ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Sen. Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) pressed ahead with his solo protest against stalled congressional redistricting legislation on the second day, prompting a quick review of Senate rules after he questioned whether refusing to register presence during quorum calls would achieve his goal.
Ellis, representing Charles County in Southern Maryland’s District 28, launched his one-man demonstration last week by vowing to withhold participation in quorum calls until the Senate takes up House Bill 488. The measure, which passed the House and redraws Maryland’s eight congressional districts for the 2026 elections and beyond, remains held in the Senate Rules Committee as of Monday night, February 9, 2026. Ellis did not mark his presence during Monday’s electronic roll call, raising the issue at the start of the evening floor session.
He cited press reports suggesting his physical absence from the quorum registration would not matter if he remained in the chamber. “I saw communications in the press say that [not registering his presence during a quorum call] doesn’t matter, as long as I’m physically here, that’s what counts,” Ellis asked. The query sent senators, including Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore), flipping through rule books—Hershey consulted his sticky note-marked copy.
Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) confirmed the interpretation. “That is the case,” Ferguson said. “Presence is present.” Senate rules indicate that a quorum of at least 24 of the 47 senators is established by physical presence in the chamber, regardless of whether they respond during the roll call or electronic registration. This provision limits the impact of Ellis’s tactic, as his attendance alone counts toward the threshold needed for business to proceed.
Despite boycotting quorum participation, Ellis retains full voting rights on legislation. Senate rules mandate that senators present on the floor must vote on bills under consideration. His protest, which began February 5, 2026, when he walked off the floor after a Black History Month speech, aims to pressure leadership—particularly Ferguson—into releasing HB 488 from committee for a full debate and vote. The bill would implement changes recommended by Gov. Wes Moore’s Redistricting Advisory Committee, potentially reshaping districts including those affecting Southern Maryland representation.
Ellis has described his stand as a personal decision to highlight what he views as unacceptable federal impacts on communities, particularly Black and Brown residents. He has indicated he will continue attending sessions, committee work, and caucus discussions while maintaining the quorum refusal until the bill advances. The protest has drawn attention beyond Annapolis, including a national television appearance shortly after its start.
As of Monday evening, February 9, 2026, HB 488 stayed in the Rules Committee with no immediate movement signaled. Ferguson’s long-standing opposition to mid-decade redistricting, citing risks to electoral certainty and potential backlash, continues to hold sway in the Democratic-majority chamber. The legislative session runs through early April, leaving time for potential shifts, though the bill’s path remains uncertain. Ellis’s action underscores internal Democratic tensions over redistricting strategy amid broader political dynamics in Maryland.
This development resonates in Southern Maryland, where Charles County falls under congressional districts potentially affected by any map changes. The protest highlights ongoing debates over fair representation and the timing of boundary adjustments outside the decennial census cycle. No further disruptions or rule changes were reported from the session.
