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DECLINE TO STATE VOTERS
(Voters Not Affiliated with a Political Party)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Secretary of State’s Office has advised the Registrar of Voters that two qualified parties have notified the Secretary of State that they are allowing voters not affiliated with a political party (Decline to State voters) to vote for their parties’ candidates in the 2008 Presidential Primary Election. The parties allowing non-affiliated voters to do so are the Democratic Party and the American Independent Party. |
The following are frequently asked questions concerning Decline to State Voters:
If I am a Decline to State voter, am I considered a registered voter?
Yes, you are a registered voter but not affiliated with a qualified political party.
What is a Decline to State voter? I’m an Independent Party voter.
A Decline to State voter is one who did not register with one of the qualified political parties – Democratic, Republican, American Independent, Green, Libertarian, and Peace and Freedom. “Independent Party” is not a qualified political party.
As a Decline to State Voter, why did I receive a postcard?
As a Decline to State voter, you received a post card explaining that you have the option to vote for candidates of qualified parties if they notified the Secretary of State that they are allowing non-affiliated voters to do so.
Why are only two parties listed on the postcard and not all the other qualified parties, including the Republican, Green, Libertarian, and Peace and Freedom Parties?
Only the Democratic and American Independent Parties notified the Secretary of State that they are allowing non-affiliated (Decline to State) voters to vote for candidates of their parties.
Why didn’t the other parties allow non-affiliated voters to vote for their candidates?
This was a decision made by each political party, not the Registrar of Voters. Contact the political parties for more information.
If I do not request a Democratic or American Independent Party ballot, will I be allowed to vote?
Yes, you will be allowed to vote. Decline to State voters not requesting one of those ballots will be given a non-partisan ballot, containing only the names of the candidates for non-partisan offices and measures to be voted upon.
If I do request a Democratic or American Independent Party ballot, will I now be registered with that party?
No, you will still be registered as a Decline to State voter. You will only be given a Democratic or American Independent Party ballot for the 2008 Presidential Primary Election, if requested.
Can I re-register prior to the 2008 Presidential Primary Election?
Yes, you can re-register through January 21, 2008 for the 2008 Presidential Primary Election. You can find an online voter registration form at www.ocvote.com. You can also contact the Registrar of Voters Office at 714-567-7600 to have an affidavit mailed to you. Registration affidavits are also available at public locations, including libraries and city halls.
I thought the California’s Primary Election is held in June. Why is there a February Primary?
The California Legislature passed a bill which was signed by the Governor adding the February Primary to elect nominees for President. They moved the Presidential Primary from June to February, believing that this action will give California more clout in the process. However, there will also be a primary held in June for congressional, state legislative, judicial, and local candidates.
Will I get another postcard for the June Primary or is this postcard valid for both the February and June Primary Elections?
If you are still registered as a Decline to State voter, you will be receiving another post card for the 2008 June Primary Election that will advise you of the parties allowing non-affiliated voters to vote for their candidates in the June Primary Election.
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