Posted on 03/13/2006 8:22:38 AM PST by smokinleroy
Not wishing to declare party affiliation at poll
By John Reihart
Sherman
As a home owner and a card carrying registered voter, I was quite taken back when I stepped up to vote and was told by a woman to decide if I was a Republican or a Democrat; there, with others looking at me, I panicked.
Were they all Democrats or Republicans? What happens if I “guess wrong?” Is there a wrong? I said, I don’t want to choose before I step into the voting booth, but was told, pick one or the other. What is this, I thought.
I vote for the individual and not always along party lines. But I was denied the right to vote because I did not exclaim my party affiliation before voting. I will see a lawyer because I have been denied the right to vote.
We had a few clueless folks like this at our polling place too. We just told them to find someone on the sample party ballots that they wanted to support in the Primary and that they will get a chance to vote for everyone in November.
I have a limited amount of empathy for people who are too cowardly to stand up and be counted - on either side.
If there is a runoff in a particular primary, you either had to of not voted in either primary or voted in that particular party's primary. You can't vote Dem in the primary then in a Rep Party runoff, or visa versa. Signing your initials shows where you voted and it is a crime to vote in the other primary. This is really simple stuff. I am 100% independent and only occasionally does is there a quandry of which (not both) primary to vote in.
No, actually, he's an independent. Simple fact--if an election is financed by tax dollars, then it should be open to ALL VOTERS. Otherwise, let the parties fund their own candidate selection process--either by reimbursing the state, if it is an election---or hold their own caucus/convention to accomplish the same thing. But don't steal MY tax dollars to fund YOUR process.
Do you recall the phrase "taxation without representation"?
Obviously it got stamped wrong.
He should have asked for the "independent" ballot, and quit holding up the line.
Here, for the primary election, there are two ballots - one for rep's and one for dem's - to choose who will represent your party in the general election in November. You fail to notice the humor. He is clueless, so, therefore, a democrat.
I think you have very little on your little mind and I would suggest you are a DEMONCRAP.
Has this guy ever voted before?
First of all, the cost to declare or register in a party in order to vote in that party's primary is nothing. So all citizens are free to vote.
Secondly, there are two major parties and it is in the interest of the state to ensure that their contests are conducted fairly. So it is your process, too, since you will be effected by the outcome of the promaries.
SD
The poor soul must be the product of government schools. Just think how embarrassed he’s going to be when the lawyer gives him a 3rd grade civics lesson and sends him on his way.
They stamp your card so you can attend the party caucus after the polls close. It becomes your ticket into the caucus.
Thank you, can you still get into party caucus, if you do not show your voter registration card (next primary )but initialed the voter sheet.
This is the first time I voted in a primary and wanted to vote for a friend (he won).
Yes they can give you a slip of paper that shows you voted and in which party. I just always find it easier to get my card stamped.
No, actually they aren't. I'm a registered independent, and I am excluded from voting UNLESS I declare myself a member of some party, which I am not about to do---yet my tax dollars go to paying for the election in which I cannot vote.
"there are two major parties and it is in the interest of the state to ensure that their contests are conducted fairly. So it is your process, too, since you will be effected by the outcome of the promaries."
Well, you got PART of it right---I'll be affected by the outcome, but with no say in what that outcome might be.
Thanks again, I have been a republican for a long time but I only voted in elections, I never was active in party politics before.
Now that I am retired I will be much more active.
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