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NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsSeptember 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Maryland Supreme Court orders redistricting amendment onto 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. The court also ordered that the ballot summary language be rewritten to address concerns about it being 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 maps that do not have to respect natural boundaries or compactness, which could impact the competitiveness of future U.S. House elections in Maryland.

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 because it was found to be misleading.
  • The amendment would change the constitutional requirement for compact districts to apply 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 not affect the districts used for this year's midterm elections.
  • If passed, the amendment could allow for new congressional districts in the 2028 elections.
  • The court rejected the argument that the amendment violated the state constitution's single-issue requirement.
  • The court overruled lower court claims that the measure failed to meet statutory deadlines for certification and public comment.
  • Democrats currently hold seven of Maryland's eight U.S. House seats.

Who's Mentioned

personAnthony Brown“Democratic Attorney General who argued the case for the state.”personAndy Harris“U.S. Representative whose district could be affected by the redistricting change”personWes Moore“Democratic Governor who called the special session to refer the amendment.”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.”organizationHouse Freedom Caucus“Conservative group chaired by Andy Harris.”organizationMaryland State Board of Elections“Agency responsible for election administration.”personDonald Trump“Former President whose redistricting efforts are being countered by the measure.”