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.