Conservative Group Files Lawsuit to Block Maryland Redistricting Amendment From November Ballot

The Oversight Project, a conservative watchdog organization, filed suit Thursday night in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court seeking to prevent a redistricting amendment backed by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore from reaching voters in November. The group contends that state officials improperly advanced the measure despite Maryland’s legislative analysts confirming that the statutory deadline for certifying ballot questions had expired more than a month prior to the special legislative session that approved it.

The proposal, known as HB 2100, would amend the Maryland Constitution by removing state constitutional standards governing compactness and boundaries for congressional districts. The lawsuit argues the amendment could not lawfully appear on ballots because Maryland’s July 1 certification deadline for statewide ballot questions had already passed when lawmakers convened to approve the proposal. According to the complaint, legislators added language reading “notwithstanding any other provision of law” to the bill less than an hour before a joint committee hearing, seemingly designed to circumvent certification, notice and public comment requirements.

Democratic state Sen. Cheryl Kagan acknowledged during floor debate that the statutory timeline could not be met, stating: “There is no time to comply with the plain language of the law with our new law because July 1st is in the rearview mirror.” Maryland GOP lawmakers including Delegate Matt Morgan and Delegate Kathy Szeliga joined the Oversight Project as plaintiffs, arguing the compressed timeline denied the public any opportunity to comment on the revised language.

Gov. Moore has publicly characterized the amendment as a necessary response to Republican-led redistricting efforts nationwide, saying it would ensure “Marylanders — and no one else — have the final say over their representation.” Democrats currently hold seven of Maryland’s eight U.S. House seats. The lawsuit asks the court to prevent state officials from certifying, printing, distributing or tabulating votes on the amendment and requests expedited review due to the election calendar.