Independents Speak Out
Maryland Independent voters have been denied the right to vote in primaries for far too long. There is a lawsuit in the courts challenging the closed primary system and whether it is constitutional under Maryland’s constitution.
As the lawsuit works through the court system, independent Marylanders, now 907,638 voters, are speaking out. The media, elected officials, and the public don’t know WHO Maryland’s independents are…
We’re supporting the five plaintiffs who have stepped forward and creating an independent environment in which the court will hear the case.
Join us and share your story:
Heather Richards
I am from Hartford County, and I have a master’s in nursing. Right now, I have been working as a critical care nurse and am a mother of 3 children.
Why are you an independent?
I have always been nonpartisan and independent, and I have never sided with partisan politics. I have never wanted to be defined by a political party, and when I vote I base it on issues.
Why do you think it is important that all unaffiliated voters in Maryland have a right to vote in the public primaries?
I don’t see why they wouldn’t have that right. It doesn’t make any sense. Every American regardless of their party should have that right to vote in every election.
Why do you think the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of MD's close primary system is important?
Darius Holt
Library Technician (Federal Employee). Lived in Charles County, MD in my entire life.
Why are you an independent?
I consider myself an independent, though given the political circumstances in Maryland, I am currently registered as a Democrat. I think of myself as an “Independent Democrat”— someone who values bold and practical common sense in policy, with an open mind to the best ideas, wherever they come from.
Why do you think it is important that all unaffiliated voters in Maryland have a right to vote in the public primaries?
Given the state of today’s politics, many voters feel their voices are not heard equally. In Maryland, closed primaries are unnecessary because they prevent voters—regardless of party affiliation—from participating in primary elections. Primaries should not be only about voting for a party, but about choosing the best candidate to represent all of us. Unaffiliated voters, who also fund these elections through their taxes, must have the right to participate. While some party members may argue against this, excluding a large number of voters in a party-dominated state—and simply telling them “just register with a party” without considering their reasons for remaining independent—undermines the democratic process. Since these primaries are funded by taxpayer dollars, every contributing voter should have an equal voice in selecting candidates. I see no issue with allowing independents to vote in primaries.
Why do you think the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of MD's close primary system is important?
Our elections, especially primary elections, should encourage participation and fairness. This lawsuit is a chance to affirm that every Maryland voter deserves a voice in choosing candidates. Given that Maryland is mostly a Democratic state, the closed primary system forces unaffiliated voters to pay for elections they cannot participate in. In addition, primaries are often just as critical as general elections in determining outcomes. The lawsuit is about protecting fairness in the democratic process under the state constitution. To me, it is not only about independents, but about ensuring that every citizen has the right to take part in publicly funded elections.
Tyree Ford
Self-employed, semi-retired audio/video producer/engineer Baltimore.
Why are you an independent?
I am currently registered as a democrat, but only so I can vote in primaries.
Why do you think it is important that all unaffiliated voters in Maryland have a right to vote in the public primaries?
EVERYONE should be allowed to vote in primaries. Is this a trick question?
Why do you think the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of MD's close primary system is important?
If this is the only way to have open primaries, that’s what we do.
Melanie Combs-Dyer
Health IT Consultant; Bel Air, MD
Why are you an independent?
I’m an independent voter because I don’t agree completely with either major party. I’m somewhere in the middle. I’m frustrated by the two major parties moving further left and further right.
Why do you think it is important that all unaffiliated voters in Maryland have a right to vote in the public primaries?
It is important for unaffiliated voters to have a voice in which names will appear on the ballot in the general election.
Why do you think the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of MD's close primary system is important?
I’m hopeful that the lawsuit will force much needed change in Maryland’s primary election process, finally giving voice to the nearly 1 million unaffiliated voters in Maryland.
Heather Cottrell
Masters in Nursing Ed, also an RN in Critical Care.
Why are you an independent?
It gives me more freedom to weigh options. I’m not shoved into a category of right or left.
Why do you think it is important that all unaffiliated voters in Maryland have a right to vote in the public primaries?
I don’t see any reasoning they shouldn’t be able to vote. Any American registered voter should have the freedom to vote in every election. It doesn’t make any sense to not be able to vote in a mid-term.
Why do you think the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of MD's close primary system is important?
Obviously, we need to change it. We need to grow as a country, as a society. A lawsuit is needed to take that step.
