HOUSE ADVANCES CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MEASURE

Maryland’s House of Delegates is giving the green light to a proposed constitutional amendment that could change how the state draws congressional districts.  The measure passed Tuesday on a 96-to-38 vote and would remove current state constitutional standards that require congressional districts to follow certain geographic and shape guidelines.  Supporters say the amendment would give lawmakers more flexibility over future maps, while opponents argue it could make partisan redistricting easier.  If approved by the state Senate, the proposal would go before Maryland voters on the November ballot.