How to change your party registration
To change your political party, you file a form with your local election office or county clerk — the same office where you registered to vote in the first place. The process is free and takes about five minutes. You do not need a reason, and changing your party does not affect your right to vote or any other legal status.
Where you file depends on where you live. Most states let you change your party online through the secretary of state's website, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office. A few states require you to do it in person only. The deadline to change your party before an election varies by state — some allow it on Election Day itself, while others require it 15 to 30 days in advance.
If you are not sure whether your state allows online registration changes, call your county clerk's office or visit your secretary of state's website. They can tell you the exact deadline for your next election and walk you through the process for your location.
Key Takeaways
- You change your party by filing a form with your county clerk or election office, the same office where you registered to vote.
- Most states allow you to change your party online, by mail, or in person, and the process is free.
- The deadline to change your party before an election ranges from Election Day itself to 30 days in advance, depending on your state.
- Changing your party does not affect your voting rights, your voter registration status, or any other legal rights.
- If you miss the deadline before one election, you can still change your party at any time — it will take effect for the next election cycle.
Where to file your party change
Your county clerk's office or election office is the place to file. You can usually find the office online by searching "[your county] clerk" or "[your county] election office." Many counties now let you change your party through the same online portal where you registered to vote.
If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail a form or go in person. The form is usually called a "party change form" or "voter registration update form." Your county clerk can mail you one, or you can download it from your secretary of state's website. Fill it out, sign it, and return it by mail or in person.
Some states let you change your party at the polling place on Election Day, though this is less common. Call ahead to confirm whether your state allows same-day changes, because if it does not, you will need to file before the deadline.
Deadlines for changing your party before an election
The deadline to change your party before an election varies significantly by state. Some states allow you to change your party on Election Day itself. Others require the change to be filed 15, 20, or 30 days before the election. A few states have no deadline at all — you can change your party at any time, and it takes effect immediately.
The deadline matters most if you want to vote in a primary election, because many states require you to be registered with a party before the primary deadline in order to vote in that party's primary. If you miss the primary deadline, you can still change your party, but your new registration will take effect after the primary is over.
To find your state's deadline, search "[your state] party change deadline" or call your county clerk. They can tell you the exact date for your next election and whether you can still make the change in time.
What happens to your voter registration when you change your party
Changing your party does not change your voter registration itself. Your name, address, and voting precinct stay the same. Only the party affiliation on your record changes. You will continue to receive mail from your election office at the same address, and you will vote at the same polling place.
Your voting rights are not affected. You can still vote in every general election, regardless of what party you are registered with. If you change your party after a primary election has already happened, you will not be able to vote in that primary, but you will be able to vote in the general election and any future primaries under your new party affiliation.
If you change your party and then change it again, there is no penalty or waiting period. You can change your party as many times as you want, whenever you want, as long as you meet your state's deadline before an election.
Changing your party if you have moved to a new state
If you have moved to a new state, you need to register to vote in your new state before you can change your party there. You cannot change your party in a state where you no longer live. Once you have registered to vote in your new state, you can change your party using that state's process.
When you register to vote in your new state, you will be asked what party you want to register with. You can register with a different party than you were registered with in your old state. If you do not choose a party, you can usually register as unaffiliated or independent, and change your party later.
Your old voter registration in your previous state will not automatically cancel when you move. Some states cancel it after a certain period of inactivity, but to be safe, you can contact your old county clerk and ask them to cancel your registration once you have registered in your new state.
Changing your party if you are unaffiliated or independent
If you are currently registered as unaffiliated, independent, or with no party, you can register with a party by filing the same form you would use to change from one party to another. The process is identical — you file with your county clerk, and the change takes effect according to your state's rules.
Some states use the term "unaffiliated," others use "independent," and some use "no party preference." The exact term depends on your state. Regardless of what it is called, you can change from unaffiliated status to any party your state recognizes, and you can change back to unaffiliated at any time.
What to do if you cannot change your party online
If your state does not offer online party changes, you have two options: mail or in person. To change by mail, contact your county clerk and ask them to send you a party change form. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back. Keep a copy for your records. The change usually takes effect within one to two weeks, though this varies by county.
To change in person, go to your county clerk's office during business hours with a form of identification. The clerk will have you fill out the form on the spot, and the change takes effect immediately. This is the fastest option if you are close to a deadline.
If you are unsure whether your state allows online changes, call your county clerk first. They can tell you what options are available in your area and how long each one takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my party if I have an outstanding court case or debt?
Changing your party registration does not depend on your legal or financial status. You can change your party regardless of whether you have a court case, owe money, or have any other legal issue. Your party registration is separate from all other government records.
Will changing my party affect my taxes or government benefits?
No. Changing your party registration does not affect your taxes, benefits, employment, or any other aspect of your life outside of voting. It is a change to your voter registration only.
What if I want to change my party but I am not sure which party to join?
You can register as unaffiliated or independent instead of choosing a party. You can vote in general elections as an unaffiliated voter, and you can change to a party later if you decide to. Some states allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections too, though the rules vary by state.
Can I change my party on the day of an election?
It depends on your state. Some states allow same-day party changes at the polling place, but most require you to change your party before Election Day. Call your county clerk to find out whether your state allows same-day changes.
What if I change my party but then want to change it back?
You can change your party back at any time using the same process. There is no waiting period or penalty for changing your party multiple times. File the form with your county clerk, and your registration will be updated.