League of Women Voters of Maryland Demands the Governor Use a Nonpartisan Commission to Create Fair Maps

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The League of Women Voters of Maryland, Maryland’s most trusted nonpartisan elections and democracy organization, demands that Governor Wes Moore and State legislators adhere to a truly nonpartisan approach as they move forward with their plan of mid-decade redistricting. 

“It is impossible to have a truly ‘fair’ map when you begin with a structure that does not include party members who represent 25% of Maryland,” said Nikki Tyree, executive director, League of Women Voters of Maryland. “There is a better way to do this, but Maryland leaders seem determined to play partisan games with the Maryland voters.” 

The League of Women Voters of Maryland does not support mid-decade redistricting, especially when it is driven by political expediency rather than fairness for voters. But the decision has been made. LWVMD believes that responsibility for redistricting should be vested in an independent special commission, with a representative membership that includes citizens at large, public interest groups, and members of minority groups.

“We urge the Governor to include all voices at the table, not just some. While hearings are useful, they do not substitute for being part of the decision-making,” said Linda Kohn, President, League of Women Voters of Maryland. “A fair outcome needs to have a fair process.”

The League of Women Voters of Maryland has been a cornerstone of Maryland democracy for 105 years. During that time, LWVMD has been at the forefront of redistricting, voter rights, and preserving democratic values. While LWVMD is sympathetic to the pressure on Maryland leadership to respond to actions in other states, the League would remind them: You serve Marylanders, not a party.