Yorba Linda's growing number of independent voters have limited choice in presidential race

Yorba Linda's growing number of independent voters – who register as “no party preference” in California – will have limited choices if they want to cast ballots in the presidential contests in the June 7 primary election.

At last count, nearly 20 percent of this city's 38,461 registered voters selected the “no party preference” label, a designation that will allow them to make choices just in the Democratic, American-Independent or Libertarian presidential contests.

They can't vote in the Republican, Green or Peace and Freedom presidential contests, the only other parties qualified for ballot positions under state election rules. Decisions on allowing “no preference” registrants to cast presidential ballots are made by the respective parties, not state or county election officials.

“No party preference” individuals who are permanent “vote-by-mail” voters will receive a post card on which they can choose to receive a ballot listing presidential candidates in the Democratic or American-Independent or Libertarian parties.

If they aren't permanent “vote-by-mail” voters, they'd have to return a vote-by-mail application on which they'd could select one of the three allowed party ballots for the June 7 election only.

To vote in Republican, Green or Peace and Freedom races, they'd have to change their registration to the specific party and – if desired – change back after the election. Otherwise, they'll only vote in non-partisan races, voter-nominated legislative contests and on ballot measures.

Last day to register to vote is May 23, although new citizens can register through election day. Vote-by-mail applications are available May 9-31. Full information on registration and voting is available at ocvote.com. The site allows an individual to check his or her registration status.

Other Yorba Linda-related election highlights:

--In the 16 years since the 2000 primary, the percentage of this city's “independent” voters jumped from 11.9 percent to 19.3 percent, from 3,904 registered as “non-affiliated” out of a 32,936 total to the current 7,399 registered as “no party preference” out of the 38,461 total.

During the same period, Democratic registration dropped from 24.3 percent to 21.6 percent of the city's total, while Republican registration declined from 60.4 percent to 55.3 percent. Now, the Democratic registration stands at 8,292 and the GOP total at 21,273.

--As mentioned in my March 25 column,12 of the 15 candidates running for the six positions representing Yorba Linda, Placentia, Brea and La Habra on the county's Republican Central Committee are from Yorba Linda, including five of the six incumbents.

But Yorba Linda's Democrats won't be casting ballots for the Democratic Central Committee, since only three candidates signed up to run. Molly Muro from Placentia and Greg Diamond and Jeff LeTourneau from Brea and three others selected by the committee will be appointed.