Jigsaw Puzzle Politics in the Sunshine State

“The most complete and inventive examination of redistricting in the political science literature. This book shows again that the political laboratory known as the state of Florida combines politics and legislative outcomes like few other states.”—Matthew Corrigan, author of Conservative Hurricane

“Political science at its best. Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the politics of redistricting in the Sunshine State. It will be the definitive source to inform discussion on the topic.”—Jonathan Knuckey, University of Central Florida

Redrawing district lines is arguably the most polarizing of political activities in the United States today. As technological developments permit more and more sophisticated statistical analyses, those in charge of the process are more tempted to gerrymander districts for their own future benefit. At the same time, as this data is made available to the public, litigation and calls for transparency intensify.

As a bellwether state, Florida offers a unique and fascinating case study to assess the various effects of redistricting. The contributors to this volume examine the issue from the perspectives of both politicians and voters, exploring the process of redistricting in the wake of major reforms. They examine new and ongoing controversies by focusing on the massive 2012 boundary changes throughout the state—and the judicial review that continued to call into question their legality on the eve of the 2014 elections.