Florida election supervisors prepare for redistricting uncertainty ahead of August primary

Election supervisors across Florida are grappling with uncertainty over redistricting maps just months before the August primary, as the state Supreme Court reviews the matter and officials are instructed to preserve old maps.

Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections Leah Valenti said, "It said to preserve our previous congressional maps in the event that this was overturned."

Supervisors are working to notify voters about changes to their congressional districts.

Collier County Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier said, "I don't think most voters are aware this change may impact them."

Blazier plans to send out approximately 200,000 notification cards to voters, a process she said will cost about $155,000, excluding staff time.

"So it will cost us, not including staff time, just for the actual printing of cards and postage on cards. It will be about $155,000," Blazier said.

The redistricting changes have removed Marco Island and South Collier County from District 19, creating additional work for election offices.

"This is a lot of extra work that I don't think any of us across the state had anticipated," Blazier said.

Lee County is also preparing to notify voters in Fort Myers that they are no longer part of District 19. The county expects to spend $60,000 on mailers.

"Redistricting is not free. It comes at a cost," Blazier said.

The situation remains under review by the state Supreme Court. Lee County officials plan to send out voter cards, but are holding off until the court weighs in.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.