Amidst all the primary election hubbub, the basics of the voting process often get little notice. This was brought home to me when doing a segment for Channel 13 and a discussion with Elissa Rivas regarding that process.
Question: There are those who have expressed interest in voting for a presidential candidate in one primary, but voting for candidates for other positions in the other primary. Can this be done?
Answer: No. When you go to vote, you will choose to vote in one of the party’s primaries and thus will be voting only for that party’s candidates.
They’ll Be Flocking to the Polls
There has been much speculation about what has driven the extremely high turn out of voters during early voting in Texas and why there are predictions of a record turn out on Tuesday.
Yes, the hotly contested Democratic presidential primary contest has energized voters—traditional Democrats, independents (many of whom might ordinarily vote in the Republican primary) and first time voters. And it has energized traditional Republicans to vote in the Democratic primary.
In addition, I think there are a couple of other factors. For the first time since 1928 there is not a sitting president or vice president of either major party seeking the nomination. This historical footnote to this election has been oft mentioned and thus I do think it is serving to inspire participation in the process.
Lastly, I think Florida and the 2000 presidential election are still fresh in mind. The closeness of that election reaffirmed that an individual’s vote does count. That just may be in the back of many minds as voters flock to the polls in Texas and elsewhere.
- Peter Roussel
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