In accordance with Section 207 of the Baltimore County Charter, Redistricting is conducted after each decennial census. The U.S. Constitution mandates a periodic census of the country. The population is enumerated every 10 years, and the results are used to allocate Congressional seats, electoral votes, and government program funding. The census is performed by the United States Census Bureau. Based upon the 2020 census data, legislative bodies including the County Council will redistrict in accordance with their jurisdictional requirements.
The Baltimore County Redistricting process began in March 2021 with the Council’s appointment of a five-member bipartisan Councilmanic Redistricting Commission. The Commission was formed to make recommendations on new boundaries for the seven Council districts following the 2020 Census. The Commission held three public hearings in June 2021 and also utilized a dedicated Commission Redistricting email address in order to receive public input during this process. The Commission also held public meetings in April, July, August, and September 2021. During these public meetings, the Commission developed a recommended map on September 23rd and voted to adopt that map on September 30th. The Commission submitted its recommendations to the County Council on October 6, 2021. This included a written report, a recommended map, and draft legislation, which is posted on the Council’s website.
The Council is currently considering the Commission’s recommendations. The Council held a public hearing on October 26, 2021 and is now tasked with adopting a final redistricting plan through legislation. A final redistricting plan must be adopted by January 31, 2022.
Written testimony concerning Redistricting may be sent directly to the County Council at countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Councilmanic Redistricting Commission
Baltimore County Redistricting Manual
Final Report of the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission
Submitted Written Testimony