that we didn’t even have to write this email. The following message is composed almost entirely from quotes from Florida’s largest newspapers. Enjoy!

“Every 10 years, the Florida Constitution requires the Legislature to work together to undermine the concept of ‘one person, one vote.’” (Daytona News Journal) “Gerrymandering isn’t anything new, and it’s beloved by incumbents because it keeps possible challengers with their noses pressed against almost unbreakable glass.” (Tallahassee Democrat) “David Winston, a consultant who has helped Republicans redraw boundaries nationally, is not coy about the results… ‘When I, as a mapmaker, have more of an impact on an election than the voters, the system in out of whack.’” (SP Times)

“It’s akin to choosing your hand in a poker game. If you pick a bunch of winning cards, it’s a lot less likely your opponent — if you draw one — will be dealt a hand that can beat you.” (Tallahassee Democrat) “Legislators who represent such safe districts are less accountable to voters. They are more likely to cater to their party’s base in office than to seek bipartisan solutions to pressing problems.” (Orlando Sentinel) “The fact is, the rules of redistricting serve the interests of politicians more than voters. That discourages broader participation in politics by potential candidates and voters alike, and also deepens cynicism among citizens.” (Tallahassee Democrat)

“The simple and overriding truth is that gerrymandering by either party is an affront to democracy and to the expectation that all men and women are equal under the law.” (Sarasota Herald Tribune)

“Make politicians earn re-election; don’t let it continue being an entitlement.” (Florida Times Union)

How? “Fair Districts Florida is currently in the process of collecting 1.6 million petitions to get 2 questions on the 2010 ballot that will end this cynical practice and put power back into the hands of voters.”  (FairDistrictsFlorida.org)

“Voters have good reason to see these initiatives make the ballot. A logical electoral map that keeps neighborhoods together could reinvigorate a healthy two-party system where voters pick their politicians rather than the other way around.” (Tampa Tribune)

“You are the people, so stand up and sign the petitions.” (Florida Today)

Please click here to print petitions, sign BOTH of them, and mail them in.

Then, send this email to everyone you know!

Best,

Ellen Freidin

FairDistrictsFlorida.org

PS. You can donate to the cause by clicking here. There is NO LIMIT to how much you can give.

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