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Most elections today are decided in the primary, the election generally with the lowest voter turnout. As a result, a small minority of voters decides the vast majority of elections.

Expanded Participation Primaries

Maryland is one of nine states with closed primaries. Only voters registered with one of the two principal parties may participate in these taxpayer-financed contests.

This means that Maryland’s unaffiliated voters, more than 1 in 5, are locked out of these important elections. Other states accommodate all their voters through a variety of different election types, including:

Semi-Closed

Unaffiliated voters are allowed to vote in either closed major party primary

As used in: New Hampshire, Colorado

Semi-Open

All voters are allowed to vote in either closed major party primary

As used in: Virginia, Minnesota

All-Participation

All voters can vote for
any candidates in one all-inclusive primary

As used in: Louisiana, Alaska

One state combines an all-participation primary with an RCV general election: Alaska. Other states and cities are considering this election innovation with ballot initiatives that are or may be on the ballot in November 2024.

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