Eastern Shore delegates warn redistricting amendment would dilute regional voice

Several delegates representing Eastern Shore counties told the House during floor debate that House Bill 2100 would weaken the Shore's ability to elect representatives attuned to local concerns and could reduce federal funding and attention.

The chair of the Eastern Shore delegation said the region had voted unanimously that morning in opposition and argued the special session was the wrong forum for such a change. ‘‘If this bill passes... you are willing to marginalize further Eastern Shore votes such that we have similar elected officials that have a very difficult time communicating an Eastern Shore message,’’ the delegate said. Other Shore delegates echoed those concerns, citing lower state funding and population loss as proof that the region already struggles for influence.

Delegates suggested the legislature should have used its special-session time to address the state's fiscal shortfall, rising power bills and housing shortages rather than a constitutional amendment they fear could be used later in map drawing. Several Shore speakers said they would vote against the measure.