Maryland judge blocks redistricting amendment from November ballot, pending appeal

A Maryland judge on Wednesday blocked a constitutional amendment on redistricting from appearing on the state's November ballot, but stayed the decision to allow the state to appeal.

Oversight Project President Mike Howell brought the suit against the state Board of Elections.

Judge Robert Thompson issued the stay, saying "[t]he court has no choice but to enjoin the board of elections from including ballot Question 3 on the general election ballot for the November 3, 2026."

Specifically, he determined that the process through which the state legislature approved the ballot was improper. The ruling is a blow to Democratic efforts to counter Republican-led redistricting pushes that are expected to net the party roughly a dozen seats in the midterms.

Maryland's amendment would not have impacted the November contests, but would have allowed the state to redraw the maps in time for 2028.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.