Response from Common Cause Maryland and League of Women Voters of Maryland

Earlier today, Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order establishing an independent and nonpartisan citizens redistricting commission tasked with drawing Maryland’s legislative and Congressional district lines. The commission will be made up of nine members – three Democrats, three Republicans, and three Independents.

We commend the Governor for consistently working to tackle our broken redistricting process. Independent redistricting commissions give communities the ability to be at the decision-making table and be heard.  This commission will help our collective efforts as the Tame the Gerrymander coalition to ensure Maryland’s line-drawing process is open and transparent, and incorporates community voices.

“Marylanders deserve fair representation. We should be a leader on this issue, but the Maryland General Assembly failed to take action last session on bipartisan redistricting reform even as we prepared to draw new lines the following year. While we continue to urge the legislature to support legislation being introduced this session, we support the steps taken today. We look forward to working with Governor Hogan and the General Assembly to ensure the redistricting process is accessible, transparent, and centers input from the community.” – Joanne Antoine, Common Cause Maryland.

“Our Maryland government must create transparent processes that serve all of its citizens fairly, without regard to their voter registration. Without trust between the government and the governed, democracy fails. While the gold standard is an independent commission, we support the Governor’s Maryland Citizen Redistricting Commission because its process begins with public hearings and produces a map without input from elected officials.” – Beth Hufnagel, Redistricting Team Leader, League of Women Voters of Maryland

Members of the public are encouraged to consider serving on this critical commission. To apply, visit governor.maryland.gov/redistricting.

Tame the Gerrymander is a coalition of nonpartisan organizations working to establish a fair and open process for drawing election districts in Maryland.