(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A local chapter of the South Carolina Republican Party has sued the state in federal court to require voters to choose a political party when they register and vote only in that party's primary.

Greenville County GOP Chairman Samuel Harms said Monday he doesn't want any Democrats voting in Republican primaries.

The lawsuit claims state law that allows registered voters to cast their ballot in whichever primary they choose to participate violates the First Amendment's right of free association.

Legislation to change state law and require registration by party has failed for years.

State and county Democratic Party leaders said voters should be able to vote for whichever candidate best reflects their views, and that voters should be encouraged to participate in the elections process.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 04-20-09 1706EDT

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)