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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Maryland Supreme Court allows congressional redistricting amendment on November ballot

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment regarding congressional redistricting must appear on the November ballot, overturning lower court decisions that had blocked the measure. While the court allowed the measure to proceed, it ordered that the ballot summary language be rewritten to be less misleading.

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Why It Matters

If approved by voters in November, this amendment would change the legal requirements for drawing congressional districts, potentially allowing for new maps that could impact the 2028 elections and the political composition of Maryland's U.S. House delegation.

Key Facts

  • The Maryland Supreme Court ruled the redistricting amendment must appear on the November ballot.
  • The court ordered the ballot summary language to be rewritten to address concerns that it was misleading.
  • The amendment would apply requirements for 'natural boundaries' and 'compact districts' only to state legislative districts, not congressional ones.
  • The amendment would undo a 2022 court ruling that struck down a previous redistricting plan as extreme partisan gerrymandering.
  • The amendment would grant the state Supreme Court original jurisdiction over congressional redistricting lawsuits.
  • The amendment does not affect the districts used for the current year's midterm elections.
  • If passed, the amendment could allow for new congressional maps to be drawn for the 2028 elections.
  • Lower courts had previously blocked the measure due to missed statutory deadlines for certification and public comment.
  • The Supreme Court rejected the argument that the amendment violated the state constitution's single-issue requirement.
  • Governor Wes Moore called a special session in August to refer the amendment to the ballot.

Who's Mentioned

personAnthony Brown“Democratic Attorney General who argued the case for the state.”personAndy Harris“U.S. Representative whose district could be reshaped by the amendment.”personWes Moore“Democratic Governor who called a special session to refer the amendment to the b”personNed Miller“Chief strategist for Fight Back MD.”organizationFight Back MD“Group supporting the ballot measure.”organizationMaryland Supreme Court“The court that issued the ruling allowing the ballot measure.”organizationMaryland State Board of Elections“State agency responsible for election administration.”personDonald Trump“Former President associated with Republican redistricting efforts.”