Maryland voters give state legislature full control over congressional maps
A new constitutional amendment removes previous design standards for U.S. House districts, a move supporters called a defense against partisan gerrymandering in other states.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Maryland voters have approved a constitutional amendment that transfers primary authority over congressional district boundaries to the state legislature. The measure, known as Question 3, passed according to Associated Press race projections released on November 3, 2026. The change alters the legal framework for how the state's eight U.S. House seats are drawn in future election cycles.
Under the previous version of the Maryland Constitution, all legislative maps had to meet specific physical standards. Districts were required to be compact and contiguous. They also had to respect existing natural and political boundaries. The new amendment clarifies that these specific rules now apply only to maps for the Maryland Senate and the House of Delegates. The constitution no longer sets these physical criteria for congressional plans. This gives the General Assembly broader discretion when configuring the state's federal legislative districts.
The amendment also changes the judicial review process. It authorizes the General Assembly to grant the Supreme Court of Maryland original jurisdiction. This allows the highest state court to review any future congressional districting plans directly. The measure does not create a new map immediately. It does not ask voters to adopt specific boundary lines. It changes the rules lawmakers must follow when they create maps in Annapolis.
The vote carries major political implications for Maryland's delegation in Washington. Supporters argued the amendment was necessary to respond to aggressive redistricting efforts in Republican-led states. Governor Wes Moore and other Democratic leaders campaigned heavily for the measure. They used the banner Fight Back Maryland to organize rallies. They also released an advertisement featuring former President Barack Obama urging voters to support the change as a counterweight to efforts backed by President Donald Trump.
Opponents raised concerns about the new power dynamic. They argued the change would give politicians more ability to draw districts for their own political advantage. Protect Maryland Votes, a group opposing the measure, stated that Question 3 gives Democrats an unfair advantage. Some voters also criticized the wording of the ballot question. They described the language as confusing and unclear during the voting process.
The result stands as a shift in how Maryland defines its congressional representation. The state now has a distinct legal framework for its federal districts compared to its state legislatures. Lawmakers in Annapolis will apply the new standards when they draw future maps. The constitutional text now explicitly separates the requirements for state and federal legislative boundaries.
