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Maryland voters pass Democratic-backed redistricting amendment
Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment that could let Democratic lawmakers redraw the state’s congressional districts before the 2028 election. Supporters presented the measure as a response to President Donald Trump’s efforts to change House districts in Republican-led states to benefit his party; former President Barack Obama also backed it.
The amendment changes how districting rules apply: requirements for compact districts that respect natural boundaries will apply only to state legislative districts, giving lawmakers more freedom over congressional boundaries. It undercuts a 2022 court ruling that struck down an earlier Democratic map as extreme partisan gerrymandering.
In short
- Maryland voters approved a redistricting amendment.
- It could allow new congressional maps before 2028.
- The change follows a court ruling against an earlier map.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that Maryland should be able to respond when other states redraw congressional districts for partisan advantage, so its voters are not left at a disadvantage in determining control of the House. They may also see the amendment as restoring authority to elected lawmakers and allowing districts to reflect political and community realities, while voters have approved the change directly.
The case against
Opponents argue that loosening constraints on congressional maps risks replacing one-sided gerrymandering with another, weakening fair representation for voters whose party is out of power in Maryland. They may also contend that the earlier court ruling protected a principle that district lines should respect communities and natural boundaries, and that a partisan response elsewhere does not justify reducing those safeguards.