Redistricting Plan In Prince George's Rejected By Maryland Court Of Appeals

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — In a two-page order, the Maryland Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court decision rejecting the redistricting plan proposed by six members of the Prince George's County Council in November 2021. The Court of Appeals ordered the county to use boundaries drawn by an independent three-member commission instead.

Residents initially expressed concern about the proposed redistricting plan. They were quite vocal, holding rallies, attending a public hearing and hiring an attorney.

The County Council was accused of gerrymandering. The attorney, Matthew G. Sawyer, argued that the council bypassed law when it approved the alternative map as a resolution. Sawyer noted that the County Council needed to approve a bill instead, a point the Court of Appeals agreed with.

“By using a resolution, it removed the county executive’s ability to veto (the map), and it removed the people’s opportunity to lobby the county executive to veto it,” Sawyer told Maryland Matters.

Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said she respects the rulings of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court and the Maryland Court of Appeals.

"With this matter resolved and the redistricting map designed by the redistricting commission now in place, our board of elections may now move forward with redrawing the council district lines," Alsobrooks said.