Guv race hinges on public's interest or malaise

Maryland's lack of a true two-party system means most important races have been decided five weeks before the Nov. 2 general election.

Not only does that shortchange voters by distorting the electoral process, it leads to citizen disinterest and disappointing turnouts.

Last week's primary voting set a record for lowest participation rate in a modern Maryland election. If that trend is repeated in November, it could create surprising results.