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.

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

You can get the information directly from the Secretary of State. This is the office that is in charge of elections and can give you the most up to date information.

Click here to find your Secretary of State's office: http://www.rockthevote.com/election-center/contact-sos/.

If you are having any trouble, don't be afraid to call their office directly. They are there to help.

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