Sanders rips closed party primaries in New York: 'That's wrong'

POLITICO ^ | April 19, 2016 | NOLAN D. MCCASKILL

[McGruff]

It’s wrong that independents are unable to vote in New York’s primary, Bernie Sanders said Tuesday.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to get my vote casted for him,” a male supporter told reporters in New York while gesturing toward Sanders. “I can sign a court order and an affidavit and whatever I need to do, and I’m going to do that, but it shouldn’t be this hard to vote.”

“No, it should not be,” Sanders replied. “Today, 3 million people in the state of New York who are independents have lost their right to vote in the Democratic or Republican primary. That’s wrong.”

According to voter enrollment data from the New York State Board of Elections, there were 475,566 registered independents across the state as of April 1. More than 3 million voters, however, are registered outside of the Republican and Democratic parties, barring them from voting in the state’s closed primary.

[Cowboy Bob]

there were 475,566 registered independents across the state as of April 1.

I would blame the Independents for failing to field a candidate.

[Holdem Or Foldem]

Looks like Trump and Cruz get beat out for the crybaby of the week award. Way to go Bernie!!

[LexBaird]

However, the taxpayers should have a separate ‘independent’ ballot whereon all candidates appear that they, too, can cast. JMHO.

Are the Parties then beholden to assign delegates based on these votes by people not in the Party?

It's quite simple. If you want to vote for who a Party's candidate is, join the Party, find out how the delegates are picked and follow the rules. Those who don't bother to join the process don't get to complain about it. It's like me complaining I won't get to choose who the Libertarians send out to be slaughtered in their annual election year ritual sacrifice. If I wanted to do that, I should sign up for the Libertarian Party.

[xzins]

No delegates. But I’d think they’d love the information.

[SamAdams76]

Well Bernie would landslide Shrillary in NY if it were an open primary.