Lawsuit Challenges Funding of Maryland Primary Elections for Unaffiliated Voters
In a significant move, five politically unaffiliated Maryland voters have filed a lawsuit against the Maryland State Board of Elections, arguing that using taxpayer money to fund primary elections they cannot participate in violates constitutional rights. In Maryland, primary elections are “partially closed,” allowing only affiliated party members to vote unless granted permission.
The plaintiffs—Serena Bryson, Kimberle Fields, Amber Ivey, Robert Sartwell, and Dona Sauerburger—assert their voting rights are being unconstitutionally infringed. Their attorney, Boyd Rutherford, a former lieutenant governor, clarified, “We are not seeking to force parties to allow unaffiliated voters to participate; rather, we aim to stop the state from funding these exclusive primaries.”
With nearly one-quarter of Maryland voters—approximately 950,000—registered as unaffiliated, experts note this number has risen significantly since 2012. As a national trend, states like Alaska, Colorado, Maine, and New Mexico have shifted towards open or semi-open primaries in recent years.
Rutherford emphasized that the lawsuit seeks to enhance voter turnout and advocate for disenfranchised citizens. The Maryland Board of Elections has yet to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
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