F.A.Q.
If you have a question that is not answered below, you can email info@collinlp.org and we’ll do our best to answer and possibly add it to our list.
The short answer is, “You don’t.”
That said, the longer answer is much more interesting.
Step 1
Be sure you are registered to vote. Don’t know if you’re already registered, or do you need to register? Click Here
Step 2
This is crucial. You must NOT vote in either primary of one of the two old parties or sign any petitions to add something to their ballot. By doing so you are, in the eyes of the Texas Legislature, affiliating with that party until the next election cycle and you then disqualified from participating with the Libertarian Party. Many good people think that this is giving up their voice, but in reality, your voice (and vote) will have a much greater impact if you forego voting in their primaries.
Step 3
Attend your precinct convention of the Libertarian Party in your county of residence on the second Tuesday in March. In most counties, all of the precinct conventions are colocated and are held at 7pm, but this can vary so do check. Don’t forget to bring your Voter ID card (from Step 1). While this is not absolutely necessary it will make the process go much quicker.
Step 4
Attend the county convention of the Libertarian Party in your county of residence on the first Saturday following the precinct convention in March.
This is where the real fun starts. Unlike the precinct conventions where all comers “move on to the next round,” the county conventions will see some action. First up will be either the adoption of by-laws for newly organized counties or the revision of by-laws for those that have already adopted them. In most cases this is pretty tame.
Next, the delegates will nominate candidates who will appear on the ballot in November. Candidates (or a designee) are usually given the right to speak on their behalf. Now in most, but not all races there will only be one candidate, but due to a concept that is only used in Libertarian races, this does not assure them being the nominee.
Since the very being of the LP, all races for any office must include “None of the above” or NOTA. If the voting delegates do not feel that a particular candidate, or even a set of candidates, does not represent the principles of body politic than it would be better if the ballot spot or office is left empty. This is extremely powerful. Most often is is utilized in races where there is a candidate who is unknown to all present and does not show up at the convention, but it has been known to happen in high profile and highly contested races.
After the delegates select the nominees, the next step is to select County Officers. In most cases, these offices include Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer and Secretary. Note that the NOTA concept will be at play in these contests as well.
The last duty of a county convention is the selection of delegates and alternates to the State Convention. Each county is apportioned a set number delegates. The method of selection is left to the county to decide. Some counties use approval voting, some majority rules, still others use rank order. Collin County uses approval voting.
Once delegates to the State Convention are selected the County Convention will be adjourned.
Congratulations! If you get this far, you have officially “voted” in a Libertarian Party “primary.”
Libertarians stand apart. Unlike Republicans and Democrats, we champion an extensive realm of personal and economic freedom.
In economic affairs, we advocate for reduced taxes, streamlined business regulations, and favor charitable support over government-led welfare.
Social inclusivity is key for Libertarians. We believe in individual autonomy as long as it doesn’t impinge on others’ rights. Laws attempting to govern personal choices are something we firmly oppose.