While speculation continues to focus on redistricting maps and what reshaping of the political landscape might ultimately result, not enough attention is aimed at this state’s most serious election issues. Even more important than whether U.S. Rep. Dan Webster can still get re-elected.
In short, will any of this anti-gerrymandering redrawing matter if closed primaries are too routine and voters continue to stay away in droves? Especially in non-presidential years when democracy in action seems like such an effort.
To wit: There were 11.9 million registered voters in Florida in 2014. Approximately 2.2 million cast votes in state House races and 2.8 million voted in Senate contests. Roughly four in five voters were no-shows. Voting rights groups, Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis and the Florida Supreme Court can only do so much. Apathy transcends redistricting.