Well, I checked out the NYS Board of Elections, and sho-nuf, I am an “active voter”, but “not enrolled in a party.” Like I thought. I know when I registered (how many years ago?), I likely liked candidates from varying parties for different positions. In other words, I vote for the person I like, ignoring the party.
I recall in class last week that one speaker thought parties don’t matter much on a local level, but being in a party is crucial for a candidate on a national level. I disagree, as many, many people vote by party and only a few votes usually sway local elections, i.e. your local vote really, visually counts.
But these days, I don’t register as I want that anonymity, on of the few facts about us that is not public information. And, sho-nuf, if you register, anybody can look you up on this NYS website or get the party list from the local election board.
But what am I missing? Do I get special mailings if I’m a registered partyer? Am I “targeted”? I get to vote in the primary—though in local elections, that’s a rarity.
Do I get invited to any parties? Would I choose my party on where these parties take place? mmmm—shall it be the VFW or the Country Club?
Is it byob? (bring your own ballot?)
http://www.elections.state.ny.us/
People often register by party if their state’s election laws require that they be a member of a party in order to vote in that party’s primary. It is called a “closed primary” system. Varies state by state.
yep, that’s the way in NY. so i waive my right to vote in primaries to maintain that anonymity. as a gov’t employee, i’m hesitant to voice my political sides/opinions. plus as a librarian, i have to maintain lack of bias.