“Must have been a new voter if he didn’t know you have to declare party in the primary. Lots of brand new residents here.”
Not true. In early voting, all parties vote in the same locations. Where we voted, there was one line, no matter the party. You had to tell the poll worker “Republican” or “Democrat” so that you would be given access to the proper ballot on the voting machine.
Yes, and then they stamp your voter’s registration card with either Republican or Democrat to show what primary you voted in so you can’t vote again.
So you are, in effect, declaring party.