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Primary Date: March 4th
Democratic & Republican Party Primary
Type: Open Primary
Delegates at Stake: 228 for Democrats, 140 for Republicans
The state of Texas votes this year on March 4th, in one of the most decisive primary elections in a generation. In what is call an ‘open primary’, Texas has set up rules that allow every registered voter to choose which ballot and what party primary they would like to participate in.
The 2008 nominating process no longer hinges on Iowa and New Hampshire as so many elections have in the past. Instead, this election has been about Super Tuesday and the states that follow. And Texas sits in a position of power to determine who the nominee may eventually be.
In light of this, I feel it is necessary to share a quick history and voter’s guide to the most salient questions I’ve been asked about Texas. A political professional for nearly 10 years, I hope that this guide helps to answer all of your questions. If you have further ones, feel free to leave a comment.
Can I vote in the Texas Primary?
Only if you are a registered to vote prior to February 4th. At the time of this writing it looks like the deadline has passed for all of you who have not yet registered.
If you are a registered voter in the state of Texas, you will simply choose your party and vote in that party’s primary. Texas does not register by party. One becomes “affiliated” with a party by voting in a party’s primary and the affiliation lasts for that primary year. As an example, if a voter voted in the March 2006 primary or April 2006 runoff primary, the voter affiliated with that party for the rest of that year, but on December 31, 2006 the affiliation expired. The affiliation means that the person may not vote in another party’s primary or participate in another party’s convention or sign an independent candidate’s petition for place on the ballot if the independent candidate’s position appears on the primary ballot. Note that in the general election in November, a voter may vote for whomever he/she wishes, regardless of how or whether he/she voted in the primary or runoff primary election, since all candidates are on the same ballot. (source: Texas Secretary of State’s Office)
Can Independents vote in the Texas Primary?
Yes. When you go to the polls, you will be asked which ballot you want. You many only vote in either the Democratic or Republican Primary, not both.
Why can Independents vote in the Texas Primary?
The State of Texas votes in what is known as an ‘open primary’. This means that as long as you have registered to vote in time, you will be allowed to choose whether you want a Republican or Democratic ballot.
Texas’s primaries are somewhat unique. They allow any resident to pick up a ballot and cast a vote for whomever they wish, regardless of their personal party affiliation. Much like the General Election, you are free to choose who you want.
Many Independents find this system to be geared favorably towards them and typically more moderate politicians fare well in an open primary. Open primaries traditionally have better turnout since more people feel comfortable voting that day since they don’t have to officially declare that they belong to a party.
Does the Texas Primary matter?
I don’t think I have to tell you that it matters a great deal – especially if you have been watching the news lately. When a presidential primary comes to a state like Texas and the voting will still determine the outcome, it is a rare opportunity for voters to have their voices heard nationally.
If you are a Democrat, your vote will contribute to your candidate’s delegate total when it comes to convention time. Even if your candidate doesn’t win Texas, the better he or she does, the more delegates he or she will have to potentially be the nominee.
If you’re an Independent voter, you should feel equally enamored. Independents are widely known to be the heartbeat of the voting public whose opinions are frequently the basis for the ‘mandate’ that new presidents talk about during their first days. There should be no doubt that the candidates want your vote more than anything else. If you help in choosing either of the nominees, you’ll help shape the next 4 years of public policy.
What resources are out there for me?
I’m afraid that not many will go this length in explaining the logic of the primary system to you, but I will point you in the right direction for better details on what to expect on Election Day.
Texas Secretary of State’s Office
