Story perspectives

Maryland lawmakers consider amendment separating redistricting standards

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland lawmakers convened a session on Aug 3, 2026 in Annapolis to consider a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting.
The amendment would separate General Assembly district standards from congressional district standards, keep current maps unchanged, and need a three-fifths vote in chambers for the Nov 3, 2026 ballot.
Democratic leaders said the amendment fixes uncertainty from the 2022 Battaglia decision; Republican leaders called it a grab to eliminate Rep. Andy Harris (R)’s 1st District seat.

History

Historical Context

The 1962 Supreme Court ruling in Baker v. Carr, authored by Chief Justice Earl Warren and decided 6-2, made congressional redistricting justiciable and created the “one-person-one-vote” standard later reinforced by Reynolds v. Sims (1964). Maryland’s 2026 constitutional amendment, requiring a three-fifths vote, echoes that precedent as Democrats cite the 2022 Battaglia case and Republicans warn it targets Rep. Andy Harris’s 1st District.

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Story summary

Maryland lawmakers convened a session on Aug 3, 2026 in Annapolis to consider a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting.
The amendment would separate General Assembly district standards from congressional district standards, keep current maps unchanged, and need a three-fifths vote in chambers for the Nov 3, 2026 ballot.
Democratic leaders said the amendment fixes uncertainty from the 2022 Battaglia decision; Republican leaders called it a grab to eliminate Rep. Andy Harris (R)’s 1st District seat.

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