Changing political parties to vote for someone in the primaries?

Question

Do a lot of people do this? and is it fine to do so?

*well i'm just thinking of doing this, because there's a person in the other political party whom i like much better than in my own*

Answer 1

Yeah. you could do this. As long as you change your registration before the cut-off date. Otherwise, you have to stay with the party you had.
Check out your state's board of elections. Some states have open primaries. Some have primaries where independents/unaffiliateds can vote in some of the party primaries. Various rules. You might not actually have to change parties, unless you just want to anyway.

Answer 2

You're not the first person to think of doing this to find the weakest candidate to oppose the candidate in your party. But really, there are much better ways to help your candidate win in an election. If you spent your energy working on the campaign you may find you can do a lot more than what your one primary vote can do.

Answer 3

Yeah, Obama is pretty cool.

Changing party registration varies by state.

For instance, in Florida, "You can submit changes to your name or party affiliation by filling out a Florida Voter Registration Application, which is available at any voter registration location or online. If you cannot obtain a registration form, contact us and we can send you a form by mail."
http://www.brevardelections.org/namepty.htm

I think it's similar in the other states, but you should check out your local election rules.

Answer 4

It is legal, and yes I routinely do it. It amuses the hell out of me. I voted Dennis Kucinich in the 04 primaries because he was the most insane candidate in the most laughable field of prospects in my lifetime.

Answer 5

Actually you can be in both political parties at once. They don't share lists so neither will know it.

Answer 6

legal but not right.