Eastern Shore Republicans File Lawsuit to Block Redistricting Ballot Question
CAMBRIDGE, Md. — A group of Eastern Shore Republican lawmakers and local party leaders have filed a lawsuit in Dorchester County Circuit Court, seeking to block a controversial redistricting amendment from appearing on the November 2026 general election ballot.
The legal challenge, Wheatley v. Maryland State Board of Elections, targets House Bill 2100—a measure passed by Democratic lawmakers during a special legislative session and signed by Gov. Wes Moore. If approved by voters, HB 2100 would amend the Maryland Constitution to clarify that state redistricting criteria—such as requirement for compact, contiguous districts that respect political boundaries—apply strictly to General Assembly seats, not federal congressional districts.
The plaintiffs include Lindsay Mydra Wheatley, a member of the Dorchester County Republican Central Committee, alongside state Sens. Mary Beth Carozza, J.B. Mautz, and Chris West, and Del. Christopher Adams.
Key Claims in the Complaint
Missed Statutory Deadlines: The suit alleges that the General Assembly rushed HB 2100 through a two-day special session, missing key election deadlines. Specifically, the filing notes that the Secretary of State was required under Maryland Election Law to certify statewide ballot questions by July 1, 2026—more than a month before HB 2100 was enacted on August 5.
Misleading Ballot Language: Plaintiffs argue the language presented on the ballot is deceptive. They contend that framing the amendment as a mere "clarification" conceals its true intent: stripping voters of constitutional protections against partisan gerrymandering and giving the legislature unbridled authority over federal maps.
Violation of the Single-Subject Requirement: The lawsuit asserts that HB 2100 improperly "logrolls" three separate constitutional topics into a single vote. According to the filing, altering redistricting standards, modifying constitutional rights, and granting the Maryland Supreme Court original jurisdiction over congressional map challenges should be presented to voters as separate ballot questions.
The lawsuit names the Maryland State Board of Elections, Secretary of State Susan Lee, State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis, and local election boards across the Eastern Shore and Baltimore County as defendants.
Because state election officials must finalize and print ballots ahead of early voting, the plaintiffs have requested an expedited ruling to restrain the board from including Question 3 on the November ballot.