Voters switch sides in droves-

Voters switch sides in droves
Thousands change parties before primary
DAVID PERLMUTT
dperlmutt@charlotteobserver.com
AP



A month ago, Aaron Whitecotton of Charlotte switched his party allegiance from Republican to Democrat so he could have "a voice" in the May 6 Democratic primary.

First-grade teacher Amy Erb, tired of hearing about war, did the same. "I also like the stance the Democrats have on education now."

And lifelong Republican Mitch Kotula made more of a renegade switch to unaffiliated, so he could vote in the presidential primary.

"I'll vote for the underdog to keep the Democrats slugging it out as long as possible," Kotula said. "I want to see half the Democratic Party hating the other half going into the general election."

For a variety of reasons, these three voters are among thousands of North Carolinians who have changed political affiliations -- many to play a part in the state's presidential primary between Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

more...

http://www.charlotte.com/540/story/577590.html