Maryland Lawsuit Challenges Redistricting Amendment

An exclusive legal challenge is unfolding in Maryland, aiming to prevent a proposed redistricting amendment from appearing on the upcoming November ballot. The lawsuit contends that the amendment, supported by Democrat Governor Wes Moore, was pushed forward unjustly after state legislative analysts indicated the deadline for ballot certification had already passed.

The complaint, submitted by the Oversight Project and Republican legislators to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, argues that House Bill 2100 cannot legitimately be presented to voters. According to the lawsuit, Maryland missed its July 1 deadline for certifying ballot questions, yet lawmakers held a special session to advance the proposal.

This amendment seeks to revise the Maryland Constitution by removing state constitutional standards like compactness and boundaries from congressional districts. The Oversight Project accuses Democratic leaders of using these changes to potentially ensure an all-Democratic congressional delegation.

The Oversight Project’s mission focuses on exposing and countering government corruption to ensure power remains with the American people.

The lawsuit references a fiscal note from the Department of Legislative Services, which stated that the certification deadline had already passed. It also noted the requirement for officials to post the amendment text at least 90 days before Election Day.

Plaintiffs claim that lawmakers added a phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law” to HB 2100 shortly before a joint committee hearing began. This move allegedly aimed to bypass Maryland’s certification and notice obligations after those deadlines had expired.

The complaint includes statements from Democratic state Sen. Cheryl Kagan during the Senate debate, acknowledging the statutory timeline challenges.

Kagan remarked, “There is no time to comply with the plain language of the law… It’s just not an option.”

GOP Delegate Matt Morgan, one of the plaintiffs, criticized the introduction of disputed language shortly before a committee hearing, stating it violates statutory norms. He affirmed plans to bring the issue to court for judicial review.

Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga added that the legislature had insufficient time to scrutinize the revised language, with the public left out.

Szeliga stated, “The public got absolutely no time to look and weigh in… It reeks of a naked political, partisan power grab.”

The proposal aims to overturn a 2022 state court ruling, which applied constitutional standards to congressional redistricting. Maryland’s current U.S. House composition favors Democrats, who hold seven out of eight seats.

Democratic leaders characterized the amendment as “technical,” while Governor Moore defended it against Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states. Governor Moore asserted that the amendment would ensure voters in Maryland have ultimate control over their representation.

The lawsuit seeks an expedited review, requesting that the court prevent certification and various voting processes related to the amendment due to the upcoming election.

Fox News Digital reached out for comments from involved officials, but received no immediate replies. Jasmine Baehr, a writer for Fox News Digital, covers topics including politics, military issues, and cultural debates.