I've never voted in a Texas primary and need some help. Is it open or closed?

[DuaneBidoux]

I've never voted in a primary.

I don't remember if I am registered as an independent or a democrat or if I am at all even registered for a party.

I always (obviously) vote nearly straight ticket but don't particularly like the idea of officially labeling myself for any party.

Will I be able to vote in March in the democratic primary?

In case anyone cares the vote will be for Obama.

[Wwagsthedog]

1. You don't register in any party in TX

When you arrive at the primary polling place, you do have to choose which ballot you want to vote on. You will be given that ballot and off you go.

[merci_me]

6. Know your choice before you go

In some areas, Harris County being one, the Democrats and Republicans may not vote in the same place. Either not the same room or not even the same building.

Also, precincts are often paired in a primary, so it may be completely out of your neighborhood and a bit of a challenged if you walked or biked or even driving, if you show up at 6:50p.m. planning to hang around until the caucus.

If you live in a traditional Republican precinct, chances are, the place you normally vote has been given to the Republicans. Don't count on them to be helpful, if you ask where the Democratic primary is being held. Check with your precinct chair, your local party or your candidate.

[cosmik debris]

2. Don't forget the caucus!

After the polls close at 7 pm there will be a precinct caucus. You need to be there at that time to cast a vote for your presidential preference.

[sonias]

3. Duane make sure you read this thread

This thread has links to some very good resources about the Texas primary. It's crispini's thread where I posted some links to a Burnt Orange Report diary and Daily Kos diary. Plus No Pasaran has a link to the TDP party official report on delegate selection process. Everything you need to know can be found through those links.

crispini's post:
I could find this answer somewhere, but I'm lazy and I know ya'll will know.

Don't worry about the D label except they will stamp your voter card with "Democratic" so that you can't jump over and vote in the republican one too. It's not a real registration for the party though.

I recommended you go back to the caucus after you voted. It's a very important step in our primary, especially if you support Obama. I do too. Obama does very well in caucus states because of his organization and that's where he can pick up some extra delegates. So make sure you caucus if you have time.

Have fun, your first primary is going to count! It hasn't been this exciting since 1984 I hear.

Sonia

[NoPasaran]

9. Harumph

Showing up for the caucus is just as important if you support Clinton.

[DuaneBidoux]

4. Thanks for the great info guys!

[merci_me]

5. Check the location for the polling place

I looked at your profile and see you're in Houston. So am I, and my husband is a precinct chair. Usually, the Democrats and Republicans vote in a different area. For instance, if it's a school, one party may vote in the cafeteria and one in the library. Over the years, the two parties have held primaries in totally different places, one at the elementary school, one at the middle school. In our case, we've learned that Democrats have shown up at the general election spot (the cafeteria) only to learn the Republicans are voting there and the Republicans play dumb when asked where the Democrats are voting. We have it posted, but some people are walking in and reading a pushcard and ignore the signs and just head to their usual general election area.

The primary voting place and your general election place, may not be the same, since the party will pair some precincts, especially those with normally low Democratic turn out. This year, our precinct will be voting with two others at a location where we've never voted before. So, don't wait and go to the wrong place and end up racing the clock.

I don't believe the primary day voting locations are posted yet, but all the early voting locations are or will be posted very shortly at the Harris County Democratic Party site. If you vote early and want to caucus, be sure to check the party site for the primary day location, so you'll know where the caucus will be held.



http://www.hcdp.org

[WolverineDG]

7. If you get confused as to where your polling place is

you can always vote early. Most counties set up early voting places in malls, grocery stores, hospitals, anywhere large numbers of people will be in order to get a larger turnout. If you vote early, they will ask which ballot you want--Democratic or Republican. If not, tell them. :)

Have fun!

dg

[merci_me]

8. BUT, if you want to caucus

you will still need to know where your precinct is voting on primary day and get there by 7:15pm. The doors are suppose to close on the dot, but my husband is pretty lenient about allowing people to continue to come in and sign in for their candidate, as long as the meeting hasn't been called to order yet. It depends on the precinct chair. Once the meeting has started, it's up to whomever was elected as the caucus chair, but to be on the safe side (since this could be a hot caucus)get there on time.

[argyl]

10. I called the Denton County Democratic HQ with the same questions that have already

been so ably answered by the previous posters.So I'm going to actually vote in a Democratic presidential primary that will affect who our party's nominee will be.

Gonna make the caucus too. Since the nominee's always been decided by the time Texas Dems vote I don't even know if a caucus is standard procedure. Does anyone if it is or if it's being used this year because of the closeness of the race?

[NoPasaran]

11. The caucus always happens, even in non-presidential years

The caucus elects the delegates to the county or district convention, which in turn elects delegates for the state convention.

[argyl]

12. Thanks.n/t