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Plaintiffs in redistricting case want new elections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Leon County Judge says he will decide by the end of next week whether Florida's Congressional map should be redrawn. He heard arguments Thursday from both sides in the case. The plaintiffs, representing a coalition of voters groups, said there is still time not only to redraw the map but also conduct new elections.

But attorneys for the Legislature said doing that would create chaos in the election process. The Clay County Supervisor of Elections agreed, pointing out that people have already voted in the upcoming August primary.

"We agree that it's important to have properly drawn boundary lines, but not at the expense of the voter, not at the expense of the process," said Chris Chambless, who is also vice-president of the Florida Association of Supervisors of Elections.

Judge Terry Lewis acknowledged he was unsure whether he could redraw the maps or order new elections dates on his own. He committed to having a ruling by the end of next week.