I am one of almost 1 million unaffiliated voters registered in Maryland who are not currently allowed to vote in primary elections because I have chosen not to register as a member of either party.

While primary elections are only open to the two parties, they are publicly funded. So, this isn’t just a debate about political parties choosing their nominees. It’s about who actually gets a meaningful say in picking their representative.

I have been interested in this issue for years but had no idea how to become involved until I received an email from Cathy Stewart, the national organizing director of the nonprofit Open Primaries. She informed me that there is currently legislation to change primary voting law under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly Government, Labor and Elections Committee and a hearing was scheduled Feb. 11. I was invited to testify, but could not because of another commitment. I watched the hearing later that evening on the following link — GVC Committee Session, 2/11/2026 #1 – YouTube.

House bill 0496 is sponsored by Republican Del. Stuart Schmidt Jr., and Democratic Del. Lili Qi. It reads: “Authorizing a voter unaffiliated with a political party to vote the ballot for unaffiliated voters or the ballot of the political party of the voter’s choice in a primary election; and prohibiting a voter unaffiliated with a political party who votes the ballot of a political party in a primary election from automatically becoming affiliated with the political party whose ballot the voter voted.”

To quote co-sponsor and committee member Schmidt, in a Feb. 15 Baltimore Sun article: “In a state where a growing number of voters choose not to affiliate with either major party, it is neither fair nor practical to shut them out of the most consequential elections. Expanding access strengthens participation, accountability and trust in our democratic process.”

By allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries, it would not only increase the number of potential voters in primary elections, there would be a reason for candidates in both parties to appeal to voters who by definition do not consider themselves to be partisan.

Candidates might spend more time explaining their views on the issues, and less time and money on tearing down their opponents. One of the reasons 25% of registered voters in Maryland choose not to register with a major party is their dislike of partisan politics.

If you are an unaffiliated voter or even an interested voter who would like to learn about and or support this legislation, links to the measure, hearing and committee members are available at https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Committees/Details?cmte=gvc

Our delegate’s email is jason.buckel@house.maryland.gov.

Rob Rephan

Frostburg