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What are my rights if I register as an independent?

I am torn between the political parties. I want to just be able to vote for the candidate that I agree with. If I register as an independent what rights do I have in primary and secondary elections? How do I need to register if I just want to vote for people I agree with?

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2 Answers

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    Registering as an independent will usually bar you from participating in any party’s caucuses or conventions. So if you plan on becoming politically active in one party in the near future, you may want to register in that party.

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    West Virginia has what's called a "closed" primary, which means that if you register in one party, you cannot vote for candidates in another party.

    At the Primary Election, if you have a party choice listed on your voter registration, you will only be given the ballot of that party. If you register with no party affiliation, you will be given a non-partisan ballot in the Primary Election. The Republican, Mountain and Democratic Parties allow any voter who is not registered with an official party to vote in their Primary Election.

    For the General Election, every registered voter receives the same ballot, regardless of party affiliation. You can choose from any candidate for each office on the ballot. Hope this helps! For more information, check out the West Virginia website at http://www.sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/Political_Parties_in_West_Virginia.aspx#5

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