Maryland lawmakers approve constitutional amendment to clarify congressional redistricting rules for November ballot
Maryland state lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday to clarify the rules governing future congressional district maps. The amendment aims to resolve legal uncertainty created by a 2022 court ruling by specifying that the standards used for legislative districts do not apply to congressional districts. Senate President Bill Ferguson defended the measure, stating it provides clarity on the rules of the road for redistricting. However, Republicans expressed concern that the bill was passed at the last minute and may face a legal challenge. Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey Jr. indicated that a lawsuit is expected as early as Wednesday to determine if the amendment was advanced legally, particularly regarding whether it met the deadlines established by a bipartisan law passed earlier this year. If approved by voters in November, the amendment will give Maryland the flexibility to decide on mid-decade redistricting in the future. Republicans claim the move is a political maneuver to protect their own interests, while Democrats argue it is a necessary step to ensure the final decision rests with the voters.