HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - Election officials say the number of unaffiliated voters in Maryland has been growing.
The Herald-Mail reports that statistics from the Maryland Board of Elections show that the number of voters declining to declare any political party affiliation is surging.
Data shows that in the last five years, the number of unaffiliated voters statewide has grown more than twice as fast as Democrats, and about four times as fast as Republicans.
In Washington County, unaffiliated voters have increased by more than 25 percent since 2009.
Del. Neil Parrott, chairman of the county's legislative delegation, says because some voters choose not to affiliate with any particular party doesn't mean they don't hold strong, ideological views.
Parrott says a disadvantage for unaffiliated voters is not being able to vote in a primary.
