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What are the ins and outs of switching political parties?

 
 
View Profile RexRed
 
Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 10:50 am
Do I need to register with a party to vote a certain way or in certain elections? Is there an advantage to being an independent or a member of the green party over being a republican or democrat?
 
View Profile jespah
 
  2  
Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 10:53 am
Far as I recall, you don't need to be a member of any party, ever, unless you want to vote in primaries, and even then you may not need to be (check your local election rules -- you're in California, yes?):
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/
View Profile Linkat
 
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 10:56 am
I am in MA and I register as an independent. In MA, this allows me to vote in either party for primary elections. That is the big advantage I see. That and the fact that you get accosted by both parties as election day nears.
View Profile RexRed
 
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 11:02 am
I am in Maine do the election laws differ here from California?
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View Profile RexRed
 
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 11:03 am
I like that Linkat, perhaps an independent is the way to go.
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View Profile RexRed
 
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 11:06 am
I just moved in Maine to a new residence close to my old address. So I have to register again. What do I write on the registration card? The election is tomorrow. I did not and don't plan to renew or pay this years dues to the republicans so I am in limbo. Do I need to pay the independent party to call myself an independent on the card?
View Profile Linkat
 
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 11:14 am
I've never paid a fee to "belong" to a party. To register to vote there should be no fee. Can you call your local voter registeration to see what is involved for the election? ie can you be independent, but yet vote in the primaries? Some states will not let you vote in a primary if you are independent.
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Reply Mon 2 Nov, 2009 11:33 am
Some states do not ask for a party preference to vote.
However, voting in a primary is different.

There may be some residency requirements.

Call the Sec. of State's office. They should be able to guide you.
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