Maryland Republicans sue to block redistricting amendment

Maryland Republican lawmakers and conservative advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit to block a newly approved constitutional amendment from appearing on the November 3 general election ballot. The legal challenge, filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, targets House Bill 2100, which was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by Governor Wes Moore.

The amendment aims to separate the constitutional criteria used for congressional districts from those used for state legislative districts. It would also grant the Supreme Court of Maryland original jurisdiction over congressional redistricting disputes. If passed, the changes could influence how congressional maps are drawn ahead of the 2028 election.

Plaintiffs argue that the amendment violates state election laws regarding deadlines. Specifically, they contend that the secretary of state was required to certify statewide ballot-question information by July 1, a deadline that passed before the bill was approved on August 4. The lawsuit further challenges language in the bill intended to bypass existing laws by stating the question should be submitted "notwithstanding any other provision of law," arguing this does not override statutory requirements.