Can independents vote in primaries in md

Moderate voters turn out in much lower numbers in both primaries, and independent and unenrolled voters are barred from voting altogether.

This system of voting — a closed primary that attracts the activist wings of both parties — is one of the reasons why our politics today have become so polarized and divisive. The system almost guarantees that the candidate who is nominated appeals most to the extreme ends of their parties, and not the more moderate middle. If the primary were open, where independents like me and even Republicans were allowed to vote, the outcome of the Montgomery County executive race might have been different.

Already, a former Democratic county council member, Nancy Floreen, is running for county executive as an independent because she believes, as many others do, that the result does not represent the will of the people. Voting by KClvey on Flickr. Next State Roundup, June 12, About The Author. Maryland Reporter news marylandreporter. Related Posts. Susan on October 3, at am. Pat Redmuynd on September 20, at am. Brian Slease on February 1, at am.

Support Our Work! Donate Now. Search for:. Ranked-choice voting is a specific type of majority voting system that may also be used in primary elections. Consequently, it is possible that two candidates belonging to the same political party could win in a top-two primary and face off in the general election. A top-two primary should not be confused with a blanket primary. In a blanket primary, all candidates are listed on the same primary ballot; the top vote-getter from each party participating in the primary advances to the general election.

If a candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the general election, he or she is elected. If no candidate wins an outright majority in the general election, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters. This system is sometimes referred to as a jungle primary or majority electoral system. In Nebraska's nonpartisan state legislature employs a top-two primary system in which the top two vote-getters in the primary face off in the general election.

Categories : Pages with broken file links Primary elections by state Election policy tracking. Hidden category: Election policy expansion content. Voter information What's on my ballot? Where do I vote? How do I register to vote? How do I request a ballot? When do I vote? When are polls open? Who Represents Me? Congress special elections Governors State executives State legislatures Ballot measures State judges Municipal officials School boards.

How do I update a page? This means that you will generally not be able to vote in party primary elections, but you will be able to vote in any nonpartisan primary elections held in your jurisdiction, such as a primary election to select nominees for the board of education. Yes, if you will be 18 years old or older by the general election and you are registered to vote with the Democratic or Republican Party.

Skip to Main Content. You must have Javascript enabled to see this menu. Facebook Twitter Social Media Directory.