A lawsuit has been filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court seeking to block a redistricting amendment backed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore from appearing on the November ballot. The conservative group Oversight Project argues that the measure, known as HB 2100, was advanced after the statutory deadline for certifying ballot questions had already passed. The lawsuit claims that the July 1 deadline for certification expired before lawmakers convened a special session to approve the proposal.
The amendment aims to change Maryland's constitutional standards governing congressional district boundaries. The Oversight Project, along with Republican lawmakers, contends that the approval of this amendment could lead to a fully Democratic congressional delegation from Maryland. The complaint cites a fiscal note from the Department of Legislative Services indicating that election officials were required to post the full text of the proposed amendment at least 90 days before Election Day.
The lawsuit also alleges that lawmakers added specific language to HB 2100 shortly before a joint committee hearing, which was intended to override Maryland's certification and public comment requirements. Democratic state Senator Cheryl Kagan acknowledged during floor debate that the timeline for compliance with the law had passed.
Maryland GOP Delegate Matt Morgan, one of the plaintiffs, stated that the disputed language was introduced shortly before the committee hearing, limiting the time for review. Delegate Kathy Szeliga expressed concerns that the public had no opportunity to comment on the amended language. The lawsuit requests the court to prevent state officials from certifying or distributing votes on the amendment, emphasizing the need for expedited review due to the upcoming election.