Registrar of voters offices across the Bay Area have issued guidance this week to “No Party Preference” voters who will have to take action if they want to vote in the presidential primary contest in the March election.
A joint statement by 11 local county registrar’s offices noted that the March 5, 2024 election will be the first in California in which party or No Party Preference ballots will be sent to every registered voter. No Party Preference means a voter didn’t register with a qualified political party like the Democratic or Republican parties.
Notices are being sent via mail to people who registered as No Party Preference to let them know of their options to be able to cast a vote in a presidential primary contest.
People can request a cross-over ballot for the Democratic, American Independent or Libertarian parties, which allow cross-over votes without changing one’s party. To participate in the Republican, Green, or Peace and Freedom parties’ contest, voters will need to register or re-register with that party, according to the registrar’s offices.
If No Party Preference voters don’t take either action, they will not have presidential contests on their ballot, which will also include Senate, Congress, statehouse and local races in March.
“While it is important to take action to vote each election, it is particularly important during a Presidential Primary. All voters should take action and check their voter information (address and party) before the election,” the county registrars said.
The joint statement was issued by the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma.
