Wut

Its not fine at all. What you describe is a crime, but very difficult to prosecute, so usually ignored.

Not useless if it holds up in court

Not at all, its slightly more convenient.

We played this song in high school marching band lol

FYI registering with a party affiliation is so you can vote in their closed primary election (where they pick candidates to run in the general election)

Anyone can register with any party, or none, and change their affiliation at will.