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June 11, 2008

Update: To disaffiliate or not? Today's the day

If you voted in the Republican or Democratic presidential primary, but you’re not sure who you’ll support in the September state and local primaries, today is the last day to disaffiliate, so you can vote for whomever you please.

But you may end up having more time to make a decision. The Senate has green-lighted a bill that could change the date, extending the deadline to Monday, Aug. 11.

Under current law, voters have to change or leave a political party 90 days before a primary, special election or general election. If approved by the House and signed into law, the proposal would condense that period to 29 days.

Voters in the Democratic or Republican presidential primary were automatically affiliated with that party. A record turnout at the presidential primary means there is likely a higher than usual number of affiliated voters.

This September, there may be primaries in the race for state representative, state senate and city and town councils. If voters want to vote in a different primary than in March, they’ll need to disaffiliate from either party -- either today or by Aug. 11.

Wondering what to do?

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis said today, "While the bill may become law at some point, June 11 is the law today.

"Voters shouldn't gamble with their right to cast ballots in the primary of their choice on September 9. Even if the bill does become law, disaffiliating today will cause voters no harm. It just means they will have another two months to change their minds."

To disaffiliate, contact your local board of canvassers. Find contact information on the Secretary of State’s Web site.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 11:17 AM | Permalink

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