Annapolis To Continue Party-Based City Elections
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Annapolis Council has rejected a proposal to eliminate political party affiliations from city elections.
In a 7-2 vote Monday night, city officials upheld the current system. Candidates will continue to vie for party nominations through Republican and Democratic primaries. Only voters registered in one of the two major political parties can participate.
The Capital reports the Charter Revision Commission had recommended switching to a nonpartisan election to lessen political polarization and create new openings for third-party candidates. The commission is a panel of seven citizens.
Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson says most of the push for nonpartisan elections was coming from Republicans because they are the minority in Annapolis.
Others said city politics don't usually have much to do with the national platforms of the two major parties.
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