Story perspectives

Maryland Republicans Sue to Block Ballot Amendment Redrawing Harris District

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland Republican lawmakers sued Gov. Wes Moore, State Board of Elections, Secretary of State Susan Lee and Attorney General Anthony Brown to block an amendment from November ballot.
Republicans claim the amendment violates Senate Bill 29 by missing July 1 deadline and public-comment period.
Democrats warn the measure would drop state standards, leaving maps to federal law, and could redraw the Shore 1st district, ending Rep. Andy Harris’s seat before 2028.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965, creating Section 5 preclearance that required jurisdictions such as Alabama to obtain federal approval for election changes. Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision invalidated coverage formula, ending preclearance. In 2024 Maryland Republicans sued Governor Wes Moore, Secretary Susan Lee and Attorney General Anthony Brown over a ballot amendment that could redraw state’s 1st district, echoing those battles.

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Story summary

Maryland Republican lawmakers sued Gov. Wes Moore, State Board of Elections, Secretary of State Susan Lee and Attorney General Anthony Brown to block an amendment from November ballot.
Republicans claim the amendment violates Senate Bill 29 by missing July 1 deadline and public-comment period.
Democrats warn the measure would drop state standards, leaving maps to federal law, and could redraw the Shore 1st district, ending Rep. Andy Harris’s seat before 2028.

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