The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit against Prince George’s County, Maryland, over its 2021 council redistricting plan. The suit argues that the map is malapportioned, violating the U.S. Constitution’s “one person, one vote” principle, and fails to meet the county charter’s requirements for compact and equally populated districts. The suit, filed on behalf of several county residents, seeks to ensure that all voters have an equal voice in local government.
The complaint details how neighborhoods in Maryland’s inner beltway — where residents face challenges in housing, transportation and economic opportunity — were divided among eight of nine council districts, weakening their collective voice and dividing crucial communities of interest along Prince George’s County’s four Metrorail line segments. Meanwhile, outer beltway residents — struggling with clogged streets, strained public infrastructure and erosion of green spaces — have representatives who are not representing their unique interests.
The SPLC argues that the current map leaves some residents considerably underrepresented while splitting communities that should be unified. It is seeking the court to order new, fairer district lines before the 2026 election cycle.
The case was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland Southern Division.
