When would Question 3 take effect?

Chapter 881 proposes two changes to the Maryland Constitution: a limit on Article III, Section 4, and a new Section 62. It does not draw a district. Voters are asked to adopt or reject it at the November 2026 general election.

“Immediately after the election, all returns shall be made to the Governor of the vote for and against the proposed amendment, as directed by Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution, and further proceedings held in accordance with Article XIV.”

Chapter 881, Section 3(c). The full text is the amendment PDF linked below.

• Section 4Gains the words “for the election of a member of the Senate and members of the House of Delegates.” Its rules, that districts consist of adjoining territory, be compact in form and of substantially equal population, with due regard for natural boundaries and the boundaries of political subdivisions, would apply to those districts only.
• New Section 62(A)The General Assembly may grant original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court of Maryland to review the congressional districting plan. Today a challenge in state court starts in a circuit court.
• New Section 62(B)“Nothing in this article or elsewhere in this Constitution, including the Declaration of Rights, provides applicable criteria for the boundaries of a congressional districting plan.”

This question does not contain a map. The February bill that did, House Bill 488, never got a Senate vote.

A vote against leaves Article III as it is. In 2022 a circuit judge applied Article III, Section 4 to a congressional map. That ruling is not binding precedent.

• U.S. ConstitutionDistricts of equal population
• Federal Voting Rights ActMinority voters’ power can’t be watered down

Federal rules apply either way.