Maryland Question 3 Results: Voters Decide Redistricting Amendment [Live Updates]

Polls have officially closed across Maryland and voters will determine whether lawmakers gain more freedom to redraw the state’s congressional districts.

The proposed constitutional amendment dubbed Question 3 could pave the way for a new map ahead of the 2028 election.

Patch is following Tuesday's election results. Check back for updates on Question 3 and how residents voted. As of 8:50 p.m., the State Board of Elections’ website had not yet released results.

What Would Question 3 Change?

Question 3 would state that Maryland’s Constitution does not set criteria for drawing congressional districts, the boundaries that determine which communities elect each of the state’s eight U.S. House members.

As explained in Patch’s voter guide, the change would remove state constitutional restrictions requiring compact districts and consideration of natural, county and city boundaries. Federal requirements would still apply.

A vote for Question 3 supports removing those state constitutional limits for congressional maps. A vote against it supports keeping the current rules.

The amendment would leave the constitutional standards for Maryland’s state Senate and House of Delegates districts in place. It also would allow lawmakers to give the Supreme Court of Maryland authority to hear congressional map challenges directly.

Why Does It Matter?

Democrats entered the election holding seven of Maryland’s eight U.S. House seats. Republican Rep. Andy Harris represents the Eastern Shore-centered 1st District.

Removing the state restrictions could make it easier for the Democratic-controlled legislature to draw a map favoring Democrats in all eight districts. Approval would not automatically create a new map; lawmakers would have to take additional action. The amendment would not change the districts used in Tuesday’s election.

Gov. Wes Moore and other supporters have argued that Maryland should respond to Republican-led states redrawing congressional maps for partisan advantage at President Donald Trump’s urging.

Opponents, including Republican Del. Kathy Szeliga of Baltimore County, argue the measure would enable more partisan gerrymandering and weaken voters’ protections, according to Maryland Matters coverage published by Patch.

How Did Question 3 Reach The Ballot?

Lawmakers approved the proposal during an August special session, but legal challenges threatened to keep it off the ballot.

Judges in Anne Arundel and Dorchester counties blocked the measure. The Supreme Court of Maryland subsequently allowed it to proceed, while agreeing that the original ballot wording was misleading.

The divided high court ordered revised language in September, allowing voters to decide the amendment’s fate. Any resulting changes to the congressional map would affect elections in 2028 or later.

What Other Constitutional Amendments Are On Maryland's Ballot?

In addition to Question 3, Maryland voters are deciding two other statewide constitutional amendments Tuesday. Both concern how state government operates.

Question 1: State Employee Pay And Benefits

Question 1 would require the governor to include funding in the proposed state budget for wages, benefits and other employment terms established through collective bargaining agreements with state employees.

The requirement would apply whether the state and employee unions reached an agreement through negotiations or a neutral arbitrator determined the terms.

A vote for Question 1 supports requiring the governor to include enough money in the proposed budget to cover those agreements. A vote against it keeps the current budgeting rules in place.

Question 2: Maryland Commission On Judicial Disabilities

Question 2 would change how the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities fills temporary vacancies, which handles complaints about judicial misconduct.

The amendment would allow temporary substitute appointments when commission members are disqualified or recuse themselves from cases, or when their terms expire.

The commission's chair could recall a former member to serve temporarily. The governor could also appoint a temporary replacement or, at the chair's request, extend a current member's term.

A vote for Question 2 supports allowing those temporary appointments to keep the commission operating. A vote against it maintains the current membership rules.