This is a call to action regarding recent developments.
In Maryland, we’ve enacted laws that allow for the automatic redistricting of eight legislative districts only if another state decides to break from established norms and redistrict based on the last decade’s data or longer.
States like Texas are currently threatening to do just that. Maryland, along with others, has already adjusted its U.S. congressional districts following the 2020 Census.
If these states change their rules and districts mid-election, others will likely be compelled to respond to this blatant disregard for fairness. Even if it takes a while to put a counter-response in place, it is crucial to challenge such actions in both the present and future election cycles.
Nonetheless, we hope for a moment of reflection before taking drastic measures.
Back in 2003, the Texas leadership pushed through similar tactics, manipulating district lines until they achieved favorable outcomes. Following suit, Georgia quickly adopted its own redistricting measures. Meanwhile, other states have generally observed this unusual behavior without intervening as it has unfolded over the last ten years.
Now, as we see history potentially repeating itself, we must not allow a harmful precedent to be established, one that permits states to arbitrarily redraw their legislative districts.
Every state has its own procedures for electing legislative members, so we need a degree of consistency regarding how often states can redraw their share of the 435-member House of Representatives. Fairness dictates that either all states should have the freedom to redistrict whenever they choose, or none should. The latter option feels more sensible; avoiding endless redistricting protects both the electorate and Congress from instability.
Sadly, this seems lost on President Trump. He’s attempting to manipulate the system by urging state officials to “find” votes in Congress. Amid rising approval ratings, his current strategy has state leaders redrawing district lines in hopes of attaining favorable election outcomes.
Previously, when he sought help to “find” votes, many state leaders bravely refused. It will take the same kind of courage now.
Alternatively, there’s a more effective approach. States can enter into an interstate compact, establishing guidelines on redistricting frequency. I encourage states to enter such agreements while we await federal legislation or judicial intervention to provide clearer rules for our delicate democracy.
Again, we hope that state leaders will step back from the edge. Ideally, my calls for action will spark debate, and our state will adhere to the tradition of redistricting only after each decennial census.
However, if some states decide to disregard this history and try to unify through manipulation, the others will unfortunately have to respond accordingly.
Let’s hope this impending crisis inspires courage among leaders in both parties to seek a resolution that prevents this downward spiral.
