There are many more political parties in the United States beyond those that appear on ballots. States have laws about how much support a party needs to actually appear on the state ballot. This means there are potentially even more parties out there for you to join. You’ll have to look through other sources like social media or internet searches to find these parties. Because of their very small numbers, they are unlikely to have much (if any) impact on elections.
Debates and rallies for major races like president are usually televised. You can also watch policy debates, panels, or even legislative proceedings on open-access channels like C-SPAN.
You’ll probably also get some reasons for not joining other parties. This can be good information to have as well.
One thing you should look for is the party’s platform. This is a document that explains what the party believes and what its officials intend to do if elected. You may not agree with everything the platform says, but your party should represent your views and principles.
Thinking about people you really respect. Consider what you admire about them, and think about how those values can be reflected in your political opinions. Thinking about the issues that get you most excited. Politics is about helping to change the world, and if you aren’t interested in what you are doing, you won’t pursue it as much. Look for parties that support your stance on the issue and are willing to make it an important part of their program. Since you are talking about a political party, your personal values can also include the ability to win elections. Your personal values may align more closely with a smaller “third” party, but you are far more likely to win elections with the Republican or Democratic parties. Part of your decision-making will need to consider how important it is to win elections in the short term.
You do not need to be a member of the party to vote in the general election, so if you are not comfortable joining a political party, you do not need to. In 2015, 42% of Americans identified as political independents, so you would hardly be alone. [6] X Research source
If you know that you are a strong supporter of government-sponsored programs like Social Security, for example, you won’t fit well in the Libertarian Party, which wants to phase out the program. [8] X Research source You can make your decision easier by just striking that one off your potential list.
In Florida, for example, you can fill out a registration form online, print and sign it, and deliver it to your county Supervisor of Elections. This can take place at the Supervisor’s office, a driver’s license office, a certified voter registration agency such as an armed forces recruiting office or public library, or the Division of Elections. [10] X Research source
In Florida, for example, you can fill out a registration form online, print and sign it, and deliver it to your county Supervisor of Elections. This can take place at the Supervisor’s office, a driver’s license office, a certified voter registration agency such as an armed forces recruiting office or public library, or the Division of Elections. [10] X Research source
11 states (Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming) have closed primaries. You must be a registered member of the party to vote in a primary. Each of those states will have separate rules about how long before the primary you need to have registered. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Conference of State Legislatures Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents Go to source You do not need to be a member of a party to vote in the general election. Anyone who has registered to vote is allowed to do so on Election Day.
Parties and their various committees will also want to keep your contact information available as volunteering opportunities arise. Once you have joined, sign up through the parties so they can contact you as needed.
There are limits to the amount of money you can give to political parties and candidates. There is a limit of $30,800 per-person per-year for donations to national party committees, and $10,000 limit on per-person donations to state, district, or local party committees. There are fewer limits when it comes to supporting outside non-party groups called Political Action Committees (PACs), which may coordinate with parties depending on the issue. [12] X Research source Political donations, unlike other kinds of donated money, are not tax-deductible. [13] X Research source
Parties are always looking for candidates to fill a variety of offices, especially at a local level. If you want to run for office, but aren’t sure what to do, call the local office and ask what offices are available and if they need candidates.
