The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-05-09
Editorial Comment
Party Registration
(Grand Forks Herald)

Assessors throughout the state are required to register
the political party utilization of voters, provided the vot-
erS wish to declare themselves. The voter need not in
dictate his party if he does not wish to do so, but unless
he does he cannot participate in the primary election,
for the primary is distinctly a party affair. Those who
have declared themselves Republicans will be given Re
publican ballots at the primary and may assist in the
selection of Republican candidates for the various Of
fices to be filled. Those registering as Democrats have
similar rights with reference to Democratic candidates.
It happens that in this state and on state matters there
is no real contest between Republicans and Democrats
as such. The actual contest is between Independents
and supporters of the Nonpartisan league and its policies.
Because of their understanding of where the contest
lies, most Republicans and most Democrats ignore party
lines in the election of state officials and devote them
selves to the nomination and election of those candi-
dates who most nearly represent their views on matters
relating to the government of the state of North Dakota.
The real contest at the coming primary will be for
nominations ON the Republican ticket. This is not a
presidential year, and it is taken for granted that Re-
publicans of one complexion or other will be elected. to
congress in each of the congressional districts. At the
primary and the following general election, therefore,
there will be decided, not matters of national concern
on which the two great parties are divided. but matters
relating solely to the state of North Dakota, its political
and economic affairs.
The initial decisions relating to these subjects will be
made by those who vote Republican ballots at the June
primary. Those who register now as Republicans will
have an opportunity to vote those ballots. Those who do
not will not have that opportunity. It follows that those
who register as Democrats will be depriving themselves
of the possibility of influencing the nomination Of per-
sons who are later to be elected to important state offices.
Under the conditions which prevail in North Dakota
no charge of lack of party loyalty will lie against those
who, in their national affiliations are Democrats, but
who this year register as Republicans. In no other way
can they express themselves effectively at the polls. This
fact has been made clear to voters who are affiliated
with the Nonpartisan league. Those voters understand
that regardless of their attitude on national questions
they can best influence the state legislation and state
administration by operating for the time being as men,
bers of the Republican party, and the practice of regis
tering as Republicans is almost universal within that
group. If Independents are not to place themselves at
a serious disadvantage by dividing their forces where
unity is essential, they must follow the same course. 1t
is important, therefore, that Independents of both parties,
men and women alike, shall register as Republicans.