Obama urges Maryland voters to approve Question 3 on redistricting

Former President Barack Obama has joined the campaign encouraging Maryland voters to approve Question 3, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning the state's congressional district maps, FOX45 Baltimore reported. In a new 30-second television ad airing in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. media markets, Obama appeals directly to voters to support the measure, framing it as a way to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states, according to The Baltimore Banner.

The ad, paid for by Governor Wes Moore's campaign with an initial $500,000 buy, is part of a larger multi-million-dollar effort highlighting the governor's priorities, FOX45 Baltimore noted. Obama describes the ballot question as a tool to stop what he calls a "Republican power grab" by allowing Maryland to draw its own congressional maps.

Question 3 would amend the Maryland Constitution to clarify that the existing requirements for drawing state legislative districts, such as compactness and respecting natural boundaries, would not apply to congressional districts. It would also allow the General Assembly to send challenges to congressional maps directly to the Maryland Supreme Court. The amendment would not affect congressional elections before 2028, FOX45 Baltimore reported.

Supporters of the measure argue it is a response to midterm redistricting moves by Republican-led states, while opponents contend that it could give state lawmakers more freedom to draw districts that benefit their party. This division has crossed party lines, with some Democrats opposing the measure, as noted by FOX45 Baltimore.

The ballot question is expected to be one of the most contested items in Maryland's upcoming general election, with polls showing voters divided and significant spending by political groups on both sides, The Baltimore Banner added. The campaign is intensifying as Election Day approaches, with new opposition groups emerging to challenge Question 3.