Maryland residents vote in favor of Question 3

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Maryland residents have voted in favor of Question 3, an amendment to the state constitution to change the rules for drawing congressional districts, according to the Associated Press.

Supporters said it would help Maryland respond to efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans in other states to redraw maps.

Critics warned it could lead to a new map designed to give Democrats an advantage in all eight of Maryland’s congressional districts. The state’s First District, where Dan Schwartz is challenging Republican Congressman Andy Harris, is currently the only one represented by a Republican.

Supporters, including Gov. Wes Moore, have framed the measure as a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states under President Donald Trump. The Maryland Supreme Court allowed Question 3 to remain on the ballot after a legal challenge over its wording, but required revised language.

The measure also faced skepticism from voters. In an October UMBC poll, 53% of respondents said they planned to vote against Question 3, compared with 25% who supported it; 22% were undecided. Critics of mid-cycle redistricting warned it could give Democrats an advantage in all eight of Maryland’s congressional districts.

Last month, former President Barack Obama joined the campaign to persuade Maryland voters to approve Question 3.

The constitutional changes have nullified a 2022 decision where Circuit Court Judge Lynne Battaglia ruled that the constitutional requirements for contiguity, compactness, substantially equal population, and consideration of natural and political subdivision boundaries applied to both state legislative districts and congressional districts, according to Ballotpedia.

You can track the Maryland’s Midterm Election Results here.