MARYLAND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION DISTRICTS

After each federal census, Congress determines the number of representatives for each state based on population (U.S. Constitution, Art. 1, sec. 2). Maryland retained eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 1990 federal census. Every two years, voters elect one representative from each of Maryland's eight congressional districts (Code 1957, Art. 33, sec. 22-2).

Boundaries of Maryland's congressional districts are defined by legislation enacted by the General Assembly. These boundaries have changed over time, and they continue to change. Local boards of election supervisors 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 districts may have undergone changes at the precinct level between enactments of the General Assembly (Code 1957, Art. 33, sec. 2-12).

Map of Congressional Election Districts for Maryland

In the description of congressional district boundaries that follows, all references to election districts, wards, and precincts signify geographical boundaries as they existed on April 1, 1990. Precinct boundaries are dynamic. Changes are made to reflect population shifts and to ensure convenient polling places for all voters. Local boards of supervisors of elections can provide current information on precincts encompassed within each congressional district. Maryland's present congressional districts were enacted by the General Assembly in 1991 (Chapter 4, Acts of 2nd Special Session of 1991; Code 1957, Art. 33, secs. 22-3 through 22-10).

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