Baltimore City Question ECharter Amendment – Contract Bidding (Lowest Bidder Rule)
What your vote means
A YES vote removes the charter rule that city contracts must go to the lowest bidder, along with its tie-bid and bid-bond rules, as of Nov. 7, 2028 unless a city law covers the topic sooner.
A NO vote keeps the charter's current rules on contract bidding and awards.
Our one-line summary of the official wording.
In plain words
Our summary of the official materials and local reporting.
- The amendment removes the lowest-bidder requirement, the process for tie bids, and charter rules on bid bonds and performance bonds. source: elections.maryland.gov
- It takes effect Nov. 7, 2028, unless an ordinance (city law) or regulation on the topic is adopted sooner. source: elections.maryland.gov
- It is part of the City Council charter package, Council Bill 26-0172, introduced April 6, 2026. source: baltimore.legistar.com
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
- Council President Zeke Cohen directed the council's charter review committee, chaired by Councilman Ryan Dorsey, to review the charter, which has been changed substantially only twice in modern history, most recently in 1994. The committee's package went to the ballot. source: foxbaltimore.com
Why supporters want it
- Councilman Jermaine Jones said the charter 'locks us into a low-bid contracting only' model, which can favor lowest price over best value. source: foxbaltimore.com
- A May 2026 letter from 20 groups (including Clean Water Action, Maryland Center on Economic Policy and Public Justice Center) says the lowest-bidder rule can lead to low-quality purchases and bids that later grow. source: cleanwater.org
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- The 20-group letter supports the council's budget and procurement reforms (Council Bill 26-0172). source: cleanwater.org
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
Word for word from the State Board of Elections' official Baltimore City ballot: elections.maryland.gov .
Charter Amendment Contract Bidding and Awards
Question E amends the City Charter to remove the requirement of awarding a contract to the lowest bidder, removes the process for resolving tie bids, and removes provisions governing the bid bonds and performance bonds required by some contractors. Voting for this Amendment removes these provisions from the Charter, which will become effective November 7, 2028, unless an ordinance or regulation governing the topic is adopted sooner. Voting against the amendment leaves the current Charter language governing contract bidding and awards in place.
- For the Charter Amendment
- Against the Charter Amendment
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.