pros and cons of being an independent voter

In 2000, GOP leaners included almost identical shares of conservatives (42%) and moderates (43%); 11% described their views as liberal. For this reason, it can be misleading to look at independents as a single bloc. They are also the single-most impediment to fixing our problems. "It seems primaries are won by being the one that your hard-core party types like the best" - you seem to be watching different primaries from me? Bernie Sanders was a Democrat in name only. Democratic leaners (48%) and Republican leaners (54%) were considerably more likely to say they voted, though both groups reported lower rates of voting than partisans. Independent Contractor vs. Freelancer: Whats the Difference? Yet independents who lean toward one of the two parties have a strong partisan imprint. Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World, Wide Gender Gap, Growing Educational Divide in Voters Party Identification, As Pew Research Center reported last year, Trump divides partisans and partisan leaners alike, Independents views of U.S.-Mexico border wall, other key issues, Independents views of race, immigrants, gender, Broad support among independents for same-sex marriage, marijuana legalization, More partisans and partisan leaners embrace ideological labels, How independents view the political parties, Growing partisan antipathy among partisans and leaners, As Partisan Hostility Grows, Signs of Frustration With the Two-Party System, The polarization in todays Congress has roots that go back decades, Republicans and Democrats alike say its stressful to talk politics with people who disagree, Both Republicans and Democrats prioritize family, but they differ over other sources of meaning in life, Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology, What the data says about Americans views of climate change, Podcasts as a Source of News and Information, AI in Hiring and Evaluating Workers: What Americans Think, Americans confident in Zelenskyy, but have limited familiarity with some other world leaders, How Public Polling Has Changed in the 21st Century. He also wrote a weekly newsletter on California politics and provided regular news analysis. [ 8][ 15] A holiday for elections sidesteps the issue of a weekend election, which could conflict with religious obligations. Here are the basic pros and cons of becoming an independent contractor.#. Voting has become a toxic act where people are told, "if you don't vote for our candidate, you don't belong to our party." Why should people have to vote for someone they don't believe in and don't support? Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. Are Democratic voters more firm in their voting preferences? You shouldnt be goaded into voting for someone who you dont believe supports your politics. Political Independents: Who They Are, What They Think The ballot initiative, a form of direct democracy, is the process through which citizens exercise the power to place measures otherwise considered by state legislatures or local governments on statewide and local ballots for a public vote. And now in September 2014 there was a public poll if there should have been a Scottish Independence. Read parts one and two. In addition, independents differ demographically from partisans. But you can also vote for nobody, because, again, nobodys stopping you. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Currently, 87% of those who identify with the Republican Party view the Democratic Party unfavorably; Republican-leaning independents are almost as likely to view the Democratic Party negatively (81% unfavorable). It allows you to take on challenges you'd otherwise pass by. Specifically the 'as legal' part. Your email address will not be published. By comparison, 44% of Republican leaners and 33% of Republicans say the same. @user4012 um not sure I understand your first comment. Pros You are your own boss Greater control over the work you accept You can earn more money Tax benefits from expense deductions Cons While 45% of Republicans and 51% of Democrats are under age 50, these shares rise to 55% among Republican-leaning independents and 68% among Democratic leaners. Part three of a multi-part series on voting methods. Sanders suspending his campaign additionally meant Joe Biden would be the Democratic candidate for the 2020 electionthough not officially, as Sanders is still on the primary ballots, but is unlikely to secure votes. Election Day National Holiday - Top 3 Pros and Cons - ProCon.org She said its especially important when the documents must later be translated into languages other than English. Again anecdotally, the independent vote in Florida tends to either lean Libertarian, or strongly leftist-progressive. because of the party they belong to. Being "registered" as Democratic/Republican/Independent vs being a party member. It only takes a minute to sign up. Consider David Davenport's con argument, including that other laws (governing activities such as driving, drinking, and smoking) have increased ages instead of lowering them based on the immaturity of teenagers. Sanders suspending his campaign additionally meant Joe Biden would be the Democratic candidate for the 2020 electionthough not officially, as Sanders is still on the primary ballots, but is unlikely to secure votes. (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main Politics is about choice, change and personal opinion. Regardless of the label, all are essentially the same in practice, including a self-employed designation when it comes to U.S. tax purposes. With the 2020 election, we have begun to see more than two parties. Advantages of being an Independent? (Ron Paul, party affiliation, votes Some voting methods require new software that election administrators dont have. You might earn more as an independent contractor, and the tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses. The result is voter turnout rates of 72.3% and 77.2% respectively, which is 26-32% higher than the United States. Politics is more than just beating the other candidate. If you're the adventurous, entrepreneurial type, then working as an independent contractor might be a greatcareer choice for you. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the new cards instruction, in a larger font size, on political parties. When many people expressed distaste toward voting for Biden over Trump, choosing instead to withhold their vote or vote third party, they were met with a barrage of Democratic supporters repeating the same phrase: V. When voters in 2016 were surveyed on why they supported their specific candidate, Clinton or Trump, : I dont like either, but Im voting for the lesser evil., There is something inherently problematic about voting for a candidate that doesnt back policies you support, expresses behavior that you find inappropriate or undesirable and may not even support your existence solely. 1615 L St. NW, Suite 800Washington, DC 20036USA R primaries selected Romney, McCain, and Reagan, not Cain, Keyes/Huckabee or Robertson. 1. Why should they have to vote for anyone? In the next part of our series, well share more about what The Center for Election Science see as the best solution, and how can you help make that a reality. All rights reserved (About Us). Because people wont vote for the third party. You can feel free to vote for a third-party candidate without the guilt of betraying your party. However I live in Maryland, which has closed primaries for both parties and the state will always vote Democrat for presidential elections; which leaves me feeling that being an independent removes my voice. The concept that not voting is a vote for the other candidate is largely untrue. (+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries. I've heard that in some states (citation needed), only voters registered to a specific party may vote in the corresponding primary elections. STAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) Voting. It shouldnt be about party allegiance. When Senator Bernie Sanders dropped out of the 2020 United States Presidential Race on April 8, the fallout was palpable, especially among those who identify as independent. But those who leaned toward the parties were much less likely to say this. Must buy their own health insurance and benefits, May need a federal and state tax ID number. While partisan divides over immigration extend to leaners as well, independents in both partisan groups are also more likely than partisan identifiers to express positive views about immigrants. Understanding the Ballot Initiative Process - ThoughtCo George Wallace, The focus of criticism has been the traditional paper registration document, Californias top-two primary has made state and congressional elections open to all voters, Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon blasted at White House Correspondents dinner. How to check for #1 being either `d` or `h` with latex3? In addition, Trumps rating has been more stable than prior presidents. So get out there, ye Independents, and buy those costumes. What are the obligations/duties of "a Democrat" vs an independent? The share of Democratic-leaning independents with a very unfavorable opinion of the Republican Party has more than quadrupled between 1994 and 2018 (from 8% to 37%). George Wallace. As in the past, more independents describe their political views as moderate (43%) than conservative (29%) or liberal (24%). I've also been engaged in Democratic party politics and legislative work for the last decade. IRV allows voters to rank the candidates in an election in order of preference, and the candidate with the majority of first-choice votes wins. Because people wont vote for the third party. However, Republican-leaning independents differ from Republicans in their views of immigrants impact on the country. Setting up your own business as an independent contractor requires an investment of time and energy, but the risk can pay off handsomely. Having candidates that represent other political parties outside Republican and Democrat increases voter choice. These shares have changed little in recent years. Independent voters are outgrowing Democratic and Republican voters 2:1 in the last 2 presidential cycles. Progressives and independents are told a vote for the third party is a vote for Trump, or any other Republican or majority candidate. Progressives and independents are told a vote for the third party is a vote for Trump, or any other Republican or majority candidate. Independents views on the 2017 tax bill are more divided: 34% approve of the tax law and 43% disapprove. It seems primaries are won by being the one that your hard-core party types like the best, which is not always the same as being the one that stands the best chance of actually becoming president. Which party actually caused the 2016 presidential election swing? We no longer have left and right, blue and red, Democrats and conservatives, but rather three parties, with progressives and socialists forming their own sphere. Still, a survey conducted for The Times in 2016 found 73% of American Independent Party voters believed they were unaffiliated with any party. In their political attitudes and views of most issues, independents who lean toward a party are in general agreement with those who affiliate with the same party. This is part of an overall process to modernize the elections process, Logan said. A majority of those who identify as Republicans (55%) say immigrants burden the country. How do I stop the Flickering on Mode 13h? You won't get hit by lightning. Pros and Cons of Registering Independent? Opinions, Please On my opinion, I think it is faster than the other form of election as a general voter have that candidates on the ballot from democrats, republican or independent column. Prior to 2008, Californians who wanted to opt out of choosing a party had to search for the option at the bottom of a list labeled, Political party fill in one oval. That years revision resulted in a form that allowed a mark to placed next to a new statement reading, I dont want to register with a political party.. In a survey conducted last fall, shortly after the midterm elections, partisan leaners were less likely than partisans to say they registered to vote and voted in the congressional elections. Is voting worth trading your moral or ethical stance for? ", National Association for the Self-Employed. Confusion over 'independent' voters in California prompts redesign of Anecdotally, I can tell you that lately, all voters are becoming more and more polarized, and independent-registered voters tend to be less participatory in elections, especially local elections. 5. You shouldnt be goaded into voting for someone who you dont believe supports your politics. Captive vs. Independent: Which Is the Right Path for You? Other voting methods allow voters to honestly vote for the candidates they like without fearing theyll be a spoiler. About half of Democratic-leaning independents (48%) said they voted, compared with 59% of Democrats. But that was the first time it was really in the spotlight.. But it doesnt have to be this way. Right now, independents can certainly run, but they face a low likelihood of winning as they're labeled "spoilers" who will make it harder for the similar, mainstream candidate to win a race. Pros & Cons to being an independent person. - YouTube So, how do alternative voting methods stack up against these criteria? Politics are not black and whiteelections shouldnt just be about blue versus red, left versus right, Democrats versus Republicansbut about how much we as people are willing to put forward change in this country. Why does Acts not mention the deaths of Peter and Paul? If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the least first-choice votes is eliminated, and those voters second-choice candidates receive their votes. Among those who identified as Republicans, just 40% favored same-sex marriage, while 54% were opposed. It may have some flaws like lack of minority representation on the bench and perception of fairness. About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. In that sense I figured that the mere act of being registered as an independent may affect the vote, because the more of us independents out there the more likely candidates would moderate their platform to recognize the needs of that swing-vote demographic and stick to more centralist policies. The views of GOP leaners are nearly identical to the opinions of those who affiliate with the GOP (74% prefer smaller government). People often ask me what makes a good winner in an election, and theyre surprised when I share that it has nothing to do with the candidate and their platform. And yes, vote early, vote often. Successful ballot initiatives can create, change or repeal state and local laws . . Politics are not black and whiteelections shouldnt just be about blue versus red, left versus right, Democrats versus Republicansbut about how much we as people are willing to put forward change in this country. Pros And Cons Of Being A Democrat Or Republican (+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries. By allowing candidates to see that theyre supported, even if theyre not the favorite, we encourage those candidates to run and express their opinions. Men constitute a majority (56%) of independents. Democrats and Democratic leaners are in sync in opinions about whether the nations economic system is generally fair. 12 Pros and Cons of Being an Independent Case Manager EIN: 85-1311683. About a quarter of both Republican leaners (24%) and Democratic leaners (27%) view both parties unfavorably, as do 37% of those with no partisan leaning. I sort of would rather stay independent, both because it's more honest and because I kind of prefer not to have the moral obligation of participating in primaries, since I generally hate all politics and view political debates as an exercise in saying nothing as prettily as possible. John Myers led the Los Angeles Times coverage of state government as Sacramento bureau chief from 2015 to June 2022. That is higher than the share of men among Republican identifiers (51% are men) and much higher than the share of men among Democrats (just 40%). Independents who do not lean to a party are most likely to have an unfavorable opinion of both parties (37%). It's very empowering to have the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wherewithal to look after yourself. Currently, 62% of the public says the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 34% say it should be illegal. Obamas average rating was 50% during his first year (2009); it fell to 42% in his second year. @user4012 no the state always votes maryland. Public support for same-sex marriage has grown rapidly over the past decade. By contrast, moderates continue to make up the largest share of independents who do not lean to a party. Being totally independent of party you can vote for anyone you want to without feeling like you committed adultery. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. 6 pros of being an independent case manager. When voters in 2016 were surveyed on why they supported their specific candidate, Clinton or Trump, most responded with the same answer: I dont like either, but Im voting for the lesser evil.. Majorities of independents say the U.S. needs to continue to make changes to give blacks equal rights with whites (57%) and that significant obstacles still make it harder for women to get ahead (54%). He said critics are biased if they arent also asking all the other parties about confusion regarding their names. 3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent But it has some advantages too. We are a nonprofit too. The site is popular, as 40% of all newly registered California voters since 2017 used it to sign up. An independent voter, often also called an unaffiliated voter or non-affiliated voter in the United States, is a voter who does not align themselves with a political party.An independent is variously defined as a voter who votes for candidates on issues rather than on the basis of a political ideology or partisanship; a voter who does not have long-standing loyalty to, or identification with . A 501(c)(3) organization. I think the new form moves us to a better position, said Dean Logan, registrar of voters in Los Angeles County, who was part of the working group. Ideally, the voting method should consistently elect a candidate who makes the average voter feel satisfied with the outcomenot one who leads to further political polarization. Is it safe to publish research papers in cooperation with Russian academics? A 63% majority of those who identify as Republicans say the U.S. economic system is fair to most Americans; fewer than half as many (29%) say the system unfairly favors powerful interests. Robinson also rejected the idea that confusion is a key reason that his party now represents more than a half-million Californians almost quadruple the next closest group in size, the states Libertarian Party. Republican-leaning independents largely prefer a smaller government providing fewer services; 78% favor smaller government, compared with just 17% who favor bigger government with more services. After Sanders suspension, online forums and social media exploded with political disagreement. Required fields are marked *. Only 7% of Americans overall don't express a partisan leaning, while 13% lean toward the Republican Party and 17% lean toward the Democratic Party. Partisan divides in the United States are as wide as theyve ever been in the modern political era. If I were registered Republican or Democrat, I could at least vote in the primaries, and in so doing have a say on which candidates are chosen to compete for the presidency, but as an independent I am not allowed to vote in either sides primaries. 6 facts about U.S. political independents | Pew Research Center This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the vote. So come on over to the independent side this November 4. Among those who affiliate with the Republican Party, the margin is nearly eight-to-one (87% to 11%). What were really asking is How happy are voters with the chosen winner?. For example, while 34% of independents as a whole said they approved of the way Donald Trump was handling his job as president in a March Pew Research Center survey, the gap between independents who lean to the GOP and those who lean to the Democratic Party (73% vs. 9%) was nearly as wide as the gap between Republicans and Democrats (85% vs. 8%). Today, more Republican-leaning independents describe themselves as conservatives (51%) than as moderates (39%) or liberals (8%). I think that it will result in more completed forms coming in, and should reduce the confusion.. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Who's to say that politicians won't one day decide that the average voter doesn't know what's best for them and elect a candidate who clearly does not represent the choice of the people? That average can go up even more in various U.S. cities and states. This is a long-standing dynamic that has been the subject of past analyses, both by Pew Research Center and others. Nobodys stopping you. In both parties, the shares of partisan identifiers and leaners with unfavorable impressions of the opposition party are at or near all-time highs. At one point in 2015, more than a third of independents (36%) viewed both parties unfavorably. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Israel and South Korea make national elections a holiday to avoid economic hardship for voters. Independent contractors are sometimes called ICs, consultants, freelancers, free agents, or contractors. And while men account for about half of Republicans (51%) and four-in-ten Democrats (40%), they account for 64% of Republican leaners and 51% of Democratic leaners. 7 Pros and Cons of Independence : Liz Jansen Views of immigrants impact on the country are largely positive among Democratic-leaning independents (88% say they strengthen the U.S.) and those who identify as Democrats (80%). You no longer have to be labeled. For example, Republican-leaning independents are less supportive of Donald Trump than are Republican identifiers. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The concept of a bipartisan system is flawed. 4Independents particularly the 7% of Americans who dont lean toward a party are less politically engaged than partisans. Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee? Still, the share of independents who view both parties negatively has declined in recent years. The focus of criticism has been the traditional paper registration document. With the 2020 election, we have begun to see more than two parties. The Pros and Cons of Being an Independent Insurance Agent BTW, the concept of super-delegates in D convention was specifically designed to address the concern of electing Mondale-like "party hardcore favorites" in the primaries. Ability to choose clients. Sure, sounds easy, but changing costumes 13 times in one day to get my 13 votes in is a lot more difficult than it seems! Majorities of both Democrats (69%) and independents (68%) favor legalizing marijuana; Republicans are divided, with 45% supportive of legalization and 51% opposed. A wave of disappointment washed over democratic voters after Al Gore won the candidacy in 2000, and again in 2016 with Clinton, and its happening again with Biden this year. I work in the Presidential battleground state of Florida, we have a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc. Large majorities of Democrats and Democratic leaners say the U.S. needs to make more changes to give blacks equal rights and that significant obstacles stand in the way of women. Being independent means you no longer have to explain away the crazies in your party, or explain rampant corruption, or sleazy behavior among party members.
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