How can someone change political parties while in office?
WHAT WE FOUND
Dr. Bitzer said any person at any time can decide to change their political party.
"You are not locked into a party affiliation for the rest of your life. People change and we all revolve," Bitzer said. "If you do not feel at home and you have grave concerns you have recourses you have other options and you have the freedom to go through options."
There are no laws in place that would make it illegal for a person to switch parties while in office.
In fact, Bitzer said its happened many times before.
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State representative from Mecklenburg County switching parties
No, there is no recall feature in North Carolina
Here are some examples:
In 2003, Representative Michael Decker switched from the Republican party to the Democratic party.
In 2017, Representative William Brisson switched from the Democratic party to the Republican party.
The United States Senate also lists more than 20 switches dating back to 1890.
"Across the country, we have seen these party switches, particularly in state legislators often times it's someone who feels out of place within their former political party," Bitzer said.
By the way, there is no recall set in place in North Carolina. If a representative decides to switch parties. All anyone can do is ask for the person to resign, but that would be up to them.
Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 5:30 am