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Political Parties

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What is a Political Party?

A political party is a group of people who try to determine publicpolicy and operate government by getting their candidates elected to office.

Why Join a Political Party?

If you join a political party you can elect members to the partycentral committee which governs the party. You can help to select theparty's candidates and you can work to elect members of the party to politicaloffices. You are not required to work for the party, to contribute moneyto the party or to vote for the party's candidates. If you want to beactive in the political party you should contact partyofficials. See also "voting in a primary election".

How to Join a Political Party

You join (or affiliate with) a political party by checking that party'sbox on the voter registration application form. If you checked "declineto state" when you registered and now wish to affiliate with one of theparties you must re-register by filling out a new voter registration applicationand checking the box of one of the political parties. You may change yourparty affiliation at any time by re-registering.

What is a "Qualified" Political Party?

Only seven political parties are currently qualified to run candidatesfor partisan offices on the California ballot. See political party qualification for more information.

Currently Qualified Political Parties in California

Read an overview of all political parties from the League Of Women Voters' Easy Voter Guide.

Check the parties' official websites for information about a party's belief sand how to contact the party for more information.

 

Other Political Parties

If you check the box marked "Other" on the voter registration applicationform you may write in the name of any political party not listed on the form.

If You Wish to be "Independent"

If you do not wish to join any political party you should check the"No, I don't want to register with a political party" box on the voter registration application form. Read more about how this affects voting in a primary election.

LWVC Education Fund