Primaries are approaching. Are you registered?

Maryland is a “closed primary” state. A closed primary is a type of primary election in which a voter must affiliate formally with a political party in advance of the election date in order to participate in that party's primary. If you are a registered republican, you can only vote on republican candidates in the primary; registered democrats can only vote on democrat candidates. Unaffiliated voters can only vote a non-partisan ballot (e.g. School Board).

Because of the political make-up of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, the Democratic primary is likely to determine the next County Executives and County Councilmembers.

Why does this matter?

This June, in both Montgomery County and Prince Georges County, the County Executive and several Councilmembers are term-limited. In addition, several more key seats could change hands.

County Executives negotiate our contracts and County Councils vote on whether to fund them. They also set the budget. Remember furloughs and pay freezes?

You deserve a say!

You can still register or change your affiliation. Just submit a new voter registration form.

You can use Maryland's Online Voter Registration System (OLVR) (

www.elections.state.md.us) or submit a voter registration application to your local board of elections or the State Board of Elections. The last day you can register to vote or change your affiliation

is:

June 5, 2018, for the Primary Election.

Volunteer to Help!

From now until the primary elections, Local 1994 will be canvassing in key precincts to help get out the word on our endorsed candidates. We will need all the help we can get to ensure that labor-friendly and working family friendly candidates are elected to our county councils, to the state legislature and to Congress. We need your help. Volunteer to join our precinct walks by calling Amy Millar at the union offices (301-977-2447) or emailing amillar@mcgeo.org.

To view our endorsed candidates list, visit: http://www.mcgeo.org/endorsements.