1. House Bill 1270 House Legislative Districts - Single Member
February 29, 2016
Rules and Executive Nominations Committee
Sponsored by: Delegate Neil C. Parrott

2. What Does This Bill Do?
HB 1270 modifies the state constitution so that each House Legislative District well be a single-member district.

3. General Facts
Maryland currently has a mix of single, double AND triple member districts.

5. States that use multi-member districts
General Facts
40 states are single-member district states.
States that use multi-member districts
Arizona, Idaho, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia
State senate in Vermont

6. Maryland is a Unique Case
Of the 10 states that have mixed member districts:
We are the ONLY state that has a mixture of single, double, and triple member districts that is directly related to our Senate.
All other states, excluding West Virginia, have a mixture of ONLY single or double member districts.

7. THE 2015 REDISTRICTING REFORM COMMISSION RECOMMENDED
SINGLE-MEMBER LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS.

8. Benefits of Single Member Districts
Direct representation
Ensures geographic representation
Clear Representation
Easier to contact
Scholarships

9. Benefits of Single Member Districts
Closer accountability to the voters in the district
Maximize accountability - a single representative can be held responsible and can be elected or defeated in the next election

10. Benefits of Single Member Districts
Minimizes gerrymandering
Link between constituents and their representatives
Closer ties

11. Please vote favorably on HB 1270
Questions?