Maryland moves redistricting amendment to November

Gov. Wes Moore signed House Bill 2100 on August 5, putting a Maryland constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting before voters in November. The proposal does not redraw congressional lines now, and it does not affect the 2026 elections, according to CBS Baltimore. Instead, it would change the legal framework for future congressional maps by clarifying that Maryland’s constitutional standards for legislative districts do not govern congressional districts. (governor.maryland.gov) (cbsnews.com) The measure was approved during a three-day special session in Annapolis that began August 3. Democratic leaders moved the bill after months of arguing that a 2022 court ruling had constrained Maryland’s ability to redraw congressional boundaries while other states pursued mid-decade remaps. (elections.maryland.gov) Moore cast the move as part of a broader national fight over redistricting. ### What did Moore actually sign? House Bill 2100 is a constitutional amendment bill, not a new map. The governor’s office said the bill places a ballot question before voters that, if ratified, would “clarify the state’s redistricting process.” (governor.maryland.gov) The bill text says it would clarify that compactness, contiguity and equal-population requirements in Article III, Section 4 apply to districts for the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, not to congressional districts. It also authorizes the General Assembly to grant original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court of Maryland to review a congressional districting plan. (governor.maryland.gov) ### Why are Maryland Democrats pursuing a constitutional amendment instead of drawing a map now? A 2022 Anne Arundel County court ruling held that Maryland constitutional districting standards applied to congressional maps, according to the bill’s preamble. Supporters of HB 2100 say the amendment is meant to reverse that interpretation for future cases. (governor.maryland.gov) CBS Baltimore reported that if voters approve the amendment, Maryland Democrats could pursue a new congressional map for the 2028 elections. Maryland’s current delegation includes one Republican, Rep. Andy Harris of the 1st District, while Democrats hold the other seven seats. ### What argument is Moore making? (mgaleg.maryland.gov) Moore said in his August 5 signing statement that “Donald Trump and Republicans across the country are working to rig the system” and that “inaction is not an option.” He also said Maryland “will not be caught flat-footed” while Republicans pursue what he called “political redlining.” (mgaleg.maryland.gov) The governor’s office said Moore had previously reconstituted the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission, which held hearings and recommended a congressional map. His office framed the amendment as a way to keep the “final decision” with Maryland voters. (cbsnews.com) ### What are Republicans saying they will challenge? Republicans have argued the amendment would strip away state constitutional protections and make it easier for Democrats to draw a more partisan congressional map. Southern Maryland Chronicle, republishing Maryland Matters, reported on August 5 that Republicans predicted litigation could begin before the question reaches voters. (governor.maryland.gov) Reports carried by WTOP and other outlets said Republican critics were preparing legal arguments tied to how the amendment was placed on the ballot during the special session. Separate reporting cited Andy Harris as saying outside groups planned to sue this week. (governor.maryland.gov) ### What exactly will voters decide in November? Maryland voters are expected to decide the amendment at the November 3, 2026 general election. The State Board of Elections has already posted ballot questions for the November election and noted that updated questions are provided by the secretary of state after public comment. The next concrete step is ballot certification and, potentially, litigation over whether the referendum appears as planned. (southernmarylandchronicle.com) If the amendment is approved in November, it would govern how future congressional redistricting disputes are judged in Maryland, including any effort to draw a new map ahead of 2028. (governor.maryland.gov) (elections.maryland.gov) (wtop.com)