California To Only Allow Registered Republicans To Vote Republican

Registered Republicans will be the only ones to vote on a Republican ballot in California during the Primary on Tuesday. In a move that supposedly makes sure independents won’t hurt the Republican Party Nominee, they will inevitably lose a lot of votes on the Republican side that will now to the democrats (at least during the Primary).

About 34 percent of voters in California are registered Republicans, and are the only voters allowed to cast ballots in the Republican presidential race on Tuesday.

California Republicans changed the rule last year to close the primary to prevent independents from participating. Now, voters who register as independents may participate only on the Democratic ballot.

State Republicans say this is to ensure that independents don’t band together and intentionally vote in a weak candidate.

“It’s not unusual. Twenty-three other states have closed primaries. Most that have registration by party have closed primaries. What we’ve seen recently is people joining our party specifically so they can vote in the primary,” said California Republican Party chairman Ron Nehring.

Political analysts say this could give Democrats an unfair leg up in the California primaries. Some Republicans in the Golden State agree.

Source: Fox News

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February 3, 2008 | Filed Under 2008 Presidential Election, California Primary, Republican