MARYLAND - The Maryland House and Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would let voters decide whether to amend the state constitution to allow less-compact congressional districts, a change supporters say would provide more flexibility in drawing district lines.
The constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot. If approved by voters, lawmakers could move forward with new congressional maps, possibly in time for the 2028 election.
Republicans argue the proposal could eliminate the state's only Republican-held U.S. House seat, represented by Rep. Andy Harris. No lawmakers from Maryland's Eastern Shore voted in favor of the bill.
House Minority Leader Jason Buckel criticized the special session, saying it lacked transparency, limited Republican participation and could disenfranchise more than 1 million Marylanders.
Gov. Wes Moore praised the General Assembly's action, saying, "By passing this constitutional amendment, the General Assembly has ensured that... the final decision will rest where it belongs: with the people of Maryland. I look forward to working together to pass the amendment with a strong YES vote in November."
If voters approve the referendum in November, lawmakers could adopt new congressional maps ahead of the 2028 election.
