Redistricting is an important, once-a-decade process for redrawing congressional districts that traditionally occurs after the United States Census. This process is needed because people move in and out of districts across the country. In 2010, the Fair Districts amendment passed with 63% voter approval and was added to the Florida Constitution, which strictly prohibits drawing congressional districts to favor or disfavor any political party or incumbent. In July 2025, President Donald Trump called on Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state Republicans to redraw congressional maps to gain five additional Republican-leaning seats ahead of the 2026 elections. This action broke the usual census-based redistricting cycle and has since sparked a redistricting race in both blue and red states.

Something historic happened in Tallahassee this past week. In a special legislative session, the Florida House and Senate passed a new congressional map drawn by Governor Ron DeSantis. This map gives Republicans an electoral majority in an extra four seats, and opponents argue this violates Florida’s constitution by favoring a political party. While all Florida Representatives voted with their party, three Republican Senators and one Non-Partisan Senator voted no on the map. Applause and cheering broke out in the Florida House of Representatives chambers, while one representative yelled her frustration into a megaphone. The map is now headed to the Governor’s desk, all but ensuring it will be enacted ahead of the 2026 midterm elections

Why is this important? Students like myself are especially vulnerable to the effects of redistricting. College campuses are often targeted in district splitting, meaning the collective vote is divided among congressional precincts and other electoral districts. This weakens our political power. When districts are redrawn quickly and with little public understanding, the result is confusion. First- and second-time voters, as well as young voters, may not know which district they are in, who represents them, or where to vote. When districts are seemingly drawn for political purposes, it can make it more likely that young people feel like the system is rigged or their vote doesn’t count.

Given that youth voter turnout tends to be low, do we really need to make things more complicated and confusing? Youth, including college students like myself, should be outraged and also aware that politicians are working to erect barriers to voting.

As youth voters in Florida, what can we do? First, we can educate ourselves. We know that education is an important tool. We must familiarize ourselves with district maps and educate ourselves on the redistricting process. We must educate others. Many nonpartisan organizations, like genCLEO and People Power Florida, host weekly phone-banking events to raise awareness about redistricting and the importance of your vote. And, we can participate. We can register to vote, start conversations in our communities and friend groups, and turn out to the polls in August and November. To ensure that our voices are not diluted – no matter where you fall on the political spectrum – the integrity of the map that shapes your vote is something worth fighting for, and right now, Florida students have a short window to fight against this power grab.

Register to vote, request a vote-by-mail ballot, and more at: bit.ly/CLEOVR

Sam Velasco is a master’s student in environmental science at Bethune-Cookman University and a Lead Organizer for genCLEO at B-CU, a youth-led climate organization.