Independents Are Growing. Maryland’s Political System Still Treats Them Like an Afterthought. A record 45% of Americans identify as independents, reflecting dissatisfaction with both major parties rather than a shift toward Democratic ideals. In Maryland, a quarter of voters are excluded from primaries, stifling their influence despite their growing numbers, calling for a reevaluation of closed-primary systems amidst changing electoral dynamics.... https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/11/maryland-independent-voters-closed-primaries/

A Government Chosen By 5 Percent Is Taxing The Other 95 Will Jawando won the Democratic nomination for Montgomery County Executive with just 52,738 votes, representing only 7.7% of registered voters. This has raised concerns among over 201,000 homeowners who now face higher property taxes due to a removed income tax offset credit, despite the county's claims of no tax increases....

A County of a Million, Decided by 52,738 Votes Will Jawando has been certified as the Democratic nominee for county executive in Maryland’s largest county, Montgomery, winning with just 52,738 votes, representing 7.7 percent of registered voters. Meanwhile, over 170,000 unaffiliated voters were excluded from participating in the primary, highlighting issues with the closed primary system and its impact on governance....

Maryland’s Locked Electorate: When Neither Party Is the Answer Following the Maryland primary, polls reveal widespread voter dissatisfaction, with 81% unhappy with party direction. While 68% support GOP nominee Dan Cox for another election, 24% do not. A significant number favor an open primary system. This reflects frustration with the two-party system, signaling potential shifts in future elections.... https://mdbaynews.com/2026/06/28/maryland-locked-electorate-two-party-system-voter-frustration/

Maryland House Moves to Open Primaries to Unaffiliated Voters

Safe Seats, Silent Voters: What Maryland’s One-Party Rule Means for Democracy

Maryland’s Independent Voters Are Shut Out—And Paying the Price

Maryland Sued for Keeping Elections as Exclusive as a Georgetown Dinner Party