Jun 04 2009
Changing My Party Affiliation
So I’ve finally decided to take the leap. I’ve requested a new voter registration form, and I will be registering as a Libertarian.
There are a few reasons I’ve made this choice. When I originally registered to vote in Nevada, I did so as an independent. I thought it was the smartest move because it allows me to vote in either major party primary. I also didn’t see much significance in my party affiliation, since I am not really the straight ticket type of voter.
I thought about it a lot, and decided this was the wrong decision for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I have lost all faith in the two main parties and their leading politicians. Obama has failed to bring any change about thus far, and has made it quite clear he does not plan to do so, other than perhaps by socializing our health care system, which I strongly opposed. On the other hand, McCain seems to have accepted the fact that at his age, this Presidential election was his last shot at being a major political figure. Not only is he unlikely to run again, but he seems to have quieted down. He is not the clear leader of the Republican Party. Politically, that “honor” now falls to Bobby Jindal, or perhaps Sarah Palin. In the public eyes and ears, however, the socially conservative pundits from the radio, the television, and the internet are filling the void.
I can honestly say that both Democrats and Republicans now disappoint me to the extent that in my mind, a vote for either party, or a vote in either primary, does not count; and is not a vote I am fighting to cast. In the ways that affect my every day life, a vote for either candidate, or a vote in either primary, is basically the same.
Moreover, party affiliation does not restrict my ability to vote for a Republican or even Democratic candidate if by some twist of the fates I become so inclined, or, more likely, if the other candidate is so appalling that I decide to vote defensively.
On the other hand, voter registration is very important for “minor” parties as we call them here in the Silver State. First of all, it helps maintain and perhaps eventually improve, ballot access. More importantly, at least in the short term, it lends public legitimacy to traditionally margionalized political parties. Currently, the Libertarian party is the third largest party, with over 250,000 registered Libertarians nationwide. Imagine if, for instance, all of the 850,000+ people who support libertarian political causes through FreedomWorks were to actually join the Libertarian Party. Even if they continued voting Republican, because they still buy the lie that it is the lesser of two evils, more than tripling the Party’s membership would clearly make it stand out.
The Libertarian Party truly is on the rise, and I want to be involved in that rise. For instance, how many bloggers blog about “green” (the party, not just environmentally friendly) ideologies? How many blog about “libertarian” ideals? Well, I’m sick of being a “little l” libertarian. I’m going to put my money, and my actions, where my mouth is. As of next week, I’ll officially be a “Big L” Libertarian.
Finally, although I chose not to pursue it as a career, four years of studying politics and engaging in campus politics at Wisconsin leaves me with a constant itch. By joining a party, I can get involved in politics without giving up my career or putting it on hold(something I can’t afford to do at this time) to run for public office.
So I would encourage all of the libertarians out there to contact your local elections office and change your party affiliation.
I usually don’t pay attention to politics because most politicians are overly-wealthy idiots blowing smoke. However, I just read your article. I completely agree. And, if you don’t mind, I have also added your site to my blog roll.
welcometomyworld.today.com
You are not alone in your distrust of the two major parties in the United States. Although the polls would have you believe differently, the truth will out. People are fed up and the Democrats for all their bravado will know it, if the voters can vote an honest election. I fear that holding onto our Constitutional rights is becoming the “Pipe Dream” and we are the victims of a system that has been crooked since before I came into this world. Sad, a great nation with little promise because it placed it’s faith in a system that accepts no responsibility.
http://gyroscope2000.today.com
Congrats on registering as a Libertarian. I identify as a Libertarian, thought I am still registered as a Republican. In Maryland, in the primaries you can only vote for your party. That is one of the reasons I have yet to switch over completely. Until the Libertarians can put forth a candidate that can compete with the two main parties, I will remain rgistered as a Republican.
Dickster, that is why I originally registered here as an independent. You are actually allowed to choose which primary to vote in, but if you register with a party, you can only vote in that primary.
The question I had to ask myself is who do I foresee running for office that I would vote for, in the primaries or otherwise? Nobody.
Finally, while I understand the logic of not changing registration but I hope you seriously consider voting Libertarian in the general elections, at least the local offices. The Party is the third largest and fastest growing. About 250 officials nationwide are currently serving under the Libertarian banner. Nobody will take us seriously as a party until we start getting votes.
Becky-Thanks for the add to the blogroll and dropping by. I’m going to check out your site in a moment.
Dfallis-Checking out your site now as well. Just know its less of distrust for me and more of dissatisfaction.
I stepped into politics today… before I go spray my shoes off here’s the link
http://welcometomyworld.today.com/2009/06/11/transparent-government-theyre-blowing-smoke-again/
I’ve love to change my party affiliation, but in my state we have Split Primaries which means that in the primaries, we can ONLY vote for the individuals in the party we are registered for. That means as a Libritarian, I wouldn’t be able to vote in any primary at all because we don’t have many libritarians in politics.
Dunappaloosa, see my response to Dickster above. The choice is yours in the end, but ask yourself a few questions.
1) Are there really no Libertarians in politics in your state? Even in local offices?
2) Are the differences between either the Republican or Democratic (you didn’t state which party you registered as) candidates really big enough to make a difference when you vote in the primaries? Or are they going to continue the same old partisan nonsense that they have been?
3) Why do you think the Libertarian party does not have more influence, even with the obvious increase in libertarian sentiment?
If we (the people who believe in Libertarian ideals) do not support the Libertarian Party financially, through registration, by signing their candidates’ petitions, by blogging and campaigning for their issues and candidates, who will? Now is the time to put an end to the indentured enslavement of the American people. The government is increasingly putting us (and future generations) in debt. They are telling our friends and neighbors (sometimes through difficult to change Constitutional amendments) who they can and cannot marry. At what point does the “lesser of two evils” and the damage they cause become so intolerable that we actually demand change?