Story perspectives

Maryland Proposes Voter-Drawn Districts Amendment for 2026 Ballot

7/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland Democrats propose a constitutional amendment to let voters set future congressional districts after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk set a session for Aug 3-5 2026 to consider the amendment, which needs a three-fifths vote and would appear on the November ballot.
Governor Wes Moore praised the effort, warning that voting-rights and Black representation face coordinated attacks nationwide.

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Story summary

Maryland Democrats propose a constitutional amendment to let voters set future congressional districts after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk set a session for Aug 3-5 2026 to consider the amendment, which needs a three-fifths vote and would appear on the November ballot.
Governor Wes Moore praised the effort, warning that voting-rights and Black representation face coordinated attacks nationwide.