Ich bin ein Demokrat
Kennedy image derived from The JFK Library Archives
Ich bin ein Demokrat.
I'm not saying it to boast. I’ve always kept the political parties at arm’s length. The labels just don't fit. Both parties disappoint, frankly, and joining the one that sucks least isn't how I roll.
But today, I switched my registration to Democrat. There was no grand conversion on the road to Damascus; I am just tired of watching from the sidelines.
In Montgomery County, the Democratic primary is the election. County Executive, Council, school board, state legislature, almost everything that actually shapes our daily lives gets settled there. If you’re unaffiliated, you’re essentially opting out of the only round that matters. I finally admitted that to myself and swallowed my pride.
There’s still a part of me that is recoiling. I have to remind myself that party registration isn’t a purity test. Staying unaffiliated might feel principled, but in Montgomery County it really means surrendering your most meaningful vote.
To my fellow unaffiliated voters: pinch your nose and do it. Vote your values in the primary. Support the more practical, reform-minded candidates who show up. Push back against the worst instincts of one-party rule. You can switch back right afterward, and walk into the polls unaffiliated in November and vote your conscience.
Ich bin ein Demokrat, until June 24 anyway.
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How to Change Party Affiliation
The cutoff to change your registration via the state website is Tuesday, June 2 at 11:59 PM. Do not wait until the last minute in case the site lags.
Before you open the webpage, make sure you have your Maryland Driver’s License or MVA-issued State ID card and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
To make the change, go to the official Maryland State Board of Elections website: https://elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/index.html and navigate to the "Updating Your Registration Information" section.
