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The Caroline County Commissioners have sent a letter opposing Senate Bill 2100, which has a hearing today.
Every 10 years, Maryland draws new congressional district maps. These maps decide which communities are grouped together and who represents them in Congress.
Right now, the State must consider county lines and natural boundaries, such as the Chesapeake Bay, when drawing these districts. The districts must also be connected and reasonably compact.
Senate Bill 2100 would make clear that these rules no longer apply to congressional districts. That could make it easier to divide the Eastern Shore or group Caroline County with larger metropolitan areas that have very different needs.
We already feel that rural communities are not heard in Annapolis or Washington. If Caroline County becomes a small part of a district controlled by much larger communities, it could become even harder for our residents to have a voice.
Agriculture, waterways, small businesses, rural roads and access to services are a major part of life on the Eastern Shore. We need representatives who understand those issues and will speak up for our communities.
This bill would not change our district today. It would change the rules used to draw future maps.
The Commissioners’ full letter of opposition is attached.
