Hall County Clerk Notes Party Switching Trend
Jan 25, 08:45 AM CST
If we judge our success by the influx of new people coming into our party and getting involved, then we’ve already won.
Upcoming caucus part of party changes
By Tracy Overstreet
The Grand Island Independent
Hall County Election Commissioner Dale Baker said her office is seeing an increase in the number of people changing political parties.
“I think we’re seeing that because of the caucus,” she said.
As of Tuesday, Hall County had 18,072 registered Republicans, 11,025 registered Democrats and 6,473 Independents.
By law, voters may change party affiliation up to 10 days before the May 13 primary election.
This year, the Nebraska Democratic Party is also holding caucuses across the state on Feb. 9. The sole race for the caucuses is the presidential race. Democratic Party leaders in individual counties can pick the time and location of their caucuses.
Nebraska Democratic Party Third District field organizer David Wolf said Republicans and Independents can participate in the caucuses if they change their party affiliation to Democrat. That can be done before the caucus or at the caucus registration on Feb. 9, he said.
Baker said she’s had steady inquiries about changing party affiliation and numerous registered voters who have come in to do so.
“We don’t quiz people why they’re changing, but one man said he was changing so he could participate in the caucus,” she said.
Baker said the caucuses have really seemed to elevate voter interest.
“They are paying attention more attention this year,” she said.
Hall County’s caucuses will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at nine precinct locations. Wood River, Cairo, Alda and Doniphan each have one precinct, and Grand Island has five.
– by Eric Fought | Send this to a friend
