Tue Sep 10 17:37:58 UTC 2024: ## Baltimore County Council Faces Backlash Over Redistricting Plan
**Baltimore, MD** – Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka is facing criticism over a proposed redistricting map included in a bill to expand the council. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland has alleged that the map could violate the federal Voting Rights Act, while state lawmakers have raised concerns about the bill’s impact on the county Board of Education.
The ACLU argues that the new map would dilute the voting power of Black residents in western Baltimore County by creating two new districts, one of which would be majority-Black. The group has also filed a lawsuit against the county over previous redistricting efforts.
State lawmakers, including House Speaker Adrienne Jones, oppose the bill due to its inclusion of language that would allow the council to appoint two county Board of Education members, replacing current state-appointed positions.
Patoka, however, has defended his proposed map, claiming it was designed to create two majority-Black districts, providing Black candidates a greater opportunity to win elections. He has also stressed the map’s adherence to compactness and contiguity standards.
In response to the ACLU’s objections, Patoka has co-sponsored a bill introduced by Councilman Pat Young, which would remove the contested Board of Education language and repeal the proposed redistricting map. Young has stated that the original map was drafted without public input.
Despite the controversy, Patoka maintains that the proposed redistricting process is a step toward achieving a more equitable and representative council, reflecting the county’s growing and diversifying population.
The council is set to vote on Young’s bill on October 7th, after further discussions on Tuesday and October 1st.
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