Daytona Beach residents resolve lawsuit after city agrees to repeal gerrymandered map
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Following a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida on behalf of five city residents, the Daytona Beach City Commission has repealed a redistricting map that blatantly violated state law by using incumbents’ home addresses to redraw district lines. The Commission has also committed to launching a new, lawful redistricting process later this year.
“This victory is just the first step toward restoring trust in our local democratic institutions,” said Nicholas Sakhnovsky, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “We look forward to participating in a fair and transparent redistricting process and working with the City Commission to develop a new, legal map that serves all Daytona residents.”
The lawsuit, brought in circuit court in Volusia County, alleged that the Commission’s mapmaking was driven by the desire to protect incumbents and keep each of their residences in their districts. The suit was the first in the state filed to enforce HB 411, enacted in 2023, which prohibits local governments from redistricting with the intent to favor or disfavor candidates or incumbents based on their residential addresses.
“This outcome sends a clear message: gerrymandering to protect politicians at the expense of voters is unacceptable and unlawful,” said Nicholas Warren, staff attorney with the ACLU of Florida. “This victory ensures that the voices of Daytona Beach residents are respected and represented. This case is about more than a single map—it’s about protecting the right of every voter to have a fair and equal say in their government. We will remain vigilant as the city undertakes a new redistricting process, ensuring that this time, the people come first, not political gamesmanship.”
Following the City Commission’s repeal of their gerrymandered map, plaintiffs and the City have agreed to conclude the lawsuit, Sakhnovsky v. City of Daytona Beach.
As the city embarks on a new redistricting process, the ACLU of Florida and plaintiffs are committed to monitoring the process, advocating for transparency, and encouraging community participation to ensure the new map reflects the needs and rights of Daytona Beach residents.
“Gerrymandering is one of the most destructive tools used to silence communities and undermine democracy,” said Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida. “This victory is a reminder that community voices are powerful and that our electoral systems should serve the public, not politicians’ self-interest. But the work isn’t done. We will continue to advocate for a redistricting process that is transparent, equitable, and centered on the fundamental principle that every vote should count equally. The people of Daytona Beach deserve nothing less.”
This victory underscores the ACLU of Florida’s ongoing commitment to protecting the democratic process and ensuring fair representation for all. Daytona Beach residents are encouraged to stay informed, get involved, and hold local officials accountable during the upcoming redistricting process.
