The Maryland legislature is preparing for a special session scheduled for next month. Democratic lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment addressing redistricting. This move comes as a response to recent gerrymandering efforts by Republicans in the South.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, representing Baltimore City, plays a significant role in this initiative. The need for the session arises from the nationwide concern over recent changes in district mappings, especially in regions with substantial Black populations.

While Maryland is tackling the issue with this amendment proposal, the timing is too late to affect the upcoming midterm elections. In the South, new districts will lean towards Republican preferences, following alterations made after the Supreme Court’s decision that affected the Voting Rights Act.