Suit challenges Maryland judicial primaries
A three-judge panel [in Maryland] is considering a request to nullify last week's primary election results for Anne Arundel County Circuit Court after an independent voter alleged that it was unconstitutional to exclude him from casting a ballot.
If the challenge is successful, the case could transform procedures statewide for electing judges.
The lawsuit, filed by Gregory Care of Linthicum with assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union, argues that because candidates for circuit judge are listed on both Democratic and Republican ballots, the contests are nonpartisan. And therefore, the suit says, judicial elections should be open to all registered voters regardless of party affiliation. ...
Of the eight candidates, the top three chosen by Democratic voters were incumbents David S. Bruce, Michele D. Jaklitsch and Rodney C. Warren, while Republicans voters supported challengers Paul Goetzke and Paul F. Harris in addition to Jaklitsch. The top three contenders from each party will face off for three judgeships in November.
On the Republican ballot, Jaklitsch finished in the top three ahead of challenger Scott A. Conwell by 89 votes, according to unofficial results. ACLU attorneys argue that if independent voters had been allowed to participate, they could have represented the margin of victory for a candidate. -- Lawsuit seeks to nullify primary (baltimoresun.com)