Did you know?

Maryland's primaries for electing candidates for the Republican and Democratic parties are paid for by Maryland's taxpaying citizens.
Because Maryland has closed primaries, taxpaying citizens who are not affiliated with those parties are not allowed to participate in the primary elections for legislative and political positions.
General elections are a mere formality in many districts in Maryland -- the selection of candidates happens in the primary elections.
Research indicates that candidates in open primaries, including legislators who are running for reelection, are more likely to respond to their unaffiliated constituents than those who run in closed primaries, and are more likely to be bipartisan in their response.
The League of Women Voters of Maryland developed a position in support of open primaries in 2018, after a two-year study.
Governor Hogan supports open primaries (see video to the right).