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Maryland Voters Sue Election Board Over 'Unconstitutional' Closed Primaries
about 1 year agoUS
Five politically unaffiliated Maryland voters have filed a lawsuit against the state Board of Elections, challenging the constitutionality of closed primary elections. They argue that using taxpayer funds for primaries in which they cannot vote violates their rights.
Key Insights
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Lawsuit Overview:: Five unaffiliated Maryland voters are suing the state Board of Elections, claiming that taxpayer funding of closed primary elections violates their constitutional rights.
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'Partially Closed' Primaries:: Maryland's Democratic and Republican primary elections are 'partially closed,' restricting unaffiliated, Green Party, and Libertarian voters from participating without party permission.
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Plaintiffs' Argument:: The plaintiffs argue that their right to vote has been unconstitutionally denied.
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Representation:: The plaintiffs are represented by Boyd Rutherford, a Republican and former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland.
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Unaffiliated Voter Statistics:: Nearly one-quarter of Maryland voters (approximately 950,000 people) are registered as unaffiliated, a significant increase from 16% in 2012.
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National Trend:: The rise in unaffiliated voters in Maryland aligns with national trends.
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Open Primary States:: According to Rutherford’s law firm, 37 states have open primaries. Several states, including Alaska, Colorado, Maine, and New Mexico, have recently switched to open or semi-open primaries.
Why This Matters: This lawsuit could potentially reshape Maryland's primary election system, giving nearly one million unaffiliated voters a greater voice in the political process. The outcome could influence similar debates in other states with closed primary systems.
In-Depth Analysis
The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County, claims that the Maryland Board of Elections is violating the state constitution by funding closed primary elections. The plaintiffs argue that these elections disenfranchise unaffiliated voters, who contribute to the funding of these elections through their taxes but are excluded from participating unless they obtain permission from a major party.
Boyd Rutherford, representing the plaintiffs, emphasizes that the goal is not to force political parties to allow unaffiliated voters to participate but to prevent the state from funding elections that exclude a significant portion of the electorate. The lawsuit highlights that nearly 950,000 Maryland voters are registered as unaffiliated, and this number continues to grow.
Several other states have moved towards open or semi-open primary systems in recent years, reflecting a broader national trend towards greater inclusivity in primary elections. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states with closed primary systems.
FAQs
What is a closed primary election?
A closed primary election is one in which only voters registered with a particular party can vote in that party's primary.
Who are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit?
The plaintiffs are five politically unaffiliated voters from various counties and Baltimore City in Maryland.
What is the main argument of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit argues that using taxpayer money to fund closed primary elections, in which unaffiliated voters cannot vote, is unconstitutional.
Key Takeaways
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Impact on Unaffiliated Voters:: This lawsuit directly affects the nearly one million unaffiliated voters in Maryland, potentially giving them a voice in primary elections.
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Potential Systemic Change:: A successful lawsuit could lead to significant changes in Maryland's primary election system, making it more inclusive.
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National Implications:: The outcome of this case could influence similar debates and legal challenges in other states with closed primary systems.
Discussion
Do you think Maryland's primary elections should be open to unaffiliated voters? Let us know your thoughts!
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