Md. Panel Makes Redistricting Reform Recommendations
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A panel is recommending Maryland reform its congressional and state legislative redistricting process by creating an independent commission to draw the districts.
The panel sent recommendations on Tuesday to Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who appointed them to explore reforms.
The commission would have nine members. Three of them would be affiliated with the Democratic Party, and three would be affiliated with the Republican Party. Three others would not be associated with either party.
Now, the shaping of the districts every 10 years is largely in the hands of the governor, who submits a proposed map to the Legislature, which votes on it.
Critics say Maryland has some of the most gerrymandered congressional districts in the country. Opponents of the panel's recommendations say reforms should be made nationally, not state-by-state.
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