1992-2000
U.S. Capitol (west view), Washington, DC, November 2016. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Every two years, voters elect one representative from each of Maryland's eight congressional election districts to represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives (Code Election Law Article, secs. 8-701 through 8-711).
After each federal census, Congress determines the number of representatives for each state based on population (U.S. Constitution, Art. 1, sec. 2). Following the 2020 federal census, Maryland retained eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
U.S. Capitol (west view), Washington, DC, March 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Boundaries of Maryland's congressional election districts are defined by legislation enacted by the General Assembly. These boundaries have changed over time, and they continue to change. Redistricting was last enacted by the General Assembly during a special legislative session on December 9, 2021 (Chapter 32, Acts of 2021 Special Session). That law changed Congressional election districts prior to the Primary Election of July 19, 2022, the General Election of November 3, 2022, and will apply to primary and general elections thereafter.
Cannon House Office Building, Independence Ave., Washington, DC, December 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Local boards of elections are empowered to redefine precinct boundaries but cannot alter the election districts or wards designated by the Legislature. Consequently, boundaries defined by law for some congressional election districts may have undergone changes at the precinct level between enactments of the General Assembly (Code Election Law Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-207).
Rayburn House Office Building, Independence Ave., Washington, DC, February 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Precinct boundaries are dynamic. Changes are made to reflect population shifts and to ensure convenient polling places for all voters. Local boards of elections can provide current information on precincts encompassed within each district.
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