Maryland Lawsuit Challenges Redistricting Amendment Backed by Gov. Wes Moore

In Maryland, a new lawsuit aims to block a redistricting amendment championed by Democrat Governor Wes Moore from being included in the November ballot. The lawsuit argues that state officials advanced the measure after the statutory deadline for certifying ballot questions had expired. The complaint was filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court by the Oversight Project, a conservative watchdog group, along with Republican lawmakers.

The lawsuit contends that the amendment, known as HB 2100, could not legally reach voters due to Maryland’s deadline for certifying statewide ballot questions, which expired on July 1. The Oversight Project claims that the amendment could lead to an 8-0 Democratic congressional delegation by asking voters to alter the Maryland Constitution. This change would mean state constitutional standards on compactness and boundaries would not apply to congressional districts.

“The lawsuit aims to expose and root out corruption in government, among elected officials, ensuring power resides with the American People,” according to the Oversight Project.

The filing highlights a fiscal note from the Department of Legislative Services stating that the deadline had already passed, requiring officials to post the full text of a proposed constitutional amendment 90 days before Election Day. The complaint suggests that legislative language was adjusted to override certification and notification requirements.

During Senate debate, Democratic state Sen. Cheryl Kagan noted, “There is no time to comply with the law because July 1st is in the rearview mirror.” She emphasized the lack of time for drafting, publishing, or commenting on the amendment.

Maryland GOP Delegate Matt Morgan, a plaintiff, commented that the language was introduced shortly before a committee hearing. “They have the law. They’re supposed to follow it. They didn’t,” Morgan stated.

Meanwhile, Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga, another plaintiff, criticized the process, noting the public had no chance to review the revised language. “The public got absolutely no time to look and weigh in,” she expressed.

The amendment seeks to counteract a 2022 state court ruling, which held that constitutional standards applied to congressional redistricting. Democrats currently occupy seven of Maryland’s eight U.S. House seats.

Governor Moore has defended the amendment, presenting it as a response to Republican-led redistricting in other states. “Marylanders — and no one else — have the final say over their representation,” Moore stated.

The lawsuit requests the court to prevent officials from certifying or processing votes on the amendment, with an expedited review due to the upcoming election schedule. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office and the State Board of Elections have not yet commented.