Redistricting FAQs

What Is Redistricting?

Redistricting is a process that uses population data to redraw electoral districts or boundary lines within a state based on changes in population. The process affects districts at various levels of government, including the U.S. House of Representatives, state legislatures, city councils, county commissions or councils and local school boards.

What Is Apportionment?

Apportionment is a requirement of Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution that allocates the number of seats within the U.S. House of Representative to states based on their populations. Reapportionment does not involve the drawing of boundaries for specific congressional districts. Once the number of House representatives is determined, specific electoral districts from which representatives are to be elected are created through the process of redistricting. The U.S. Census Bureau must submit the apportionment results to the President of the United States by Dec. 31 of the Census year.

 Click here to view a short informative video on Apportionment from the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the role of the U.S. Census Bureau in redistricting?

In accordance with P.L. (Public Law) 94-171, the U.S. Census Bureau must deliver the census data to each state within one year of collecting data for the decennial, or 10-year, census. Since the Census Day for population counting was held April 1, 2010, the Census Bureau must do so by April 1, 2011. Because of a new state law (See "What is the 'No Representation Without Population Act of 2010?'" below), Maryland will adjust the Census data given to the state by the U.S. Census Bureau.

When does the redistricting process start?

As with all states, Maryland redistricts every 10 years after the decennial census is completed.

What is the process for Congressional redistricting in Maryland?

Both the Maryland Constitution and statutes are silent on the matter of congressional redistricting. Congress has given state legislatures authority to redistrict congressional seats. The congressional districts are required by federal law to be single member districts.. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act (Section 2) also apply to congressional redistricting. The Maryland congressional plan is introduced as a regular bill in the General Assembly and must be passed by both houses and signed by the Governor who has veto power over the plan.

How many U.S. senators does Maryland have?

Maryland, like every other state, has two U.S. senators.

How many Congressional seats does Maryland have?

Maryland has eight Congressional seats.

How are they determined?

When Congress convenes in the year following the Census, the president must transmit to the state legislative body a statement of the apportionment of the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representative among the states. The number of representatives allocated to each state is based on the Census results and determined by the "method of equal proportions." Each state is guaranteed at least one representative. The remaining 385 seats are divided among the states through a mathematical formula based on population.

What is the process for State Legislative redistricting in Maryland?

Article III, Section 5 of the Maryland Constitution requires the Governor to prepare a legislative districting plan following the decennial census. The Governor must present the plan to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The presiding officers must have the plan introduced as a joint resolution on the first day of the regular session in the second year following the decennial census (In this case that will be January 11, 2012). If the General Assembly has not adopted another redistricting plan by the 45th day of the session, the Governor's plan as presented becomes law.

How many state senators does Maryland have?

The Maryland General Assembly has 47 members in the State Senate who are apportioned equally based on the state's modified Census population in accordance with Maryland state law.

How many delegates does the Maryland General Assembly have?

The Maryland General Assembly has 141 members in the House of Delegates.

How are the Delegate districts arranged?

The Delegate districts are "nested" within the Senate districts. In Maryland, there are 3 delegates for each Senate district. The Delegate districts may be a 3 member at-large district, a district subdivided into three single-member districts or a one single-member district and one multi-member district.

What is the 'No Representation Without Population Act of 2010'?

For the purposes of redistricting, the No Representation Without Population Act (the "Act) requires prisoners in state or federal prisons to be counted as residents of their last known address before incarceration. The Act also requires Maryland to exclude those federal or state prisoners who were not State residents prior to their incarceration from the count to determine legislative districts. The Act applies to legislative districts for the U.S. Congress, General Assembly, and county and municipal governing bodies.

What is the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee?

A Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee historically has been created to review state and congressional redistricting plans and to develop plan recommendations for the Governor. Governor Martin O'Malley appointed a Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee on July 4.

Can anyone submit a redistricting plan to the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee and what is the process for submitting plans?

Yes. The Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee adopted guidelines for the submission of redistricting plans by citizens and interest groups. These guidelines establish the preferred format for these plans as well as the procedure for submitting these plans to the Committee.

Will there be public hearings to obtain feedback?

Yes, the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee has released a schedule of 12 public hearings throughout Maryland. Advance sign-in for public testimony, driving directions and other information can be accessed at http://planning.maryland.gov/redistricting/2010/publicHearings.shtml

What state agencies are involved in redistricting?

The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) provides staff support to the Governor's office and the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee. It prepares and assists with customizing maps and statistical data reports needed to develop the Congressional and Legislative redistricting plans. The Department also analyzes all plans submitted to the Advisory Committee. MDP is also the repository for all redistricting plans submitted for recommendation.

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services provides staff support necessary for redistricting to the members of the General Assembly, including assistance with drafting plan submissions or amendments to the Governor's plans. It also analyzes plans submitted to the General Assembly by the general public and interest groups.

The Maryland State Board of Elections is responsible for conducting elections based on the new redistricted boundary lines.

Where can I get more information?

http://planning.maryland.gov/Redistricting
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Other/Redistricting/Redistricting.htm