How to change your party affiliation
You can change your party affiliation by filling out a form with your local election office or state election board, usually online or by mail. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Most states let you change your affiliation at any time, though a handful require the change to happen before a certain date if you want to vote in that year's primary election. Where you go and what form you use depends entirely on which state you live in — there is no federal process.
The fastest route is your state's election website, which will have a link to your county or local election office. That office holds your voter registration and can tell you the exact deadline for primary voting in your state. If you cannot find the form online, you can call that office or visit in person with your ID.
Key Takeaways
- Party affiliation changes are handled by your county or local election office, not a state or federal agency, and the process is free.
- Most states allow you to change your affiliation at any time, but some require the change to be made before a specific date to vote in that year's primary.
- You can change your affiliation online, by mail, or in person depending on what your state offers.
- Your state election website will direct you to your local election office and show you the deadline for primary voting in your state.
- Changing your affiliation does not affect your voter registration status or your ability to vote in general elections.
Where to find the form for your state
Start by going to your state's election website and searching for "change party affiliation" or "change voter registration." Most states have a dedicated page with a link to the form or instructions for your county. If your state offers online registration, you can usually change your affiliation through the same system.
If you cannot find it online, contact your county clerk's office or local board of elections. You can find their phone number and address on your state election website. They will either mail you a form or tell you where to pick one up in person. Some offices let you change your affiliation over the phone, though this varies by state.
What information you will need
You will need your voter registration number, which appears on your voter registration card or any election mail you receive. If you do not have it, the election office can look it up using your name, date of birth, and address. Bring a photo ID if you are changing your affiliation in person.
Some states ask for your driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Have these ready before you start the form, whether online or on paper.
Deadlines for primary voting
Most states let you change your affiliation any time, even on election day. However, some states have a cutoff date — usually 15 to 30 days before a primary election — after which you cannot change your affiliation in time to vote in that primary. A few states require you to change your affiliation months in advance.
Your state election website will list the deadline for the next primary. If you are close to the deadline and unsure whether your change will go through in time, call your local election office. They can tell you whether your change will be processed before the primary voting date.
Changing affiliation online versus by mail
Online changes are the fastest option and are available in most states. You fill out the form on your state's election website, submit it, and receive confirmation immediately. The change usually takes effect within a few days.
If you prefer to mail the form, print it from your state's website, sign it, and send it to your local election office. Mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks — so do this well before any primary deadline. Some states also let you fax the form or drop it off in person at the election office.
What happens after you submit the form
Your local election office will process the change and update your voter registration record. You will receive a confirmation, either by email (if you submitted online) or by mail (if you mailed the form). Some states send a new voter registration card with your updated affiliation.
Your change takes effect immediately for most purposes, but for primary voting it takes effect only if it is submitted before your state's deadline. If you miss the deadline, you can still vote in the general election, and your new affiliation will be active for the next primary.
Changing affiliation if you have moved
If you have moved to a new state or county, you need to update your voter registration first before you can change your affiliation. Go to your new state's election website and register to vote at your new address. Once your registration is updated, you can change your affiliation through the same process.
If you have moved within the same state, you can usually change your address and affiliation on the same form. Your local election office will tell you whether to submit one form or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my party affiliation affect my voter registration?
No. Changing your affiliation updates only which party you are registered with. Your voter registration status stays the same, and you can still vote in general elections regardless of your affiliation.
Can I change my affiliation and then change it back?
Yes. You can change your affiliation as many times as you want. However, if you change it back and forth close to a primary election, you may miss the deadline to vote in that primary with your new affiliation. Check your state's deadline before making multiple changes.
What if I want to be unaffiliated or independent?
Most states let you register as unaffiliated, independent, or with no party preference. The form you use is the same — you just select "unaffiliated" or "no party" instead of a party name. Some states call this "decline to state."
Do I have to change my affiliation to vote in a primary?
It depends on your state. Some states have open primaries where anyone can vote regardless of affiliation. Others have closed primaries where you must be registered with that party to vote in its primary. Your state election website will explain your state's rules.
What if my change does not go through before the primary?
If you miss the deadline, you can still vote in the general election with your new affiliation. Your new affiliation will be active for the next primary election. If you need to vote in this year's primary with a different affiliation, contact your local election office to ask whether there are any options.