Gutted - Action Alert, May 4, 2026

beachesactivistmov
May 3
5 min read

FL Legislature, SCOTUS Gut Voting Rights

FL lawmakers and the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) left little doubt about their commitment to upholding constitutional guarantees for fair representation and voting rights last week as they further gerrymandered the state and gutted a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Act.

The state legislature rubber-stamped a new map drawn by the Governor, despite overwhelming opposition from constituents who came in busloads from around the state (two from Jax!) to testify against this blatantly partisan effort to redraw Florida's congressional districts before the midterms. The move potentially gives the GOP four more seats, although it could backfire based on the results of recent special elections. Congressional districts in north Florida, including Jacksonville, are not affected by the new map. In a double blow for those of us who believe in voting rights as a bedrock of our democracy, hours before the legislative vote, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 vote, struck down a key tool that has been used to challenge racially discriminatory voting practices for nearly 50 years.

Whether the SCOTUS decision negates all or only part of Florida's Fair District amendments --- approved by 2/3rds of voters in 2010 --- is central to arguments and appeals expected to be filed this week after the Governor signs the redistricting bill. These popular Florida amendments support minority voting districts and expressly prohibit partisan gerrymandering.

Last week's actions are a devastating blow to voting rights, but the fight is not over. Here are some things you can do this week to push back and demand fair representation:

Urge Congress to take action. Add your name to this petition by United for Democracy and demand that Congress deliver a real plan for a fair political system that returns power to the people.
Support legal challenges to FL maps. Your donation will help voting rights groups fight the new FL congressional maps --- the ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Common Cause, Equal Ground, and the FL League of Women Voters are among the organizations expected to lead the fight.
Get involved with organizations fighting partisan redistricting. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), founded by President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder, is a good place to start.
Engage in voter outreach & education. Voting rights activists agree the best way to fight the SCOTUS Callais decision is to engage and educate voters, particularly those in Black and Brown communities. On Thursday, May 7th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., you have an opportunity to do just that at the Truth About Voting: Keeping it Real gathering at the Legends Center. 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville. The Northside Coalition, Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters, Florida Rising, and a coalition of voting rights organizations are sponsoring this event aimed at educating voters about the upcoming election. Contact Joy Burgess for more information.
Thank lawmakers for defending democracy. FL Sen. Jennifer Bradley, representing Clay County and the surrounding areas, was one of five GOP lawmakers who voted against the Governor's map. As a member of the Rules Committee, Bradley aggressively questioned the Governor's staff about the constitutionality of the maps in light of the Fair Districts amendments while her GOP peers sat silent. Thank her for upholding the state constitution! Sen.Tracie Davis and Rep. Angie Nixon were also strong advocates against the map --- with Nixon taking up a bullhorn to make her position known before the vote. Let them know you appreciate their defense of democracy!

More To Do This Week

Oppose ICE & CBP Reconciliation Funding Bill. First, the good news: thanks to united Democratic opposition and strong constituent lobbying (thanks to all who called and emailed), last week the House ended a 76-day DHS shutdown by passing a budget that still did NOT include funding for ICE & CBP. Now Republicans are pushing a separate reconciliation package to secure over $70 billion for three years of additional ICE/CBP funding. The GOP hopes to use budget reconciliation, a process that allows the passage of bills with a simple majority, to secure more funding for ICE and CBP, as well as the illegal war in Iran. If passed, any new expenditures will have to be offset by equivalent budget cuts, likely impacting essential social safety net programs. So our fight for reasonable reforms of ICE continues. Demand that FL Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Rep. John Rutherford oppose a budget reconciliation bill that funds ICE and Border Patrol without any reforms or accountability. And no supplemental funding for the Iran war!
No Iran War. With a price tag of $25 billion to date and a mounting death toll, the unpopular Iran War is even giving some in the GOP second thoughts on the Iran War. Yet, the GOP-controlled Congress continues to balk at passing a formal war powers resolution to rein in Trump's power to wage his illegal war in Iran. With negotiations stalled and the threat of a widening conflict, we need to urge our federal elected representatives to do their job! Tell FL Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Rep. John Rutherford to exert the constitutional authority of Congress over military conflict by passing a War Powers Resolution and refusing to approve any supplemental funding for this unauthorized military action.

Beaches Watch Town Hall with Rory Diamond

Beaches Watch will host a Town Hall with Jax City Council Member Rory Diamond on Wednesday, May 6th, at 7 p.m. at the Beaches Library. Diamond, who represents the Beaches on the City Council, has been a vocal opponent of Mayor Donna Deegan and has led efforts to roll back city DEI initiatives.

Diamond will discuss his priorities for the coming year and provide updates on Jacksonville capital improvement projects at the beaches, including the Penman Road project, and interlocal agreement negotiations with Atlantic Beach. Q &A will follow his presentation. No RSVP necessary.

NOTE: Enter through the NORTH Library entrance ONLY. The south entrance will be locked. Parking is available in the north parking lot.

Nate Monroe Joins Us for May BAM Meeting!

How we get information has changed dramatically in the last decade, with local news especially challenged. Find out how state and local news organizations are adapting to safeguard their important role in supporting an informed citizenry from local journalist Nate Monroe at the May 14th BAM meeting!

RSVP for BAM Meeting

May Day Strong!

We had a crowd of 100+ for the May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires protest last Friday morning at the St. Johns Town Center. Great signs and joyful resistance courtesy of Firepit and Singing Resistance Jax! Thanks to everyone who joined us! Find more photos here.

RAISE HOTLINE: 1-888-600-5762

Have you recently seen, interacted with, been detained, or know someone impacted by ICE? Call the hotline. Alert local Legal Observers and connect detainees with assistance and resources. Email us to learn more about how you can help!