![[photo, Dorchester County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/do/images/1198-1-1694.jpg)
In November 2002, Dorchester County voters adopted a charter form of government, which became effective December 5, 2002. Since that time, the County Council has served as the Legislative Branch of County government.
Elected by the voters to four-year terms, the County Council consists of five members (County Code, secs. 10-1 through 10-8.3).
County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland, January 2007. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
By November 15 of the year before the year in which redistricting is to take effect, the Commission is required to present to the County Council a plan of Council districts, together with a report explaining it. Within 30 days of receiving the Commission's plan, the County Council must hold a public hearing on the plan. If within 90 days after presentation of the Commission's plan no other law reestablishing the boundaries of the Council districts has been enacted, then the plan, as submitted, becomes law.
The Commission is appointed by the County Council, which also names the Chair.
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