text: can anyone help a first time voter? this is my very first time voting and i'm glad to be part of it. but, i still don't understand everything, yet.  i have a mix of republics and democrats on my list of people i want to vote for. i was told that i could only vote for one side. i don't agree with everything on just one side. is there a way i can vote for the people i want to see make it? remember this is my first time at voting so, all this is new to me. i have done my homework on the issues and where these people stand. how does voting work? do we all get the same list and we can vote for who we want or do you tell "them" what side we are on and they give us that sides list?   i hope i haven't confused anyone. i just don't understand what to do, yet.  plus, i'm not for sure if i'm republican or democrat since, my list is an, almost, equal split of both sides. what am i suppose to say when they ask me what side i am on? by all means you can vote for both republican and democrats.  you sound like a great u.s. citizen.  i wish more people would research and vote for the person...not the party.  no one will ask you 'what side you are on' and yes, we all get the same list.  ignore the party and vote for the person you have decided on.  just register as an independent.  you won't be able to vote in the primary elections but i don't think that will bother you.    vote your conscious.  i admire you a lot!