Pick a Team, Any Team

Post #73

As I’ve talked to my neighbors in District 17 over the past 13 months who are actively involved in various issues, I am reminded of the small fraction that will actually help pick their State Senator this fall.  Many voters consider themselves to be independent thinkers and prefer not to be categorized; they choose not to register with either major political party.  They tell me that they “vote the person, not the party.”  I completely agree with that sentiment.  Nonetheless, those choosing to remain unaffiliated should be aware of two facts.

First, they are willfully disenfranchising themselves in 50% of the state (and federal) elections for which they are qualified to vote.  By waiting to vote until November, they may be unhappy with their choices.  This causes further cynicism and frustration with the political process.

Second, the reality is that in Montgomery County, most electoral decisions are actually made in the Democratic primary elections.  By the time of the general elections, there are very few (if any) contested local races left to be decided.

The September 14^th primary for D/17 State Senate, contested for the first time in 20 years, underscores the reality of those two facts.  Those hoping for a more effective advocate in Annapolis will fail to make their voices heard if not registered as a Democrat.

The reality is that a small fraction of the nearly 120,000 people I hope to represent again will actually cast a ballot this fall.  Many smart people with well-reasoned opinions and a great deal of commitment to their community are unlikely to turn out. 

Earlier this year, Governor O'Malley signed a bill that extended the deadline for Marylanders who would like to align themselves with either the Democratic (I hope!) or Republican parties to Tuesday, August 24^th.   It is only if you have identified your preference as one of those two choices* that you will be able to help nominate our next Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, County Executive & Council, and state legislators.  Pick a team, either team ... but be an active citizen-- and come out to vote in September!

* There are voters who choose to register as “Green” or other non-major political party.  At this point in our democracy, those smaller parties either don't field candidates at all... or they don't have contested races from which you would be choosing.  In November, voters from any party (or no party) can support any person on the ballot, regardless of affiliation.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Have you thought about switching from unaffiliated to one of the two established parties as a way of increasing your impact on the political process?  What has stopped you from doing so?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#73) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.