In recent weeks, many people have asked the same question: Why aren’t there dozens of candidate forums before the primaries like there were last year? Why don’t voters have multiple opportunities to hear from every candidate before Primary Election Day?
It’s a reasonable question, especially for voters who are engaged and trying to make informed decisions. The answer has less to do with access and more to do with how different elections are structured.
During municipal elections, forums seem to be everywhere. Community groups host them, civic organizations organize them, and candidates often appear together repeatedly. This happens because municipal elections are nonpartisan. All candidates run in the same pool, and the top two advance. That structure naturally encourages broad, community-wide forums where everyone participates together.
Primary elections in even-numbered years work very differently. In these elections, political parties are selecting their own nominees. Parties take responsibility for educating their members, hosting candidate events, and creating opportunities for voters within the party to meet and hear from those seeking the nomination. That difference alone explains why the pre-primary season feels quieter and why many conversations occur within party organizations rather than in public, community-wide settings.
This is where party affiliation becomes relevant.
Political parties are membership-based organizations. They communicate with the people they know how to reach — members, supporters, volunteers, and those who have chosen to stay connected. That is how invitations are sent and how information moves.
When a party hosts a meet and greet, a candidate night, or a casual event where voters can ask questions directly, invitations typically go to existing contacts. This is not because others are unwelcome, but because outreach requires time, people, and resources. Local parties do not have a master list of independent or unaffiliated voters with neatly organized contact information. Nor do they have unlimited funds or volunteers to personally reach every unaffiliated voter in the county. If they did, local politics would look very different — and probably involve a lot more coffee.
Party affiliation simply puts you on the radar. You receive the email. You hear about the event. You know when candidates are coming to town and where to find them. That is one of the practical benefits of party affiliation: you are more connected.
For independent or unaffiliated voters, this can feel frustrating, especially for those who are engaged and eager to learn about candidates before voting. The good news is that independents are not shut out. They are welcome — often very welcome. The difference is that the responsibility shifts slightly.
Any voter can contact local party organizations to ask about upcoming events, candidate appearances, or opportunities to learn more. Most parties are happy to share information, and a little personal outreach goes a long way.
Think of it like joining a gym. Members receive emails about class schedules, updates, and special events. Non-members can still use the equipment, but they may have to ask a few questions to find what they need. No one is hiding the treadmill.
The same idea applies to party members. Being registered with a party does not guarantee every invitation or update. Like most community organizations, parties stay connected with those who participate, attend events, and stay engaged. Being on a list only matters if there is involvement behind it.
Access grows with participation.
Regardless of registration status, staying informed usually requires taking an active role — asking questions, showing up when possible, and connecting with organizations that align with your values. These groups are communities, run by volunteers but powered by participation.
This is not about telling voters which party to choose. Independence is a valid and thoughtful choice for many people. Party affiliation is, too. It is simply about understanding the trade-offs. Party affiliation offers built-in communication and easier access during partisan election cycles. Independence offers flexibility and distance from party labels but often requires more individual effort to stay connected.
Local democracy works best when people feel welcome and participate in ways that fit their lives. At the end of the day, we share the same community. We all benefit from informed voters, and we all play a role in making civic participation accessible, welcoming, and productive.
Find the path that aligns with your beliefs. Stay curious. Engage where you can. In the end, informed voters are created through participation — not just by checking a box on a registration form.