The judge said while the city argues changing the boundaries now threatens to undercut voter confidence, she said that would 'pale in comparison' to the harm of holding an election based on gerrymandered districts that likely are unconstitutional.
In a decision handed down Tuesday, Howard said that while the city argues changing the boundaries of council districts at this stage in a compressed timeframe threatens to undercut voter confidence, she said that would"pale in comparison" to the harm of holding an election based on gerrymandered districts that likely are unconstitutional.
"Given that the committee charged with creating a new map is confident it can accomplish the task in just four meetings of only five and a half hours total, the court is unable to place much weight on defense counsel's assertion that the City Council does not have enough time to redraw the map," she wrote.
Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan has said his office needs a map in place by Dec. 16 in order to remain on schedule for the March election for city offices including City Council.
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