Maryland Freedom Caucus files lawsuit against congressional redistricting amendment

Salisbury, Md. – Maryland Republicans are reacting after GOP leadership filed a lawsuit on Thursday questioning the legality of the legislative process used to put a constitutional amendment on redistricting on ballots this fall.

On Thursday, the Maryland Freedom Caucus filed a lawsuit alongside Senate Republican Leadership alleging the General Assembly violated the legislative process on constitutional amendments and ballot placement. State Senator Johnny Mautz (R – District 37) says he expects the courts will grant an injunction on the constitutional amendment if voters approve it.

“I also expect there to be a public campaign to try to educate Maryland voters about the consequences of what’s been proposed in that constitutional amendment,” Mautz said. “So, this entire effort is directed towards the Eastern Shore and our representation, but it’s not limited to the Eastern Shore. This is a forever change to the Constitution. It will not only change the Eastern Shore, but it’ll change the rest of the state of Maryland.”

State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R – District 38) said she is prepared to fight the legislation and wanted to encourage Eastern Shore voters to use their voice.

“The fight is on! Lawsuits are being filed to challenge the just-passed constitution amendment which bypassed due process and eliminated the public comment period required under law,” Carozza said in an email statement to WMDT. “The new ‘Protect Maryland Votes’ ballot initiative has been launched to stop the constitutional amendment that clear the way for the most one-sided congressional map in Maryland history.”