A recent visit to a Maryland early voting center revealed a concerning trend: low voter turnout. Despite the convenience and ease of voting, only 185,031 Marylanders participated in early voting, representing just 5% of the state’s eligible and active voters.

Voter Apathy on the Rise

The low turnout is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger issue. Voter registration numbers show that while both major parties have seen increases, the number of unaffiliated voters has surged by 84% between 2010 and 2025. This suggests that many Marylanders are dissatisfied with the current state of politics and feel that neither party represents their interests.

The prevalence of non-competitive legislative races, gerrymandered districts, and the loss of trust in institutions of politics and government are all contributing factors to the low voter turnout. Furthermore, the polarized nature of the two major parties has led to a sense of disillusionment among voters, with many feeling that their voices are not being heard.

A Call for Change

To address this issue, some are calling for a change in the primary system, allowing unaffiliated voters to participate and potentially leading to more moderate candidates being elected. By giving unaffiliated voters a voice in the primary process, the state may be able to increase voter engagement and lead to a more representative government.

Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.