Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray takes a question after a bill to redistrict the state's congressional map was defeated on Thursday. (Michael Conroy/AP) By: Colin Pascal “The decision by Republican state senators in Indiana to oppose partisan redistricting was a courageous act in the face of immense political pressure. President Donald Trump is sure to unleash the full force of his vitriol against members of his party who opposed his dictates from Washington.

By: Brian Shane Staff Writer (OC Today Dispatch) (Dec. 5, 2025) “ A new political party is working to plant its flag in Worcester County with the ultimate goal of appearing on the ballot and recruiting local candidates in 2026. Now active in 24 states, the centrist Forward Party is pitching itself as an alternative to politics as usual in Maryland. What’s different, party leaders say, is how the organization isn’t top-down with a national committee or predetermined platform,

Commentary by: Delegate Lily Qi Daniel Roche votes at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library. Voters turn out to cast their ballots in the Annapolis Primary Election Tuesday. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff) “Maryland is now home to nearly a million independent voters, about one in four voters. This reflects a national trend. Many are party-averse immigrants from countries where politics often evoke fear and distrust. In fact, immigrant-heavy Hispanic and Asian communities top the l

BY: BRYAN P. SEARS Karl Aro, former executive director of the Department of Legislative Services, testifies to the three members of the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee who showed up for Tuesday's virtual meeting. Clockwise from top right, they are Senate Preisdent Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), Aro, Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss. (Screenshot) “A former executive director of the Department of Legislative Services warned a redistri

Voters cast at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex in Prince George's County during the 2024 general election. A circuit judge rejected claims by unaffiliated voters that they are disenfranchised by the state's closed primary system. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) BY: CHRISTINE CONDON “An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by unaffiliated Maryland voters, who argued that the state’s closed primary elections infringe

Photo by: MD planning By: Jeff Morgan “The commission heard mixed reviews from speakers during the listening session, with some advocating for changes and others opposing potential redistricting.” Read Full Article here: https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/baltimore-city/redistricting-commission-hears-mixed-opinions-on-redrawing-district-maps Hear Maryland Forward Party’s Testimony: https://youtu.be/gxF0hrGQeZY?t=2936

Commentary By: Colin Pascal From left, Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey, House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready present the Republican response to Governor Wes Moore’s redistricting plans in the Miller Senate Building Media Center. (Kim Hairston/staff) “At the very moment that Gov. Wes Moore is leaning into partisanship and alienating centrist voters, Maryland Republicans are missing an opportun

Maryland Forward Party provided testimony last night as part of the Commission’s 3rd Hearing. Hear our testimony here: https://youtu.be/gxF0hrGQeZY?t=2936

“A solid majority of Americans continue to say a third major U.S. political party is needed, but several follow-up questions in a recent Gallup survey cast doubt on their commitment to supporting one. While 55% of Americans say they are at least “somewhat likely” to vote for third-party candidates, only 15% say they are “very likely” to do so. But when asked how they would vote if a third-party candidate they preferred was unlikely to win, more Americans say they would change

BY: BRYAN P. SEARS Maryland Matters “Lawsuit argues current system of state-funded party primaries disenfranchises close to 1 million...

By: Carlo Marcomber “In a closed primary, only voters registered with a political party can participate. Independent voters are excluded...

See article here: https://marylandmatters.org/briefs/elections-board-seeks-dismissal-of-unaffiliated-voter-lawsuit/