Closed Primary, Open Stakes: Why Youth Registration Matters Now

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of youth voter registration in Maryland's closed primary system.

Send us Fan Mail Young voters have stepped up to the plate, and in 2026, their voice will be more important than ever. In this episode of Burn the Talking Points, Executive Director Karen Darkes sits down with Jocelyn Nolasco, Vice President of the Young Democrats of Maryland, and Connor White, Data Manager for the Maryland Democratic Party and Vice President of Membership for the Young Democrats of Maryland. Together, they break down what Maryland’s closed primary means for young voters, and...

People in this episode

Host: Karen Darkes

Guests: Jocelyn Nolasco, Connor White

Topics covered

• youth registration
• closed primary
• voting rights
• political engagement
• Maryland politics

Keywords

• youth voters
• closed primary
• Maryland
• voter registration
• politics
• Democrats

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Young Democrats of Maryland, Maryland Democratic Party

Places: Maryland

More episodes of Burn the Talking Points

• Messaging and Momentum: A Conversation with Isaiah Martin · May 11, 2026 · 24 min
• The Work Behind the Wins: What the 2026 Session Delivered · May 4, 2026 · 25 min
• Contest Every Seat: How Democrats Are Running Everywhere in Maryland · March 16, 2026 · 50 min
• Legacy, Leadership, and Baltimore’s Next Chapter: A Conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott · February 27, 2026 · 47 min
• Unmasked: Maryland Pushes Back on ICE · February 9, 2026 · 27 min
• Season 2 Episode 1: Kicking off the Legislative Session with Maryland's New House Speaker · January 26, 2026 · 37 min