The Overview

If you vote in Maryland, you're about to get the final say on the rules for drawing your congressional district, because the question is headed to your November ballot. The bill, titled "Election Districts - General Assembly and Representatives in Congress," was approved by the governor on Aug. 5, with enactment subject to a constitutional referendum. Maryland Matters reported the measure passed during a two-day special session, largely along party lines.

The bill would override a 2022 court ruling that some Democrats viewed as restricting efforts to redraw Maryland's eight congressional districts. Supporters said the bill clarifies the rules governing congressional maps; opponents argued it removes existing constitutional protections and enables partisan redistricting.

The bill's first recorded action came July 29, 2026, and it cleared the House on Aug. 4 after a floor session that included multiple amendments, several ruled out of order, and two appeals of the chair's rulings. The Senate passed it the same day, and the governor signed it Aug. 5 as Chapter 881, with enactment subject to a constitutional referendum.

The lead sponsor is listed as the Speaker of the House. Maryland has about 6.2 million residents, according to 2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates, which works out to roughly 776,000 people in each of the state's eight congressional districts if they were divided evenly.

The Demo

About 4.8 million of those residents are 18 or older, a rough ceiling on the adults who could weigh in on the November ballot question, though not all of them are citizens or registered voters. About 4.8 million Maryland residents are 18 or older, according to census figures.Maryland's population is 48.2 percent white, 29.4 percent Black, 12.5 percent Hispanic, and 6.6 percent Asian.

The Debate

Advocates and protesters voiced frustration over the redistricting proposal during the special session, Maryland Matters reported.Republican Delegate Neil Parrott opposed the legislation, warning: "The passage of House Bill 2100 will nearly eliminate the possibility of a member of the House of Representatives to reside on the Eastern Shore."

WYPR described the measure as part of a nationwide "redistricting arms race" and reported in September that the Maryland Supreme Court had allowed the amendment to go before voters for final approval. Maryland Republicans predicted the constitutional amendment would face a legal challenge.

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