An Invitation. Tired of the Same Old Stuff?

[n2nh]

I hear Republicans complain that they're tired of the direction in which their party has taken. Conservatives complain that the Good Old Days of Reagan and his policies are gone. Democrats that their politicians aren't implementing the programs that they were elected to do. Liberals saying that the Democrats are paying lip service but not doing anything.

Why defend a Party that is no longer relevant? Why stick to your guns, voting for people who aren't listening? Instead of voting the party line every election, then wondering why they keep doing the same thing year after year, try something new.

The party's over. Instead of complaining once they get in, try to look forward and make a rational choice. Be an Independent and let them come to you. Instead of voting the party line and enabling the usual behavior, vote for who YOU like. Listen, learn and do a little checking on the candidates that catch your interest. Open your mind enough to hear both sides of the argument and THEN see if you like what you hear. Neither side has a lock on what's right or what's wrong. Maybe, just maybe, we can find a third party candidate to rattle the cages. It HAS been done before.

It's just a small effort that can easily be done on the internet and by watching the news. It's the least we can do for America.

This is not to mean become part of the Independent Party, but an Independent VOTER.

Think for yourself. Be Independent.

[W4MAJ]

AMEN My only hope is that sometime in the near future, one of the independent parties puts forth a candidate who doesn't come across as a nut.

Case in point:
http://www.nndb.com/people/337/000023268/rperot.jpg

[kc2orw]

One has to be careful some states don't allow independents or non affiliated voters to vote in a primary. I don't believe NY State allows you to but NH allows you to vote in one primary.
I had heard that NH allows it but cannot find a solid answer for NY. NY also has a Independence party and you could vote in that primary but not in an R or D primary which NH voters can do (unverified)
Please feel free to verify which way it is, if you can, I couldn't...

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ Sep. 27 2007,13:06)]AMEN My only hope is that sometime in the near future, one of the independent parties puts forth a candidate who doesn't come across as a nut.

Case in point:
http://www.nndb.com/people/337/000023268/rperot.jpg
You don't have to reach that far back in time.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[N9XR]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ Sep. 27 2007,05:06)]AMEN My only hope is that sometime in the near future, one of the independent parties puts forth a candidate who doesn't come across as a nut.

Case in point:
http://www.nndb.com/people/337/000023268/rperot.jpg
I think he means to think independently and not what others are telling you to think. This means to not necessarily vote for the independent candidate, but to be an independent thinker deciding for yourself what is best for you, your family and your country.

But John has alway been a quack. You just keep voting straight party line like someone else tells you to do. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[kc2orw]

Oh right I found this one but it is more NYC specific. Though most rules across the state are pretty much equal and I am 99% confident that this applies to the whole state.
http://vote.nyc.ny.us/register.html

Down the page a bit:

Party Affiliation
Party Affiliation in New York State
The application contains a section where you can indicate your choice for party affiliation. If you would like to register without designating a party, simply mark the space indicating "I do not wish to enroll in a party."

The following parties are recognized in New York State:

* Republican
* Democratic
* Independence
* Conservative
* Working Families


Party Affiliation and the Primary System
In a Primary Election, only voters registered with one of the parties qualified to hold a primary in New York City may vote to nominate their party's candidate to run in the general election.

Candidates nominated by the parties for each office then appear on the general election ballot, along with any independent candidates who gain access to the general ballot without running in the party primaries.

Voting in Primary Elections
Because a primary is strictly a party election, only voters registered with one of the parties conducting a primary may participate in that party's election. Voters registered without party affiliation may vote only in General and Special Elections.

To Change Your Party Affiliation
You can change your party affiliation by obtaining a Voter Registration Form, indicating the change and sending it to the Board of Elections. We will process the information and send you a new voter card reflecting the change in party. You cannot CHANGE your enrollment and vote in the NEW PARTY of your choice in the same year. Please Note: a change of enrollment will go into affect one week following the General Election. The last day to change your enrollment is the same as the last day to register for the General Election (25 days prior to the date of the General Election).

[ka5piu]

Hello.

What would be the point of having an independent primary election?
The whole point behind a primary is to select from a party who is going to run in the general election.
If one is running as an independent the entire primary is a moot point.

[kc2orw]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 27 2007,13:57)]Hello.

What would be the point of having an independent primary election?
The whole point behind a primary is to select from a party who is going to run in the general election.
If one is running as an independent the entire primary is a moot point.
I believe, but cannot confirm, that non affiliated voters can vote in a primary. But I believe they have to chose which primary. So effectively you are just selecting a party I guess it may just a word/name game they are playing in New Hampshire...

[ka5piu]

Quote[/b] (kc2orw @ Sep. 27 2007,11:01)]Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 27 2007,13:57)]Hello.

What would be the point of having an independent primary election?
The whole point behind a primary is to select from a party who is going to run in the general election.
If one is running as an independent the entire primary is a moot point.
I believe, but cannot confirm, that non affiliated voters can vote in a primary. But I believe they have to chose which primary. So effectively you are just selecting a party I guess it may just a word/name game they are playing in New Hampshire...
Hello.

It is not a word game.
The whole point of a primary is to select who that party is going to run in the general election, nothing more.
Not a member of any party, no need to vote in a primary, however, you will have no say in who that party selects.
And, this is why you vote democrat or republican in the primary, unless some other party happens to also be certified valid in that state.
And, again, unless you plan to vote for a party there is no point in the general election for you.

[N3ATS]

Quote[/b] (n2nh @ Sep. 27 2007,12:00)]I hear Republicans complain that they're tired of the direction in which their party has taken. Conservatives complain that the Good Old Days of Reagan and his policies are gone. Democrats that their politicians aren't implementing the programs that they were elected to do. Liberals saying that the Democrats are paying lip service but not doing anything.

Why defend a Party that is no longer relevant? Why stick to your guns, voting for people who aren't listening? Instead of voting the party line every election, then wondering why they keep doing the same thing year after year, try something new.

The party's over. Instead of complaining once they get in, try to look forward and make a rational choice. Be an Independent and let them come to you. Instead of voting the party line and enabling the usual behavior, vote for who YOU like. Listen, learn and do a little checking on the candidates that catch your interest. Open your mind enough to hear both sides of the argument and THEN see if you like what you hear. Neither side has a lock on what's right or what's wrong. Maybe, just maybe, we can find a third party candidate to rattle the cages. It HAS been done before.

It's just a small effort that can easily be done on the internet and by watching the news. It's the least we can do for America.

This is not to mean become part of the Independent Party, but an Independent VOTER.

Think for yourself. Be Independent.
You're only supposed to vote the guy with the most money, most press, and most likely to win.

[kc2orw]

Oh well I guess someone didn't get me I was considering the primary more important. Once you get to the general election it is too late and the selection is one turd versus another turd.
People really do have to get out and vote in the primaries as the choices are all so bad. But that means you need to select a primary party that has your preferred candidate. The next problem is to factor in the odds and likely select the next leading contender who could maybe beat the front runner. you can't do much more then that...

PS: Remember the primaries are running early next year so don't think you have all the time in the world.
NY, Feb. 5th 2008

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (N3ATS @ Sep. 27 2007,11:04)]You're only supposed to vote the guy with the most money, most press, and most likely to win.
And also, you must only back someone who is already assured of a win so that you can be seen as a winner. Logic.

[kc2orw]

Quote[/b] (al2i @ Sep. 27 2007,16:05)]Quote[/b] (N3ATS @ Sep. 27 2007,11:04)]You're only supposed to vote the guy with the most money, most press, and most likely to win.
And also, you must only back someone who is already assured of a win so that you can be seen as a winner. Logic.
Well you can always vote your conscious and be 2 or less percent of the vote, I have done that. Sometimes principal isn't worth it and you settle on the next best thing. Of coarse one could always just accept what they give us and wait till the general election. If one likes that then hopefully you like voting for Hillary or Rudy...

[KD5HLG]

If you have a primary that forces you to vote in only one then you are still being forced to vote the way they want you to.

A better way is to do away with the party crape in the primary and let every one stand for them self and have a run off between the two with the most votes.

If a runner wants to declare him self affiliated with a party then that might play a part in who you vote for.

73's
KD5HLG
ernest

[kc2orw]

Well in the ideal world perhaps but this is America sometimes you have to deal with it the way it is...
Change would be good but you will change nothing right now by voting for Dennis or Ron...

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (kc2orw @ Sep. 27 2007,15:12)]Oh well I guess someone didn't get me I was considering the primary more important. Once you get to the general election it is too late and the selection is one turd versus another turd.
People really do have to get out and vote in the primaries as the choices are all so bad. But that means you need to select a primary party that has your preferred candidate. The next problem is to factor in the odds and likely select the next leading contender who could maybe beat the front runner. you can't do much more then that...

PS: Remember the primaries are running early next year so don't think you have all the time in the world.
NY, Feb. 5th 2008
No, what you're saying is important. The solution is pretty simple. Vote in the primary, then declare yourself an Independent. It's a long way from the primaries to Election Day this time.

[kc2orw]

Quote[/b] (n2nh @ Sep. 27 2007,17:31)]No, what you're saying is important. The solution is pretty simple. Vote in the primary, then declare yourself an Independent. It's a long way from the primaries to Election Day this time.
Well now that is doable I have voted Libertarian in the State. But for those that don't understand if you don't figure out what you want till after the primaries you lose.

First one has to decide can my absolute favorite actually win?
If not then who will win? maybe select them as opposed to the front runner.

Here is my opinion it is only an opinion...
The Republicans can't win even if a long shot like Ron Paul could take the primaries. I think concerning some issues he can't get a Democrat oriented middle of the roaders vote. So if he can't get the middle 2% he can't win the general election.

The Democrats thus far, without any missteps, have several candidates that could do it. You don't need the Republican vote to win next year just those people in the middle.
I don't trust Hilary so I intend to register and vote for Obama in the Primaries. I would much prefer Obama over Hillary any day. But alas I think most people will sit home on primary day and watch TV instead. Thus we will likely end up with Hillary versus Rudy. If you don't like that then you had better figure out what you are doing on primary day in your state.

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 27 2007,13:57)]Hello.

What would be the point of having an independent primary election?
The whole point behind a primary is to select from a party who is going to run in the general election.
If one is running as an independent the entire primary is a moot point.
I don't know about other states, but in Pennsylvania, the Primary election can also include general questions for all voters on the ballot -- changes to the state constitution, or local initiatives, things like that.

On paper, an independant is permitted to vote on these issues (only) in a primary. In reality... you often get turned away from the polls by those who don't know all the rules. Now, if you know the law, and have the means, you can usually get a judge to issue an injunction to permit you to vote... if you can find a judge, and if s/he rules in time before the polls close.

Now what I really liked was when I renewed my drivers license 4 years ago, at the state licensing center, and I was asked if I wanted to register to vote. I said "no, I'm already registered." (as a Republican).

4 weeks later, a voter registration card comes in the mail. Surprise! I'm now a Democrat! Got that fixed, but it was still annoying (and they wonder why ~90% of Allegheny County is Democratic).

And when I renewed this year? Same question. But now I can renew & get my license a AAA, so no hanky-panky...

well, not that kind, anyway...

73