law

Maryland Supreme Court places redistricting amendment on November ballot

• The Maryland Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a proposed constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting must appear on the November ballot, reversing two lower-court rulings that had blocked the measure.
• The court directed that the ballot summary be rewritten as a condition of placing the question before voters.
• The Associated Press characterized the decision as "a notable victory for Democrats," who are advancing the amendment as part of "a nationwide battle for control of the U.S. House in future elections."
• Democrats hold seven of Maryland's eight U.S. House seats; the proposed amendment would not change districts for the 2026 midterm elections.
• If voters approve the amendment in November, it could free Democratic lawmakers to draw new congressional districts that give the party a shot at a clean sweep in the 2028 elections, the AP reported.