Gerrymandering, as discussed in the op-ed piece by Nicholas Stephanopoulos ("Answer to the gerrymander," Jan. 10), is a significant problem in Maryland as indicated by the new congressional districts approved by the Maryland General Assembly last year. Maryland law should stipulate that districts should be compact as well as equal in population.

Districts with unnecessarily peculiar and irregular shapes confuse voters and make it much more difficult for the public to relate effectively to their elected representatives.

I urge the public to contact their state senators and delegates and demand compact districts, as a basic responsible good government condition.

Carolyn C. Battle