Full Breakdown
Maryland Voters Oppose Redistricting Amendment in Latest Poll
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Poll Shows Majority Oppose Question 3
A University of Maryland, Baltimore County Institute of Politics poll finds 53 % of likely Maryland voters plan to vote against Question 3, the constitutional amendment that would remove the requirement that congressional districts be compact and connected. Only 25 % say they would support the measure, while 19 % remain undecided. The survey of 776 likely voters was fielded from late September and carries a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points.
Background & Context
In August, the Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly passed a proposed amendment that would limit the compact-district requirement to state legislative maps, leaving congressional maps unrestricted. The Maryland Supreme Court approved the amendment’s placement on the November ballot. Proponents say the change would let Democratic leaders redraw the congressional map to dismantle Rep. Andy Harris’s (R-Md.) Eastern Shore district and potentially add a Democratic seat in the U.S. House. The amendment is promoted as a safeguard against “Trump-backed” partisan gerrymanders.
Data & Statistics
- Opposition: 53 % plan to vote “No.”
- Support: 25 % plan to vote “Yes.”
- Undecided: 19 % are unsure.
- Party breakdown: 74 % of Republican respondents oppose the amendment; 42 % of Democrats oppose it, while 35 % support it. Among unaffiliated voters, 59 % oppose and 17 % support.
- Attitudes toward partisan redistricting: 83 % view drawing districts to favor a party as a major problem for American democracy.
Official Statements & Responses
Gov. Wes Moore emphasizes that national redistricting reform is still needed but that inaction would leave the state “flat-footed.” Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox contends that the ballot language is confusing and warns the proposal could produce congressional districts that stretch across distant parts of the state. Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC poll, notes that the plain-language description used in the survey differs from the official ballot wording, which could influence voter perceptions.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican leaders have filed lawsuits seeking to block the amendment’s ballot appearance, though the state Supreme Court has allowed it to proceed. Critics argue the measure could produce “far-flung” districts that dilute local representation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two additional polls—one commissioned by supporters of Question 3 and another by opponents—produced different levels of voter support, though exact figures were not disclosed. The UMBC poll’s use of a plain-language summary rather than the official ballot text highlights uncertainty about how wording may affect outcomes. Neither campaign has launched extensive advertising, leaving a sizable undecided bloc (19 %) that could swing the final result.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I continue to believe that our country needs national redistricting reform,” — Gov. Wes Moore
- “I’m not convinced it will pass,” — Mileah Kromer, director of the poll
What’s Next
Question 3 will appear on the November ballot, giving Maryland voters the chance to decide whether the state’s constitution should grant lawmakers broader authority to redraw congressional districts. The outcome will determine whether the current Democratic dominance of seven of eight U.S. House seats can be altered before the next congressional election cycle.