BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Former President Barack Obama joined the campaign to persuade Maryland voters to approve Question 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the rules for drawing the state’s congressional districts.
In a new television ad, Obama says a yes vote would help counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states. “You can help stop this Republican power grab by voting Yes on Question 3,” he says.
The ad is set to air in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., media markets. Gov. Wes Moore’s campaign said the initial ad buy is $500,000, and is part of a broader, multi-million-dollar campaign highlighting Moore’s priorities.
Question 3 would amend the Maryland Constitution to clarify that its requirements for drawing state legislative districts do not apply to congressional districts. It would not create a new set of standards for drawing congressional maps. The amendment also would allow the General Assembly to send challenges to congressional maps directly to the Maryland Supreme Court. If approved, it would not affect congressional elections before 2028.
The proposal followed a yearlong debate over whether Maryland should redraw its congressional map before the 2026 midterm elections, after Republican-led states moved to redraw their maps. Supporters have framed Question 3 as a response to those efforts. Opponents have argued it would give state lawmakers more latitude to draw districts that benefit their party.
That divide has crossed party lines. In an interview with FOX45 News In Depth, Dan Schwartz, the Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, said he opposes Question 3. Schwartz argued that redrawing the district could weaken the Eastern Shore’s representation by connecting it with communities elsewhere in the state. Harris also opposed mid-cycle redistricting, saying it is a bad idea regardless of which party benefits.
The ballot measure’s wording has also been disputed. After lower courts ruled the original language misleading, the Supreme Court of Maryland revised it in September, allowing Question 3 to remain on the ballot.
The campaign has included a separate dispute over an ad opposing Question 3. The ad, paid for by the group Truth for Maryland, urged voters to support Moore while voting against the amendment. Moore’s lawyers sent the group a cease-and-desist letter demanding it stop using the governor’s name, image and campaign branding. The group’s ad argued Question 3 would give politicians unchecked power; Moore has long supported the amendment.
A UMBC poll released in October found 53% of likely voters planned to vote against Question 3, while 25% planned to vote for it and 19% were undecided. Among Democrats surveyed, 42% opposed the proposal and 35% supported it.
Maryland voters will decide Question 3 on Nov. 3.
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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