Collier County voters react to Governor DeSantis' redistricting proposal

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Collier County is one of the areas in Southwest Florida that would be impacted by Governor Desantis' redistricting proposal. 

Collier County voters are split on what it could mean for future elections. Democrats say this falls in the category of gerrymandering and is borderline legally questionable. Republicans say this proposal reflects the new and growing population, and any way this state can strengthen their party's stance, should be done.

Jane Schlechtweg, the chair of the Collier County Democratic Party, said the proposal is a big mistake.

"It's illegal to gerrymander the state to favor one political party, which is exactly what DeSantis is trying to do right now," Schlechtweg said. "It's going to end up costing Republican seats, because what they're talking about is taking all of Collier County and putting it into Congressional District 26, hooking us up with the east coast of the state, which we really don't have any real connection with."

Gov. DeSantis' proposal would redistrict Collier County, meaning the coast would no longer be kept together. Naples would still remain Southwest Florida, whereas inland areas like Immokalee and Marco Island would now be grouped in with Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Schlechtweg said this creates a disconnect for Collier residents.

"We are different from the people in Miami," Schlechtweg said. "We have different ideas. And I think it's going to be dangerous for especially for Collier residents, to do that."

Some Collier County voters disagree and say any opportunity the state gets to remain red should be taken. Republican voters Linda Prete and Linda Goggschalk said this proposal would be an opportunity to strengthen the Republican Party's chance in future elections.

"We want to keep Florida conservative. Not so much Republicans, conservatives," they said. "What we're looking for are conservative values., the Christian values and stuff like that."

Zoe Lefort, another Republican voter, agreed. 

"I feel like it's a good thing because it will give Florida more strength in numbers," Lefort said. "I mean I know we have a lot of divided political opinions here, but personally, I feel the Republican party has done a lot more for this state and has made this state stronger."

Meanwhile, democratic voters in Collier County, like Miriam Griffin, says this proposal crosses the line of gerrymandering. 

"I think it's a big mistake, and if he (Gov. DeSantis) does it, he doesn't realize all these Republicans are turning into Democrats because they're sick and tired of the way he's running the state."

John Meo, the chair of the Collier County Republican Party, agrees with DeSantis' proposal, saying this is reflective of the new population and takes into account how many people are moving to Florida.