“We can share concerns:” City of Cambridge hosts public listening session on proposed changes for election districts

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – “The committee’s proposal that we’re listening to tonight is very fair and even handed,” Carroll said.

That proposal is a realignment of the City of Cambridge’s five election districts. A seven-member Ward Realignment Committee presented their recommendations to the city council back in September. That committee was made up of appointments by both the city council and the mayor.  “It adjusts 10 census tracks or blocks. It’s actually four separate geographic areas that are relatively small that would move from one ward to another ward.”

Above is the proposed map of the committee’s recommendations which would only impact 3% of the city’s total population. City Manager Tom Carroll told 47ABC not only would the move make the wards equal in size but representative of the city’s demographic makeup. “Every vote should have roughly the same weight. So, when you have an elected official representing you, you have a stronger voice in terms of representation,” he said.

What the proposal doesn’t address is voter turnout, which is why Mayor Steve Rideout said he hopes this process can be the catalyst as the city continues to push for more public involvement. “Out of a potential voting population of over 1,700 people, there’s only 200-300 people voting,” Mayor Rideout said. “Get out and listen to the candidates and hear what they have to say so that it will be a true representation of that ward in terms of who will be elected.”

Thursday night, residents had the chance to do just that and let their voices be heard. The city hosted a listening session in council chambers. “We can share concerns, engage in a back-and-forth discussion, and have dialogue about figuring out if this is as fair, we think it is,” Carroll said.

If the committee thinks it’s ready, they will go back to the commissioners with a formal map amendment. What the committee proposed is just a recommendation and the final decision will rest in the hands of the commissioners.

We’re told those changes would start a charter amendment process which could take 60-90 days and will also include a public hearing.

All of these changes would have to be finalized before the 2024 general election.