The Maryland Senate approved a bill Thursday that would require the state to create a nonpartisan commission for redistricting — but only if five other states agree to do the same. Senators were divided between those who see the bill as a hollow gesture and others who say it’s a first step toward fixing Maryland’s confusing, gerrymandered political districts. Proponents of the bill say that requiring five other Mid-Atlantic states to shift to nonpartisan redistricting is a regional solution to the problem. Opponents countered that the measure would simply delay any meaningful action. “We’re going to pass something that will never happen, just so we can say we did something,” said Justin Ready, a Carroll County Republican who voted against the bill.
Sen. Cheryl Kagan, a Montgomery County Democrat who voted for the bill, said it’s a positive first step. “It is an imperfect solution, but it is a better solution than what we have now,” she said.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller acknowledged in an interview Wednesday that he had not reached out to any public officials in the other states to gauge interest in a regional plan.
Maryland’s Congressional districts are considered among the most-gerrymandered in the nation, with districts meandering across the state in ways that have ensured Democrats are elected in most districts.
Full Article: Maryland Senate OKs bill to create redistricting commission — if other states do the same – Baltimore Sun.