Can an independent vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries?

Answer 1

So, I was interested in doing this myself. I have an answer but I can only say for sure that it's the case in New Jersey. I emailed my county clerk:

"I am already a registered voter, but not affiliated with any party. My standpoints are in line with different parties on different issues; I would like to know if it is possible to have more than one party affiliation at the same time. If this is not permitted, I am curious as to whether your office can inform me of the specific law that prevents this."

Here is the response:

"The statue on such matters is NJSA 19:23-45. An individual may have only one party affiliation at a time.

An individual can change party affiliations and can also now change from a particular party back to being unaffiliated.A unaffiliated voter can declare party affiliation at the polls on primary election day."

Thus, it looks like the answer, for New Jersey at least, is No.

However, there are some states that do not give their voters the option of registering with a party. See the related links for a story about this, which brought it to my attention. I don't know if you're prevented from voting in multiple primaries in these states, but regardless of which one you choose, they are open to everyone.

My suggestion is that anyone coming across this suggestion whose state is not included here should email their county clerk and ask this question (you can use my email as a template) and post the answer here.

Answer 2

An independent cannot vote in either Democratic or Republican primaries. You have to be registered to the party to vote in their primaries.

Edit: In my state(Michigan) it is and open primary system where you do not have to be a member of a party to vote however when I arrive at the primary I am asked if I would like a Republican or Democratic Ballet and cannot vote in both. Edit: The Unaffiliated/Independent Voters Center is committed to obtaining equal rights in all States and voting provences for Unaffiliated/Independent Voters. We will move Unaffilated/Independent Voters from our second class voting status under the whims of the major parties to equal laws all over our country. Join the effort at http://www.DoesMyVoteCount.com To check the status of your state check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_election

Answer 3

New York has a closed primary. Only voters registered with a given party can vote in the primary. If you wish to change your enrollment from one party to another or from not-enrolled to a party, send a Voter Registration Form with your new choice to your county board of elections. The board will notify you when the change takes place, by Law, after the next general election.

Answer 4

yes...

The main purpose for primary elections is to narrow the field of candidates who will run in the general election. Several political parties use primary elections in the process of choosing the party's nominee for each office. Several primary elections take place simultaneously, each one consisting of candidates from one political party, except in California & Washington, where blanket primaries are held. You may not vote in more than one party's primary election. In about 21 states, everyone chooses the party in whose primary he/she will vote. In about 19 states, only registered party members may vote in each party's primary. About a half dozen states restrict party members to their own party's primary but allow independents to select either primary.

In the general election, every registered voter may vote for any candidates of any parties. It does not matter whether or not he/she voted in a primary or in which primary he/she voted.

Answer 5

Yes. Your party affiliation only counts for the primary election.

Answer 6

In some states you can, but it will change your party affiliation. It varies per state, so please check the related link to see your state eligibility.

Answer 7

In the primaries, you must vote for the party that you are registered to. However, when the general election arrives, you may vote for whichever candidate you choose.

Answer 8

I heard that it does not matter what you are you can vote for what ever you want.

Answer 9

Yes