Does Maine require a two-thirds majority to redraw congressional districts?

Maine requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature to redraw congressional districts. Redistricting is permitted every 10 years, with the next maps to be drawn after the 2030 census.

Maps are drafted by a bipartisan apportionment commission, then sent to the Legislature. Both chambers must approve the maps by a two-thirds vote. The governor’s approval is also required. If lawmakers fail to agree on a map, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court steps in.

Changing this process would require a constitutional amendment; those need approval from two-thirds of the Legislature and then a majority of Maine voters.

Redistricting has become a hot political issue as Texas Republicans move to redraw the state’s map, which requires a majority of the Legislature, to pick up more U.S. House seats. In response, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed that his state let voters decide whether to redraw districts to be more Democrat-friendly.