League of Women Voters recommends expanding Kent County commission from three to five and district elections

The League of Women Voters of Kent County presented the findings of a study Jan. 28 that recommended increasing the number of Kent County commissioners from three to five and switching from at‑large to district-based elections.

Marion Herb, co‑chair of the League’s study committee, told the commissioners the League completed the review in December 2024 and reached a membership consensus in favor of five commissioners elected by district. The League compared Kent County with the other 11 least‑populated Maryland counties and said advantages include fewer committee assignments per commissioner, improved subject‑matter expertise, reduced quorum problems and the potential for increased representation and diversity.

The League noted disadvantages and tradeoffs, including an estimated additional annual cost of about $80,000 (described in the study as roughly one‑tenth of a percent of the county budget) and the political and logistical change of a decades‑long election routine. The League also presented survey results from 198 adults (about 1% of the county population) gathered at public events and online; 76% of respondents favored increasing the commission to five seats, and 59% remained supportive when the estimated cost was specified.

Commissioners discussed staggered terms, legal and constitutional requirements for changing election timing, and the need to coordinate state legislative changes if staggered or staggered‑term structures are pursued. Commissioner John F. Price and other board members said they were open to further study and to consulting the county’s state delegate about possible legislation, but they did not take any vote at the meeting.

The League’s fact sheet and study appendices will remain available to the board and the public as commissioners consider whether to move forward with a local law or engage state lawmakers on election‑method changes.