Why do people change political parties?

Question

I just want to hear from those who have changed party affiliations and how they vote. What made you change? Was it a sudden event, or a long process?

Okay, I already know why people do it in general. I want to hear personal stories of what made you change parties.

Answer 1

I used to vote republican, but they are getting confused and forgetting about important things like separation of church and state and some personal rights are being infringed. Thus, I will vote democrat next election.

Answer 2

While I have not changed party affiliations I believe the reason people change is quite simple. What they thought was true is not and the other party seems closer to what they believe.

My personal belief is to not be affiliated with either major party but register as an independent. It has always mystified me as to why anyone would vote a straight party ticket. To me it is the same thing as the old saying, "my country right or wrong". How foolish is that. There are a lot of Jewish Germans that may tell you otherwise.

One of the most important things we do is to try to insure we have the best, and honest, candidate in office. If you don't think what they do can hurt you if your wrong, you better think again.

We were the first country to try that novel approach to government and we do so take it for granted.

Answer 3

Generally people change political parties because the party they supported changed their stand on major issues, or becomes affiliated with a political group the person doesn't want to be associated with. I changed from pc to ndp because the leader of the pc party wanted closer ties to Bush in the states, and got a lot of monitary support from fundamentalist groups.

Answer 4

If you're a politician, more than likely you change parties because it's easier to get votes from if you belong to the party of choice in that area. If you're a voter, it's because a) you've become disgusted by the actions of those in power in your party or b) your feelings on certain issues (those most important to you when casting a vote) have changed over time.

Answer 5

Typically people change because the platform of the party changed, I think for most it is a process not an event.

Answer 6

The parties in this country are getting so generic (read: timid) that you go for the person, not the party. I'm usually Republican but I'd be happy to vote Democratic if the right candidate(s) were proffered.

Answer 7

I have changed. Twice. When I declare a party, I stay informed about that party's platform. If the party starts to espouse positions that are morally or politically unacceptable to me, I either find another party that more closely matches my beliefs, or I go independent.

Answer 8

The Republicans are making me very angry with the illegal immigration issue. Spending is also crazy. Both Republicans and Democrats are nuts saying there is a surplus in the budget when we a eight trillion in debt. I am not sure where to go next but its evident these two parties are bankrupt.

Answer 9

I think people change political parties mainly for two reasons; 1. If the personal political goals do not match with the political party. 2. Political parties change their Mission and vision reguraly so they keep havind the same roots but thinking diferent.

Answer 10

when the party does not follow what they preach