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Some Bay Area Voters Changing Party Affiliation To Vote Against Trump

KCBS_740 WALNUT CREEK (KCBS) -- Some Bay Area Democrats and independents are changing their party registration to Republican so they can vote in California's GOP primary this June, and while some want the chance to vote for Donald Trump, it appears even more want to vote against him.

The former mayor of Walnut Creek, Democratic Attorney Kristina Lawson is considering re-registering as a Republican so she can vote for one of Trump's rivals in the GOP Primary.

Lawson says she's not alone.

"I've had lots of conversations with friends, with family members about doing just this and re-registering – really to make a point, and make a difference at the same time," Lawson said.

Lawson says she wants to make a stand against what she considers Trump's hateful message.

This type of strategic voting doesn't seem to be widespread just yet, says Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc., who says the biggest registration jump is among new Democrats.

He says Latinos especially are registering in large numbers who may be driven by Trump.

"Somebody who's anti-Trump might view it as their calling to vote  in that election for Bernie Sanders, or Hilary Clinton," Mitchell said.

Anyone can vote in the Democratic Primary, regardless of registration, but to vote GOP, voters must register by May 23rd.

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