In a primary election, what can an independent voter do?

In a primary election, an independent voter typically has the opportunity to participate in the primary elections of a political party if the state allows it. This means they can choose to align with one party for that election and vote in its primary. This option reflects the practice in some states that allow unaffiliated or independent voters to vote in the primaries of a party of their choice, thus having a say in the candidate selection process of that party.

This flexibility helps increase the engagement of independent voters in the electoral process, allowing their voices to be heard in determining the candidates who will represent each party in the general election. However, the specific rules can differ widely from state to state, and some states may require independent voters to register with a party beforehand.

The other options do not accurately describe the rights of independent voters in most contexts. Voting only in the general election restricts their participation in the primaries; needing to join a party beforehand is not universally required; and while remaining neutral is a choice, it does not reflect the active engagement that can occur in open primaries where independent voters can participate.