Did you ever switch your political party? (independent, politicians, federal)

[xboxmas]

I'm curious to see how many people used to be part of a different party than they are now. Even if you don't want to label yourself as a "Democrat" or "Republican" which side do you usually vote for, and did you ever used to vote differently? What made you change your views? Around what year was it?

[remoddahouse]

I've seen people do it. Typically, they're the less educated, less intelligent types who make up their minds based on their emotions. Most of my friends trend very strongly independent. Smart people think for themselves.

[No_Recess]

I've never voted.

I've had a weird political ride in my life though.

When I was 12-13 I had a lot of interest in the Republican Party. I liked what I thought they stood for.

14-18 I was a Democrat...or so I would have thought if I could vote (I didn't at age 18)

19-30 I shuffled between a Communist and Socialist although not aligned with any party. I trended Green at the end of this era at times.

31 to present I've been a Leftist Libertarian while mainly focusing on Left-Wing Market Anarchaism but dabble here and there in the other forms. I'm relating more and more to Left-Wing Market Anarchaism.

[Speleothem]

Registered Independent for over forty years.
I always vote.

[alphamale]

My core principles have never changed they are based on the constitution, not emotion.

And I certainly don't fall in love with politicians.

[Ed from California]

When I was young and ignorant, I voted democrat. Then, I became an adult and vote conservative. I haven't voted for a democrat since McGovern.

[weltschmerz]

Did you ever switch your political party?

Sure. I've voted Conservative, Liberal, NDP and Green.

[Votre_Chef]

Twice

I left the Federalist Party for the Democratic-Republican Party in 1824 and then switched to the Whig Party in 1834.

[alphamale]

Originally Posted by weltschmerz

Sure. I've voted Conservative, Liberal, NDP and Green.

What it sounds like is that you do not possess any core principles.

[Bideshi]

I look at the primaries and decide which I can do the most good in. If, for example, the Rep primary is a lock, but the Dem primary has some options, I will register as a Dem to have a say in the primary, and vice versa. I'm actually an Independent.