If You’re Not a Registered Democrat, You Can Still Vote for Eric on September 1st.
A lot of people I talk to around Cape Cod feel the same way: they’re not really a Democrat, they’re not really a Republican. They just care about what’s happening here — the water, the cost of living, whether their town gets to make its own decisions.
If that sounds like you, I want you to know something important before September 1.
You don’t have to be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary.
In Massachusetts, if you’re registered to vote but haven’t enrolled in a party — what the state calls “unenrolled” — you can walk into your polling place on primary day, ask for a Democratic ballot, and vote. You leave still unaffiliated. Nothing changes about your registration except that you participated.
Here’s exactly how it works
Step 1. Show up at your polling place on September 1. (Not sure where that is? Check your town’s website or visit sec.state.ma.us.)
Step 2. Tell the poll worker you’d like a Democratic ballot.
Step 3. Vote.
Step 4. Before you leave, you’ll be asked to re-unenroll. It takes about ten seconds and your independent status is immediately restored. You do not join the Democratic Party.
That’s it.
Why this matters
The September 1 primary is where Barnstable County Commissioner gets decided. Whoever wins the Democratic primary will almost certainly win in November — this is the race that counts.
The issues I’m running on aren’t partisan issues. Protecting our water. Keeping decisions local. Making sure county government is accountable to the people it’s supposed to serve. Not adding new taxes on home sales. These are things that matter to residents across the political spectrum.
If those are your issues too, I’d be grateful for your vote — regardless of how you’re registered.
One more thing
Bring a friend. If you know someone who’s been sitting on the sidelines because they thought this primary wasn’t for them, share this with them. The more Cape Cod residents who show up on September 1, the better.
Questions? Reach us at eschwaab@gmail.com or 508-419-2249.
Paid for by the Schwaab Committee, Eleanora B. von Schwaab, Treasurer