TAMPA, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Florida Rising has launched a Redistricting Public Comment Portal that gives citizens the opportunity to participate in a once-a-decade exercise to map their communities and demand that lawmakers consider communities of interest when redrawing districts. There is also a public comment section of the portal, available in Spanish and Haitian Creole, which allows Floridians to tell the story of their community. These tools are essential in the fight to ensure that Florida voters get new, fair and balanced state and congressional districts with duly elected representatives.

The Florida legislature has kicked off its redistricting committee meetings in Tallahassee. The maps they ultimately come up with will determine who has power in the state—politicians or the voters, yet it is unclear how much public input the GOP-controlled legislature will allow. This underscores the importance of voters having tools to make their voices heard.

More on eTradeWire News

• Working the Front Desk by Night, Building a Brand by Day: Orlando Author Shantlee Campbell South
• For the Husband Who Carries the Family: Husbands Deserve a Keepsake, Not Just a Tie
• Colorado Author Publishes Sequel in Middle-Grade Fantasy Series The Found Children
• Vero Beach Housing Market, November 2026. Some Surprises
• Build Muscle at Home with The Samson II Program

"Fair representation should not be something we hope and wish for. It is a fundamental right and it starts with those who are directly impacted being involved in the redistricting process," said Moné Holder, Senior Director of Advocacy & Programs at Florida Rising. "As it stands, the Florida legislature plans to do very little to ensure the people of Florida have input. It is essential that folks not only tell their stories but map their communities. We intend to make sure this includes Black, Brown and vulnerable Floridians. Florida Rising is doing our part to make sure that happens by launching our portal. Lawmakers must do their part and respect community maps as a critical part of fair redistricting."

Florida is among 25 states that do not require public input. These decisions are at the whim of whichever party holds majority power. New technology should make it easier to engage with the public at every level of this process. Lawmakers must know that voters are not just watching but they are demanding that they be heard and that their ideas and concerns are what matters. Their communities matter. Voters must be in control, not partisan lawmakers. To ensure this, Floridians can visit Florida Rising's Redistricting Public Comment Portal here: https://portal.florida-mapping.org/ (http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=z4ZyDJjLDGKiIsgXS9mlSp4MmeAApxkOX3Uw5MMpN2wCbVCJbwgzK0NLfTGjAi7CvFjD_r2RPUrucJIs-2Bni9RogFww0j-2B8CAGthVpMtdyEdBNgkgqUqhRoOOe66z5BmqBb3lLELGj3LHwx84CXO4828y1VGgu3lS93RycnIvQf7Wz6arRI1-2BJxzuR9Jn325KA...)

More on eTradeWire News

• Anam Cara Cottage: The Next Evolution of Wild Hermit Wellness and Soul-Centered Care
• SpearPoint Ink Launches Two New Services to Help Business Experts Attract More Qualified Clients
• VanBlaisa Pty Ltd Officially Incorporated, Marking New Chapter for Tasmanian Technology Company
• Hope Junkie Studios Named Among the Best Sober Clothing Brands in 2026
• 06 Members INC Announces Digital Expansion and New Creative Initiatives for Hip-Hop Artist MJ0.6