Maryland Supreme Court puts redistricting referendum back on November ballot
The court said the ballot question may proceed with revised wording after hearing arguments over the amendment’s timing and potential effect on district maps.
- On Thursday, the Maryland Supreme Court in Annapolis ruled that a redistricting ballot question must appear on the November ballot, reversing lower court decisions that had previously blocked the measure.
- The constitutional amendment, passed by the General Assembly in August, creates separate standards for congressional and state legislative districts, a move Republicans claim targets Maryland's final GOP-held seat on the Eastern Shore.
- Justices ordered the ballot language rewritten, finding it "misleading" and a violation of due process, though they rejected Republican challenges regarding missed legislative deadlines and single-subject constitutional requirements.
- Circuit courts must enter orders consistent with the decision by Friday, September 4, and the Maryland State Board of Elections will update the ballot language accordingly.
- Dissenting Justice Steven Gould argued the court should not rewrite ballot language, while proponents suggest approval could allow Democratic lawmakers to redraw congressional maps for the 2028 elections.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Maryland Supreme Court puts redistricting referendum back on November ballot
The Maryland Supreme Court overturned a lower court's decision to keep a Democrat-led redistricting referendum on the November ballot, though it ordered the ballot language to be rewritten for clarity.
Maryland Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Redistricting Ballot Measure
MARYLAND – The Maryland Supreme Court has reversed the decision of the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County, ruling that the proposed constitutional amendment can go to a referendum after clarifying the question’s language. Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader found that lower courts erred in enjoining the State Board of Elections from placing Question 3 on the November 2026 general...
Associated Press News
Maryland’s top court allows Democratic-backed congressional redistricting measure on November ballot
The Maryland Supreme Court says a congressional redistricting amendment backed by Democrats can appear on the November ballot.
Idaho Press
Maryland’s top court allows a Democratic-backed congressional districting amendment to appear on the November ballot
Maryland’s top court allows a Democratic-backed congressional districting amendment to appear on the November ballot.
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