When Republican elected officials ignore the concerns of the local Republicans they represent and instead align with the Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, it should raise a red flag.

That flag is flying high in Lee County.

For years, a small group of political operatives has pushed to establish single-member districts for the Lee County Commission. What began as a tactic to unseat moderate commissioners has persisted despite a transformation of the board—now firmly conservative, shaped by voters rather than political maneuvering.

After failing to secure a spot on the ballot through the Charter Review Commission or by petition, proponents have turned to Tallahassee. House Bill 4001, which would mandate single-member districts, is up for a floor vote this week.

Most residents are unaware the bill exists, but those who are paying attention are alarmed. The proposal would strip their ability to vote for all five county commissioners—cutting their electoral influence by 80 percent and making commissioners less accountable.

Supporters of the bill have offered misleading arguments. Here are three of the most prominent:

First, they claim single-member districts will improve representation. This is false. Because commission actions require three votes, representatives who aren’t elected county-wide have little incentive to consider the views of those outside their district. This could encourage infighting and political deal-making, leading to a less effective and more bloated government. Currently, each commissioner resides in a separate district but is elected county-wide, providing both local and county-wide accountability.

Second, proponents allege county-wide voting was intended to suppress minority voters. This argument is not only inaccurate—it is offensive. Lee County has repeatedly elected Hispanic and African American leaders through county-wide voting.

Third, they argue the bill is about giving people a choice. That too is false. Lee County’s Charter, its governing document, outlines three ways to amend the system: through the Charter Review Commission, by vote of the county commission, or via petition signed by 7 percent of voters from the last general election. HB 4001 circumvents that process and pushes a single option—single-member districts—onto the ballot without offering a real alternative.

One point from supporters rings true: running county-wide is hard work. But the answer to that challenge is not to make elections easier for politicians. It is to maintain a system that ensures every commissioner is accountable to all residents.

This attempt to sidestep the charter is a political maneuver designed to make it easier for special interests to elect preferred candidates.

Lee County’s current system works. It keeps commissioners accountable to the entire community.

Voters should reject this proposal.

Jenna Persons-Mulicka represents District 78 in the Florida House of Representatives.