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Too Late in Election Season to Redraw Maps, Legislator Says

Central Florida State Rep. Bryan Nelson says redrawing congressional districts now is the wrong approach.

Lawmakers on Friday approved new maps during a special session in Tallahassee, after a judge ordered the districts redrawn.

Nelson says the 2014 elections are too close.

He says candidates have been campaigning for a year. He says absentee ballots already are cast, and redrawing the districts now will cost too much money.

"This isn't the way to do it. Let's take our time, do it right and do it in 2016 and feel good about what we've done."

Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis ruled two districts were drawn unlawfully to benefit Republicans. Both districts include Central Florida.

The districts are represented by Republican Dan Webster of Winter Garden and Democrat Corrine Brown of Jacksonville.

Lewis ordered new maps by August 15th. Up to 15 counties in North and Central Florida could be affected by the changes.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.