Resources
This page has articles and links that may be helpful regarding open primaries and independent voters. If you have suggestions to add, contact Dona Sauerburger. Enjoy!
- Talking Points for Independent Voters of Maryland
Our Talking Points define Independent Voters of Maryland’s current goal, our “What” (implement open primaries in Maryland) … and our “Why” (the reasons for this goal and relevant supporting documents). It is a “living” document, the result of collaboration among our members, and will change as we are strengthened by the good ideas and diverse perspectives of new members. It is our "North Star," guiding our communications and keeping us "on message."
- Brochure for Independent Voters of Maryland
Main physical promotional tool for our Organization's campaign.
it is available to download for all members and activists. Once printed out, it can be folded into thirds and handed to folks at political events or other meeting areas.
- Open Primaries
Open Primaries is a national organization which partners with Independent Voters of Maryland.
Its mission is to advocate for open and nonpartisan primary systems, counter efforts to impose closed primaries, educate voters and policymakers, advance litigation, train spokespeople, conduct and support research, and participate in the building of local, state, and national open primaries coalitions.
- Independent Voting
IndependentVoting.org is a national organization which partners with Independent Voters of Maryland.
Its mission is to develop a movement of independent voters, in partnership with Americans of all persuasions, to reform America’s political process, create unorthodox coalitions and use our democracy to develop our nation.
- Evaluating California's top-two primary: University of Southern California
This research, sponsored by the Schwarzenneger Institute, showed that candidates are more bipartisan and more responsive to independent voters in top-two primaries than in closed primaries.
- Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America by Katherine M. Gehl and Michael E. Porte
Groundbreaking analysis of the election and governmental systems from the perspective of business reveals that our political problems are due to a systems problem; a failure of the nature of the political competition.
It gives concrete solutions for which we can advocate: restructure the election system and the governing process; reform money in politics; and open up competition.
- Nine Questions for the 44%: Independent Voting
Blockbuster survey of close to 5,000 independent voters conducted in 2018
- Position on open primaries: League of Women Voters of Maryland
In 2018, following a two-year study, the LWVMD changed its position and supported open primaries.
- Background Materials for LWVMD Study: PRIMARIES in MARYLAND: League of Women Voters of Maryland
Extensive information resulting from the two-year study 2016-8.
- Party control in Maryland's county government: From the 2018 LWVMD study
In many Maryland counties, the strength of one party may be so great as to exclude many voters from effective participation in local elections.
- The REAL "Operation Chaos" by John Opdyke
Written during the 2000 election campaign, debunking the myth that primaries should be closed to avoid "cross-over" voting.
- Polarization is destroying democracy, and we can DO something about it! by Dona Sauerburger
Compromise is an essential part of democracy and without it, we are at risk of losing our precious way of life.
Dona offers suggestions for addressing this problem.