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Editorial: Florida's democratic deficit

 
Published Oct. 5, 2015

Competitive elections are fundamental to representative democracy. And yet, a third of Florida legislators ran uncontested in their last election, cruising to victory without receiving a single vote. Separately, 32 percent of all lawmakers were elected by less than a third of the voters in their districts. Both statistics reveal disturbing trends about the state's election process and demonstrate the need for reform.

The Legislature, which is meeting this month in yet another a special session on redistricting, should work to make each district competitive and entertain all means toward that goal, including rethinking closed primaries that disenfranchise voters who don't identify as Republicans or Democrats.

Of Florida's 11.9 million registered voters in the 2014 general election, a paltry 2.2 million cast votes in state House contests and 2.8 million voted in Senate races, stunning displays of voter apathy in a state with so many issues that deserve attention. The figures were part of a Times/Herald report on Sunday that illustrates why the time for election reform is now.

The problems cross party lines. A dozen of the state's 40 senators, for example, were elected with no opposition, including Democratic caucus leader Sen. Arthenia Joyner and redistricting chair Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton. Thirty-eight House members also had no competition, according to the Times/Herald investigation. In contests where candidates faced off, 14 legislators were elected with less than 53 percent of votes cast, including Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, and Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor. A dearth of candidates and lackluster reactions to those who do run are sure signs of a dysfunctional system.

The statistics provide stunning examples of what happens when a closed primary system combines with unfair, highly partisan district boundaries and voter apathy to concentrate power in the hands of a select few. This bipartisan process keeps legislators' seats secure but does little to engage voters and encourage participation. The end result in Florida and Washington is extremism on both sides and far too little compromise.

So far, the Legislature has failed to draw districts that are fair and competitive, as intended in the Fair Districts amendments in 2010. When lawmakers take up the issue of redrawing Senate maps in a few days, the discussion should center on adhering to the true spirit of the amendment rather than thinly disguised power plays intended to protect the status quo. All ideas for achieving parity should be considered, including a proposal to open primaries to all voters, though a better plan would be to keep primaries closed and allow voters to cast ballots in the primary of their choice.

There is too much at stake, from decisions on the state's budget to controversial health, education and gun proposals, for Florida voters to sit on the sidelines. They have a responsibility to cast ballots. But it is unrealistic to expect voters to play a more active role unless they have confidence in a system where district boundaries are fair, races are competitive and the public knows its support matters.