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Today, a federal court denied the state of Florida’s motion for partial summary judgement in a challenge to the state’s racially discriminatory congressional voting map. The ruling by the three-judge panel in Common Cause Florida v. Byrd leaves the case on track to go to trial on September 26th in Tallahassee.

Florida lawmakers begin their annual legislative session Tuesday, with the potential for attacks on voting rights and on citizens’ abilities to have a say in their own governance expected to be a focus.

Common Cause releases 2022 “Democracy Scorecard” showing growing support in Congress for democracy reform

Three weeks ago, a group of more than 30 Florida organizations wrote to legislative leaders urging them to “ensure accountability and an open, accessible, and transparent process that allows for meaningful input from the public.” With the policies the organizations object to remaining largely unchanged, the groups held a media briefing to highlight the need for accessible technology, procedures for public testimony and other methods to ensure that the Legislature provides ample opportunities for public input.

Last week, more than 30 grassroots organizations told legislative leaders they “are deeply concerned about government transparency and public oversight” and outlined specific requests. To date, despite followup phone calls, the organizations have not received any substantive response to their letter, and the policies the organizations object to remain unchanged. 

More than 30 Florida grassroots organizations today released a letter to state legislative leaders, urging them to “ensure that the remaining committee weeks and 2021 legislative session have structures and systems in place to ensure accountability and an open, accessible, and transparent process that allows for meaningful input from the public.”