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abakan

(1,815 posts)
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 07:06 PM Jul 2015

For the first time in my life.

I am registering as a Democrat. I have been an Independent since I first registered, but this time I want to have a say in the primary. I want to help Bernie all I can. Last election I volunteered to monitor polling places, to assure the republicans were not pulling anything to discourage or keep voter from voting. I'll do it again this time, too.

I have voted the Democratic ticket for the last six presidential elections. I have never once voted for a Republican, before they became against every thing in life, I used women's rights as my litmus test. Now I use the entire party and it smells like last weeks fish.

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
1. Good. And welcome to the Democratic Party as a real member.
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 07:09 PM
Jul 2015

I know too many people who register as an independent for the same reason, or in states like Kansas register as Republicans to vote in the Republican primary there, never quite getting it that they should let the Republicans do what they want in the voting booth, but be a proud Democrat themselves.

 

NorthCarolina

(11,197 posts)
4. I was a registered Independent myself but
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 07:52 PM
Jul 2015

registered as a Democrat to vote for Obama in the primaries way back in 08. Bill Clinton had driven me away from the Democratic Party with issues like Glass-Steagall, NAFTA, and DADT to name a few. Unfortunately this go around, I drank the koolaid and bought into Obama's call for "change" only to find post election that I had been duped by performer from the Clinton DLC wing (now rebranded as New Democrats). This time however the Democrats are fielding a candidate (not by their choice of course) that has the progressive bonafides that I believe can be trusted to be more than just a catchy campaign slogan. That candidate is of course, Bernie Sanders.

abakan

(1,815 posts)
10. I absolutely agree. I had the same revulsion of the Clintons, everything seemed it about them.
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 11:29 PM
Jul 2015

I agree about Bernie and Hill too.

Thanks

ladyVet

(1,587 posts)
18. I am registered as "unaffiliated" in NC, and I can vote in primaries.
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 10:01 PM
Jul 2015

I only have to ask for the ballot I want (always Democratic, I wouldn't take the other one if you paid me*), and sign for it, but I don't have any issues.

I used to be Independent, back before that was a recognized party here.

*And I said so once, and got some odd looks, but some smiles, too. Some of the Republicans at my polling place get busy when I come in.

abakan

(1,815 posts)
11. Part of the reason I'm going to register at this time?
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 11:38 PM
Jul 2015

I can't vote in the primary without being either a Republican or Democrat. There is no place for Independent's.
I have never felt the need to do much volunteering, Bernie has gotten me excited, to say the least. I may be able to see the dream in my lifetime.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
12. In the state of California all state party primaries
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 11:54 PM
Jul 2015

including presidential are open. Don't get me wrong, I expect the elephants to go to court. This was partly their idea and it has worked swimmingly to give independents more say, just not the way they expected. Yes, it was their idea.

abakan

(1,815 posts)
13. We have a Republican Governor, and she is more interested
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 12:57 AM
Jul 2015

Last edited Fri Jul 3, 2015, 03:41 PM - Edit history (2)

in taking food stamps from struggling people. We haven't gotten to the voting games yet. I expect shenanigans to break out soon. New Mexico is backward in many ways, I doubt opening the primaries will be something that will be broached, when the law makers return.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
14. Here it is because it is a party on the way to exctinction
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 01:53 PM
Jul 2015

it is partly demographics, but ...

So they proposed a law in the Assembly where only the two top getters in a primary, regardless of party, would make it to the general (except federal offices) Their thought, they would be able to keep democrats out of the general election and retake the Assembly.

It has not quite worked that way.

Ah the games...

abakan

(1,815 posts)
15. That may fly in Santa Fe
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 03:47 PM
Jul 2015

But there are many more democrats than republicans, in this state. I love it when a vote fixing scheme, goes terribly wrong
The closer you are to Texas, the redder we get, but in the most populated portions of the state, it's true blue. Welcome to New Mexico.

lovemydog

(11,833 posts)
8. Cool.
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 08:30 PM
Jul 2015

Welcome to the party abakan. Bernie is indeed a great candidate. Hope you enjoy the democratic party and enjoy volunteering for Sanders! Thank you for helping monitor polling places. That's a great way to help.

mountain grammy

(26,571 posts)
9. My husband's an Independent for Hillary
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 08:40 PM
Jul 2015

I told him, I'm a registered Democrat and I'm going to the caucuses to vote for Bernie!

Babel_17

(5,400 posts)
16. Cool, keep talking up Sanders! :)
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 05:03 PM
Jul 2015

Senator Sanders will surely appreciate your vote, and I appreciated your story, thanks!

 

PowerToThePeople

(9,610 posts)
17. Welcome, read up on "third way" and avoid it like the plague
Fri Jul 3, 2015, 05:14 PM
Jul 2015

We have our own sect of right wingers within the Democratic party that we need to be wary of.

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