Orange leaders OK new districts that dilute minority voting power (Florida)

[LeighAnn]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Orange County leaders adopted new political boundaries Tuesday that weaken minority voting power in its historically black and Hispanic districts, which could trigger a legal challenge.

Frustrated Hispanic, black and Democratic Party activists said the new district borders ignore the surge of Latinos to Orange County in the past decade.

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The redistricting vote was one of the most bitter political fights Orange County leaders have faced this year. The debate often turned on thorny issues of race and ethnicity — among a board with no Hispanic members.

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Mayor Teresa Jacobs offered up the map that was ultimately selected. It was slightly different from one she proposed last week, but it was only available to the public shortly before the vote.


Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-orange-new-political-map-20111129-14,0,7213393.story