SCRIM is a nonpartisan, nonprofit social welfare organization dedicated to strengthening the rules and institutions that govern redistricting in Maryland. SCRIM promotes transparency, independence, equal representation, and full compliance with constitutional and voting rights standards.
Our Mission
The mission of Sensible Communities Redistricting in Maryland (“SCRIM”) is to advocate for fair redistricting maps, processes, and procedures on the federal, state, and local level in the State of Maryland; encourage civic participation and awareness around the issues of redistricting and fair representation; and advance other social welfare purposes.
SCRIM’s focus is structural reform — the rules, guardrails, and institutional design that shape how district lines are drawn — rather than the political fortunes of any individual candidate or party.
Core Principles
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1. Districts belong to the people
Maryland’s local, state, and congressional districts belong to its citizens and not to any legislator, interest group, or political party.
2. Opposition to partisan entrenchment
Maryland’s historical practice of partisan and non‑independent legislative redistricting stifles political competition, discourages compromise, and ensures continued control by those already in power, rather than by the people.
3. Redistricting should serve democracy
The redistricting process should not be a tool used by those in power to protect and bolster their power, but instead should be designed to promote the best interest of Maryland’s democracy and its citizens.
4. Independent and representative commissions
A fair, open, transparent, and independent redistricting commission should be responsible for drawing legislative districts. Commission members should be registered voters in the jurisdiction who neither hold nor are candidates for public office and who are not related to or employed by the appointing authority or the governing body. They should also be reflective of the racial, partisan, and geographic diversity of the jurisdiction.
5. Equal population
The redistricting process should reflect an honest and good‑faith effort to construct districts that are as nearly of equal population as is practicable, because every citizen’s vote should count equally.
6. Protection of minority rights
Consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, legislative districts should be drawn in a manner that does not deny or abridge the ability and opportunity of racial and language minority groups in the jurisdiction to elect candidates of their choice.
7. Compactness and respect for boundaries
Consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, legislative districts should be geographically compact and contiguous and should give due regard to natural boundaries, major streets, highways, railways, and political subdivision boundaries.
How to Show Your Support for SCRIM’s Mission and Principles
If you’re a Maryland registered voter, become a SCRIM member! If you’re not a Marylander or are not yet registered to vote in Maryland, you can still become a SCRIM supporter.