can anyone help a first time voter?

Question

this is my very first time voting and i'm glad to be part of it. But, I still don't understand everything, yet. I have a mix of republics and democrats on my list of people i want to vote for. I was told that I could only vote for one side. I don't agree with everything on just one side. Is there a way I can vote for the people I want to see make it? Remember this is my first time at voting so, all this is new to me. I have done my homework on the issues and where these people stand. How does voting work? Do we all get the same list and we can vote for who we want or do you tell "them" what side we are on and they give us that sides list?
I hope I haven't confused anyone. I just don't understand what to do, yet. Plus, I'm not for sure if I'm republican or democrat since, my list is an, almost, equal split of both sides.
What am I suppose to say when they ask me what side I am on?

Answer 1

By all means you can vote for both Republican and Democrats. You sound like a great U.S. citizen. I wish more people would research and vote for the person...not the party.

No one will ask you 'what side you are on' and yes, we all get the same list. Ignore the party and vote for the person you have decided on.

Just register as an Independent. You won't be able to vote in the primary elections but I don't think that will bother you.

VOTE YOUR CONSCIOUS. I admire you a lot!

Answer 2

The ballots are the same for all voters. Your ballot at your local polling place will have all the candidates who are running in all races for your area listed. Your selections are made in private. No one in the polling place will ask who you voted for. Exit pollers may ask you who you voted for outside, but you have the right not to answer and they are not allowed to harass you for answering or not. Congratulations on taking your first real step into representative democracy and also kudos on doing your homework. Being informed is a good thing and you should always vote for the person you feel will best represent your interests.

Additionally if you are voting a split ticket (some republican, some democrat) you are considered an independent. The majority of people in the country fall into this category. Party affiliation occurs when you specifically register as a republican or democrat, but even if you are a party affiliated voter you still have the option of voting for either side in any election.

Answer 3

Nice to see a young person actually researching the candidates and making their own decision instead of following who your parents or friends are voting for.Congrats!You can vote for whomever you want,regardless of party.I never vote along party lines,I vote for the person,not the party.No one has the right to ask you what "side" you are on.It is no ones business who you vote for.The voting booth is set up the same for everyone,you just go in and make your selection.All the candidates from all parties are listed there.Good luck to you,it isn't as scary as you might think it is.And don't forget to ask someone for assistance if you don't understand something,that is what they are there for.

Answer 4

First, you don't have to for just "one side". I never have. I would recommend researching the candidates either through the internet or the local newspaper. Vote for the candidate that is more closely aligned with your ideas. You will enter a voting booth and you will have a choice between two or more candidates. Our local election board sends out a sample ballot so we can be familiar with the candidate choices and amendments. Hopefully, your election board did the same. It makes things easier when you get to the poll. Good Luck.

Answer 5

You get 1 ballot and nobody asks you anything , if they do they are breaking the law .
Vote as you wish , but first sit down with a piece of paper and list the issues ;
Should dogs be allowed to marry cats , yes/no , circle one
You circled , NO , Which candidate agrees , Jones did
Work thru this to get an idea .
Jones agreed with you 7 times , Smith 10 times .
Of course you need to list the issues in order of importance to you .

Answer 6

Independent is what you are. You neither affiliate with the repugs or the democrats. Usually in Michigan anyway you have to prove that you are eligible to vote, that is just your voter registration card. Then after you sign in you are given a ballot and led to a booth where you mark it. Then you have to take it to a person that collects them and you are done and wonder for days if you made the right choices, at least I do. Good luck to you and thank you for voting.

Answer 7

Hi, and thanks for trying to make a difference.First off, you can vote for who ever you chose. Party lines do not matter. Everyone gets the same ballot, and all your voting will be done privately. I don't think they ask you what party you are with, they don't ask me. They just go by your I.D/Driver License and address. I'm glad you did reviewed the issues, and want to congratulate you on being part of 'Americana"....good luck..... ;)

Answer 8

Thank you for becoming involved in our governmental process.

You do not have to vote Republican or Democrat - although you could vote straight party if you desired. You can vote your convictions across party lines.

So vote your convictions and conscience - to do otherwise would dishonor the sacrifices of our forefathers in establishing and preserving this nation.

Answer 9

they are not suppose to ask you what side you are on. that is only in the primaries if there is on in your state. they are just supposed to hand you your ballot. you can vote for anyone you want, regardless of parties. you just can't over vote. that means you can't vote for more than one person for the same office.

Answer 10

Congrats on exercising one of the best freedoms there is. You don't have to vote for just one party on a ballot. I usually vote repub, but if you have canadites on both sides for different offices, vote for whom you want to vote for. There is no general rule of thumb on voting.

It's your choice, your freedom, vote!