What is the logic behind not allowing decline-to-state voters to vote for certain political parties?

Question

I understand the government isn't known for doing logical or fair things, but it just seems so ridiculous to me that because I'm not affiliated with any political party, I get stuck with just Democrat or Independent candidates. I feel like I'm being punished.

I've never really noticed if the same thing applies to the primary elections either. It's just during the preliminaries, correct?

Answer 1

The primaries are designed so the parties can decide who they want to run for them so they can all get behind one candidate.

They do not need to be open to everyone (nor should they be)

Answer 2

I am an Independent and we don't have a political party per say. We don't have a party that can have a primary election so they don't let us vote in the primaries. When you think about it, I can see their point. There are too few of us to form a political party. We can see both sides of these debates not just one side and the other two parties don't like it because we can. It is us that makes or breaks the voting. They should be listening to us instead of these political con artists.

Answer 3

I am decline to state as well. It seems the rules change every election. This year we can vote for Democrats or American Independents. However, I would understand if we are not allowed to vote in any primaries because we are not party members. The members of that party should make that decision.

Answer 4

In some states (like Florida) they won't allow independants to vote in the Primary elections because they want to reduce the amount of voter sabotage.

Many people register as the opposite party to control the outcome of their chances against them.
(This can be seen as a good balance though too - sometimes we want two good choices.)

Answer 5

In the PRIMARIES, you are NOT electing anyone for any office. Each party is picking someone to represent THEIR party in the actual election. If you won't claim the party, why should you have any say about who represents the party?

NOTE: Preliminaries is NOT a term used in US elections. PRIMARIES are what you are CALLING preliminaries.

Answer 6

in states like Ga, you don't register with a party.
so on primary day, you walk in, give them your info, and tell them which ballot you want, dem, repub, or ind.

I'm an independent (not the party, just the way I vote) so I'll have my research done by then, and request the party ballot that the person I choose is on. That way I can help to ensure the person I want is in the final race for the whitehouse

Answer 7

this is just for primaries.its to keep you voting only in your own parties primary. like me I am not a democrat but i will register as one to block hillary . now to do this i can not vote in the Republican primary but i can risk it. in the general i'll just be a democrat that votes for no democrat.