Plaintiffs contend that strict scrutiny does not apply because the drafters adhered to traditional race- neutral districting principles. They point out that the single majority- black district is geographically compact, contiguous, and regular in shape. See Addendum to Appellants' Br. Even if strict scrutiny applies, plaintiffs contend the plan passes muster. If strict scrutiny does apply, the analysis becomes even more complex.
Plaintiffs claim that the compelling interest here is the remediation of vote dilution.
The two affidavits in the record are not enough to permit the district court to evaluate constitutionality and are certainly insufficient for us to do it here. Appellants' Reply Br. However, this is not an ordinary, private settlement. It is a districting plan which will change the method of electing city council members and affect the rights of all Cocoa, Florida, voters. Four of these voters appeared as amici before the district court in opposition to the proposed consent decree.