Common Cause Maryland to Outline Steps for a Fair, Transparent, and Participatory Process

Today, the Maryland Legislative Advisory Redistricting Committee will hold a virtual public hearing at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will include an overview of the redistricting process and the state’s population data gathered from the 2020 Census. The public will be invited to provide testimony, during which Common Cause Maryland will advocate for fair maps that prioritize the interests of voters ahead the interests of any one political party or elected official.   

“Marylanders deserve legislative districts that are fair to all voters, that are produced with complete transparency, and that will create fair and equal representation to every Marylander, regardless of their political affiliation,” Morgan Drayton, Common Cause Maryland Policy and Engagement Manager, will tell the committee. 

“It is important that voters understand the significance of election districts, how they are drawn, the steps in the process, and the opportunities for Marylanders to engage in the redistricting process before the final district maps are brought to a vote.” 

Drayton’s specific recommendations for the committee to administer a fair and transparent process include:  

• Confirming the dates of the upcoming December Special Session 

• Releasing current draft maps and line-drawing standards for public review as soon as possible 

• Scheduling meeting times at accessible times, not during traditional working hours, moving times back for virtual hearings to at least at 6 p.m. 

• Removing the current 2-hour cap on public testimony for virtual hearings, especially in cases of significant turnout 

“Early disclosure of the draft maps and criteria will provide the most opportunity for public review and for Marylanders to engage in the redistricting process before the final district maps are brought to a vote.” 

“As Maryland’s demographics continue to grow and change, we must be sure to center the voices of Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other historically marginalized communities.” 

To see the meeting agenda, click here.  

To read the full prepared testimony, click here.