Understanding Ballot Question #3

Maryland voters have the opportunity to vote on Constitutional Amendment Number Three on November 3.  The state’s Democratic Party succeeded in putting the question on the ballot, hoping to reshape Congressional districts in an attempt to dislodge Maryland’s lone Republican in Congress, Andy Harris.  Tony Orndoff, Social Studies chair at Bishop Walsh School, told WCBC News that approval by the voters allows the state more flexibility in shaping federal districts…

“The law is maybe more quiet or not as clear about congressional districts. A “yes” vote on this would say that the rules in the Constitution would still only apply to state legislative districts and allow more gerrymandering, if you will, for the congressional districts.”

Orndoff noted that he is not surprised that polls show Maryland voters are not eager to approve Question 3…

“Maryland’s districts are kind of notoriously gerrymandered in a way that a lot of people, on its face, look at as being unfair and if this amendment allows that to continue or makes it easier for that to continue I think that would be one of the reasons why it’s not very popular.”