Open Primaries: Out of curiosity

[Ouroborosnek]

Has anyone ever voted in a primary for the other party? Or planning to this primary season?

Been curious about the topic of open primaries and the states that have them, and whether that could ever be a good idea.

[tanyev]

1. I often do.

Currently in Texas you don’t have to state a party when you register and you may vote in either party’s primary. You just can’t vote in one party’s primary and show up to vote in the other party’s primary runoffs.

I am in a very red county that hardly ever has more than one choice in the local Democratic races. In elections past, there were often races with no Democratic candidates and the winner was chosen in the GOP primary.

They’re doing a better job of fielding candidates now, so I always check the sample ballot of both parties before I decide what I’m going to do.

[Ouroborosnek]

5. Sounds like S. Carolina

Leaning towards doing that here later in February.

[MOMFUDSKI]

2. Yes. Here in Florida I had to register rethug

to be able to vote newtie Gingrich. Then I went back to Dem. It was fun.

[NoPasaran]

3. Back in 2000 I voted in the Texas GOP primary.

I got to vote against GWB one extra time!

[LeftInTX]

4. It tends to work best for local races where you're more likely to have an impact

I know a group who votes in the R primary to keep a more moderate state rep. It seems to have an impact in that race. It doesn't seem to work for statewide races however.

[MyMission]

6. I've voted in their primary a few times

As a registered unaffilliated voter in NC, I can choose to vote in either primary, which is why I maintain my registration as unaffiliated. I live in a 60/40 red zone, and many times there is no democratic candidate or challenger. So whichever rethug wins the primary will probably win the local election.

Years ago our horrible R sheriff was challenged in the primary and lost; approximately 5,000 versus 7,000 votes for the challenger, who then ran unopposed in the general election and became sheriff. I voted in that primary and helped to defeat the old sheriff.

I will say this. Voting in their primary is not easy. I research the candidates, which involves reading the garbage they espouse, and vote against the most radical ones.

Of course in the general election I always vote for the Democratic candidate!

[Ouroborosnek]

7. Yea feels like

Taking the time to pick the lesser crazy of their candidates, and in a red to deep red county definitely makes sense.