Who Are You?
A friend of mine went to vote in the recent NC primaries, but couldn’t. For the last election, she had registered as an Independent, and here in NC there is no Independent primary. So naturally, she couldn’t legally vote in a Democratic or Republican primary. She’ll still be able to vote in November, regardless.
But it made me wonder how many of us ‘have our papers in order’. This is 21st century America, and being able to prove who we are is becoming more important. The last 2 general elections have been questionable, to say the least. Partly as a result of all the allegations of fraud back then, tighter restrictions are being employed at the polling places this year. Do you know that you have the papers you need?
For instance, I’ve moved twice in the last 4 years. Normally that would mean that this year I vote in a different place, but somehow I ended up back in the same neighborhood that I lived in 4 years ago. But if I hadn’t, I would need to update my voter registration information with my new address and find out where to go to cast my singularly important vote.
If you want to check on your information, a good place to start might be VoteSmart.org. You’ll find resources listed by your state of residence.
Meet The New Boss
Back in the 70s there was this great song by The Who called “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. There’s a couple of quotes from that song that I want to put in front of your face, and then we’ll both be on to something else. I’ll just put them here back-to-back. Take them with you when you click-out of Wordout.
I’ll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I’ll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
and
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
.
I am Jon. Let’s try to avoid that prophecy, shall we?
For those avid Who fans, I’ve decided to embed this video of The Who performing “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. It’s a nice synchro of 2 Who concerts, from 1978 and 2005. Yeah, that’s the legendary Keith Moon on the left. Enjoy…
For the last election, she had registered as an Independent, and here in NC there is no Independent primary. So naturally, she couldn’t legally vote in a Democratic or Republican primary.
I’m registered as an Independent, and I voted in the primary.
Interesting. Which primary?
“I’m registered as an Independent, and I voted in the primary.”
Wait, Really? How did you manage that? I thought you had to be registered for a party to vote for members of that party.
I voted in the May 6th primary in NC.
More info here: Can Independents Vote in the NC Primary?
All I did was tell them which ballot I wanted. Of course, my candidate of choice wasn’t on either, so I had to go with my 2nd choice. But I did vote.
From that website:
NC General Statute 163-119 provides:
“If a political party has, by action of its State Executive Committee reported to the State Board of Elections by resolution delivered no later than the first day of December preceding a primary, provided that unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of that party, an unaffiliated voter may vote in the primary of that party by announcing that intention under G.S. 163‑166.7(a). . . .”
NC General Statute 163-166.7(a) provides:
” . . . . In a primary election, that voter shall also be asked to state, and shall state, the political party with which the voter is affiliated or, if unaffiliated, the authorizing party in which the voter wishes to vote. After examination, that official shall state whether that voter is duly registered to vote in that precinct . . . . “
The North Carolina Democratic Party states:
“In North Carolina, unaffiliated voters are permitted to vote in the Democratic primary. However, if an unaffiliated voter chooses to vote in the Democratic primary, he or she cannot vote in a Republican runoff (or second primary). Similarly, an unaffiliated voter who votes in a Republican primary cannot vote in a Democratic runoff.”
Thank you Melinda!
You’re quite welcome. 🙂