Is redistricting the way to establish clear fairness standards and end gerrymandering? Or does it dilute the voting rights of minorities? Both sides of this controversial issue are heard at this forum held by the League of Women Voters of Seminole County Florida.
Feature Length — 1:40:25

Hear responses from two subject matter experts on proposed Amendments 5 & 6 to the Florida Constitution. Each amendment question will appear on the ballot for all Florida voters in the November 2 general election.

Ben Wilcox, consultant and former director of Common Cause Florida, speaks in favor of Amendments 5 and 6 – often called the Fair Districts Amendments – which proponents say would prohibit manipulation of legislative and Congressional districts for political purposes. Senator-elect, from district # 22 in Central Florida, David Simmons makes the case against the amendments. Critics claim that the goals are impossible to meet and would prevent drawing districts to level the playing field for minorities.

After 7-minutes of welcome and introductions, the debate between the two speakers runs 53- minutes. It is followed immediately by 34-minutes of responses by the speakers to 9-questions submitted to the moderator by the audience.

This event — known by the League as a “Voter Forum” — was held Thursday evening, September 30, 2010 at the Heathrow campus of Seminole State College. The forum drew more than 40 league members and members of the public.

The event was hosted by Jane Lane, president of the Seminole League and facilitated by league member Pat Southward. The debate was moderated by Marilyn Crotty, director of University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government and executive director of the Tri-County League of Cities.

Speakers

Forum facilitators

	Jane Lane president, League of Women Voters of Seminole County		Pat Southward member, League of Women Voters of Seminole County
	Marilyn Crotty moderator, director of University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government and executive director of the Tri-County League of Cities The John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government (IOG) at the University of Central Florida

Additional Useful Links

• League of Women Voters of Seminole County
• League of Women Voters of Florida
• Protect Your Vote – Nix 5 & 6
• Fair Districts Florida

Pictures

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