• Snailpope@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      I’m not sure if you have to, but I know it is on the form. It’s just a convenient time to ask, like if you want to be an organ donor.

      • el_abuelo@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        Why do they ask? That seems so weird to me. I have never been asked (by the government) what party I support, and would be outraged if I ever was.

        • lennybird@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          It’s actually a good thing in my view. Republicans are desperately trying to stop this effort because lower registration of youth yields better outcomes for Republicans.

          They ask because it’s a matter of convenience. State Department of Motor Vehicles routinely handle Voter Registration requests. So when you’re there they ask on the forms, “Would you like to register to vote?” And if so, they ask if you want to choose a party or remain independent. Many states including Pennsylvania have closed primaries, which means if you are officially registered as as a Republican you cannot vote in any other party’s primary.

          • el_abuelo@lemmy.ml
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            4 months ago

            Oh yeah I forgot about the whole “choosing your candidate” piece. You wouldn’t want other parties messing with that…we just vote for a party and the party chooses its leader and can change it whenever they want.

    • Pandemanium@lemm.ee
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      4 months ago

      No. You can get a driver’s license at 16 but can’t vote until 18. Would be weird to ask someone who can’t vote to pick a party. When you register to vote they’ll ask, but that’s a separate process from getting a driver’s license and even then you don’t have to declare a party.