Maryland redistricting question reaches November ballot

What voters will decide

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled Sept. 3 that Question 3 may appear on the November midterm ballot, overturning two lower-court decisions. The lower courts had blocked the proposed constitutional amendment after lawsuits by Republican officials, finding that its original wording was complex and misleading. The state’s highest court allowed a revised version to proceed.

Maryland’s Constitution currently requires congressional mapmakers to consider natural boundaries and political subdivisions. Question 3 would remove congressional redistricting from that requirement, clearing a path for lawmakers to consider different district boundaries after the election.

The amendment would not redraw any district by itself, and it would not affect the congressional districts used in the 2026 midterm. Lawmakers advanced the ballot measure during an Aug. 3-5 special session, more than a month after the July 1 deadline for ballot questions.

Why the Eastern Shore is central

A map proposed by Democrats would divide the historically Republican-leaning Eastern Shore between two congressional districts, each extending into more populated parts of central Maryland. One proposed 1st District would include the lower Eastern Shore and cross the Chesapeake Bay into Anne Arundel and Howard counties.

Republican Rep. Andy Harris has represented the 1st District since 2011. His seat is Maryland’s only Republican-held U.S. House district. Harris said the judges were wrong and argued that voters would reject the amendment.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore supported the redistricting effort. Senate President Bill Ferguson did not bring an earlier redistricting bill to the Senate floor because he believed its boundaries were unconstitutional, but he supported pursuing a constitutional amendment.