Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis’ ruling for the Legislature to submit revised congressional district maps could have impacts across the state, but especially in upcoming Duval County elections.
“It’s been a little busy the last hour,” said Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland this afternoon, shortly after the ruling.
U.S. Rep Corrine Brown’s district is one of two in the state Lewis has criticized. Her office will be releasing a statement regarding the ruling this afternoon.
Lewis’ timeline has lawmakers submitting revised maps Aug. 15, less than two weeks before statewide primary elections. Holland said a week might be given for parties to oppose and appeal those maps, which could determine any next step.
If appealed, the timeframe for the Aug. 26 primary and Nov. 2 general election wouldn’t be feasible. The primary could be pushed back to late October, with the general election delayed until December. Friday’s ruling also could be appealed.
A special election would cost about $1 million, Holland said, which the city would have to fund but be later reimbursed by the state.
Holland said the judge still has the option to push the changes back until 2016.
With so many variables still in play, Holland said he and his office are waiting to see what happens next before any decisions are made.
Holland said about 60,000 absentee ballots have been sent out, with 7,000 or so already returned. Those ballots are still valid until any special election is called.
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