[babydawn]

They aren't trial runs, they are the pre-election to the general election. Each party (republican and democrat) have several people who want to be president. However, only one from each party is allowed on the general election ballot. The primaries choose who that one candidate from each party will be. So it is really a big deal.

I am a republican and I like Romney, McCain, and Guiliani. I think they all bring something great and different to the table (I'm not a big Huckabee fan). I am inclined to believe that Guiliani doesn't stand much of chance if he doesn't win the Florida primary today. I am hoping Obama wins the primary for the Democrats. Of course I want the Republican candidate to win the presidential election, but if they don't (and I really fear they won't), I would much prefer Obama in office than Clinton or Edwards.

[twinzplus3]

To add to what babydawn said: states either hold caucuses or primaries. The difference is that primaries are by secret ballot whereas caucuses are by public voting. Our state also has a primary. . .which will be Feb. 5.

Each person who is registered to vote has the option of selecting a party when you register. So technically, I'm a registered Republican. I'm not bound to vote Republican in the end BUT I cannot vote in the primaries if I'm not registered as something (either Republican or Democrat). (So lesson be learned--always register as something. . .)

Other parties besides Republican and Democrats just put forth a candidate. . .like the lovely Ralph Nader.

[jkl123]

It actually makes a lot of sense that you can only vote in the primary for the party you are registered as... it is NOT a trial run for President, but rather, who YOU want representing your party in the actual election. For example, I am about as Democratic as you can get ( ) and believe only Democrats should be allowed to decide who the party ultimately supports ($$$) for the election. Republicans and Independants should not be allowed to decide where Democrat supporters' dollars go. Make any sense??
I'm from a state voting on Super Tuesday, and as for now, am still undecidd... but leaning more toward Obama.

[Alejandros Mommy]

Ah...I understand now....here the party votes for its own candidate...people can be part of the party but you need to pay for a membership. Thanks for enlightening me

[mcmama]

Originally Posted by KR258

My husband registered independant and didn't realize that because he didn't chose a part he can't vote in the primary. I think it's a bit silly that you can only vote for your party in the begining....what if you changed your mind and don't like who's running for your party and want to vote for the other side?
SO we wanted to vote for Obama but I forgot to register...

In some states, if you are registered as independent, you can declare a preference at the polling place and vote in the primary. If you want to remain in that party, great, if not, just file an application for change again back to independent.

For the super Tuesday primary here in NJ, the registration deadline was January 15. Today was the last day for registered voters to apply for absentee ballots.

Independents are crucial for Obama. In my area, he is attracting interest from people who normally vote Republican who can't wrap themselves around ANY of the republican candidates. I would love to see a general election between him and McCain, because I think you would have clear choices. And I don't think you would have the partisan split down the middle divide that has happened in the last two elections. I think that given a clear choice that is not so visibly tied to politics as usual, people would vote a clear choice and elect a president with a definite mandate.

With Clinton and any of the other Republicans besides McCain, you have politics as usual.

And if it is a match between Obama and McCain, I truly am undecided. I just want to clean house right now....and senate....and Oval Office.....

Windows!!! We need clean clear open windows!!!!!

[deedee1231]

I am a registered Independent, but I always vote in the Republican primary. That is allowed in MO, I didn't realize it wasn't the same in every other state. My DH has been after me for years to change my registration to Republican, but I just never have felt the need to do so. I like to vote for candidates, not parties, so what is the difference?

[KR258]

I don't agree completely with either party but when I do resigter I'll probably go democrat...I would rather just vote for the person I agree with most and not based on their party.

[ginnipher]

If I could vote (I'll be 17 this year, so I have to wait another year to be able to vote), I'd vote for Obama. There's no way Hillary Clinton is banning my violent video games.

[mcmama]

I found it interesting that the major newspapers in NJ are for Obama. I think hilary has taken far too much for granted.

There's a lot of smear campaigning going on here - very subtle - like a vote for Obama will encourage the welfare state and bring down Israel. Fear mongering. It really is unseemly - but what I have come to expect of the Democratic Politburo Organization.

[twinzplus3]

I think Hillary will win in New York, and McCain for the Republicans.