Over 600,000 independent or ‘unaffiliated’ voters in the state, however, will be left out of this process.
While Maryland does not have a completely closed primary, the choice of whether or not to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in their primary is left up to each individual party, and thus far, both Republicans and Democrats have kept their primaries closed. This has meant that the primary itself effectively remains closed, a fact that has angered many unaffiliated voters.
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14 comments:
My son registered as independent because he, like me is totally disgusted with both parties and want to chose the best person based on character and platform and not party affiliation.
If we elect party leadership that will open the primaries to independents this will no longer be an issue.....however, the party wants you to join and vote the party line.
Me personally, I would much rather be allowed to pick the best candidate in each part to face off in the general election...then the willing candidate would be easier to live with.....
imagine that, Maryland politics angering voters... ha!
Primaries are supposed to be a function of the political parties and not government. If you are an "independent" then you have no party & no "right" to impact a party's primary election. If you don't like it then join a political party and be part of the primary vote otherwise keep quiet.
10:11 ignorant and hostile.
I have endured this glitch for 25+ years as an independent.
Typical small mind.
You probably don't even vote.
10:11, there four or more "Independent" partys. The Green Party, the Libertarian Party, The Constitution Party,America First Party* 2002
American Conservative Party 2008
American Freedom Party 2010 American Third Position Party
American Populist Party 2009
Americans Elect 2011
America's Party 2008 America's Independent Party
Christian Liberty Party* 1996 American Heritage Party
Citizens Party of the United States 2004 New American Independent Party
Communist Party USA 1919 International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties
Freedom Socialist Party 1966
Independent American Party 1998
Justice Party 2011
Modern Whig Party 2008
National Socialist Movement 1974 World Union of National Socialists
Objectivist Party 2008
Party for Socialism and Liberation 2004
Peace and Freedom Party 1967
Pirate Party 2006 Pirate Party International (observer)
Prohibition Party 1869
Reform Party of the United States of America 1995 United We Stand America
Socialist Action 1983 Fourth International
Socialist Alternative 1986 Committee for a Workers' International
Socialist Equality Party 1966 Workers League International Committee of the Fourth International
Socialist Party USA 1973
Socialist Workers Party 1938 Pathfinder tendency (unofficial)
United States Marijuana Party 2002
United States Pacifist Party 1983
Unity Party of America 2004
Workers World Party 1959
All have names and representation, and all are still off the ballot.
Educate yourself.
As far as I am concerned, the voting in the country is by secret ballot. Then why should I have to tell anyone who I'm voting for whether it be Democrat or Republican? I'll vote for the candidate I feel is best for the job.
The way this Country has gone to hell under Obama and the Democrats, I would expect that most independents will vote Republican.
Being independent, we are not able to vote in the Caldwell/Sarbanes race. This is not fair.
If you register "Independent," you're still registering for a party. I think unaffiliated is the right term to use.
While I am not happy with the Republican party, that's my registration. It's my best shot at influencing a primary.
If they don't want to be in a party, why should they be allowed to participate in the vote to name that party's candidate?
6:59, If I want to be in the Libertarian party, I cannot vote in the primaries. Maryland only recognizes two parties, R&D.
That's the problem here.
I doubt this will change since it would require a R or D to do it. They are not going to stick their neck out for another party.
Soooooo you have to lie to vote. Sounds like congress.
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