To the editor:<\/p>\n
Florida Republicans are trying to win elections by cheating, manipulating voters, and eliminating four Democratic congressional seats. This sneaky move, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is unethical, unconstitutional, illegal, and unfair.<\/p>\n
To steal this advantage, Republicans ignored the will of the people and the Florida\u2019s Fair Districts Amendment* that passed with 63-percent of the statewide vote. That action will split communities and force people into new districts.<\/p>\n
Here in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers and Cape Coral could be unfairly divided in ways that will reduce our representation in Washington. Non-competitive elections will reduce accountability and make it easier for incumbents to keep their good-paying jobs.<\/p>\n
Cheating makes voters unwilling pawns in Republican\u2019s petty political games. That is something no voter- whatever party-should accept.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t have to be this way.<\/p>\n
Right now, voters are being played for fools by the power politics played by Republicans in Tallahassee who understand they can\u2019t win in fair elections and need to rig the maps and tilt the playing field.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to fight back. <\/p>\n
Talk to your neighbors. Make sure you pay attention to news about the Fair Districts Amendment. Keep an eye out for map changes in upcoming elections.<\/p>\n
Most of all, demand accountability. Write your state legislators, call them, or corral them in their offices. These are the folks who are ignoring you.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t a partisan issue. It\u2019s about fairness for all voters, Democrat, Republican, or independent. It\u2019s about making sure all of our votes count.<\/p>\n