Why Aren't More People Independent?

The question Why aren't more people independent? invites a nuanced exploration of the challenges and barriers to choosing independence in politics. This article delves into various factors that influence political behavior, shedding light on the practical implications of independent candidacy and voter registration. We'll also examine the impact of media and campaign laws on electoral choice.

Understanding Independent Candidates

The term independent in politics generally means a candidate who does not affiliate with a major political party. However, independent candidates are often perceived as less trustworthy and more problematic. As one voter noted, Most independent candidates aren't independent, and those that do run aren't the most ideal people and don't get many votes. While the label independent suggests a lack of party affiliation, it fails to reveal their actual political beliefs, which can vary widely.

The Dilemma of Voting Independence

One voter suggested that if the question pertains to voting for independent candidates in general elections, the answer lies in voter preferences. In other words, people choose against independent candidates when they don't like or agree with the candidate. On the other hand, if the question is about registering as independent, the scenario is more complex. In many states, registering as independent disenfranchises voters by preventing them from participating in party primaries, which often involve the most meaningful decisions in the electoral process.

In New York, for instance, independent voters are not permitted to vote in party primaries, leading to a significant disadvantage. Similar scenarios exist in other regions where party loyalty can be crucial for securing local jobs or contracts. As one individual shared, I grew up in a town run by Republicans. If you registered a Democrat, your application for town jobs would be rejected, and you'd be passed over for contracts. This underscores the practical challenges faced by those who choose to register as independents.

Impact of Political Polarization and Party Lines

The polarization of the U.S. political landscape since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 further complicates the issue of independent candidates. Southern conservatives shifted from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, while Northern liberals moved in the opposite direction. This shift created a strong left-right ideological divide, making it difficult for third parties to gain traction. In fact, no third party has won a state since 1972, a reality that discourages many from considering independent candidates.

Laws and Media Influence

Additionally, several laws and media practices can hinder the attention and success of independent candidates:

Debate Participation: A significant barrier to independent candidates is access to debates. To be in a presidential debate, a candidate must have at least 15% in the national polls. Furthermore, parties that do not win at least 5% of the vote in any race in a state often have to pay for additional campaign expenses. Media Focus: The media typically focuses on the two major parties (Democrats and Republicans), as evidenced by the fact that since 1996, no third-party candidate has received significant coverage.

These factors collectively contribute to the perception that voting for an independent candidate can split the Democratic vote and potentially benefit the Republicans by undermining a viable opponent. Thus, the practical implications of independent candidacy are often viewed with skepticism and reluctance.

Conclusion

In summary, the question Why aren't more people independent? reveals the complexities of political behavior in the U.S. The reluctance to choose independent candidates stems from dissatisfaction with candidates, practical challenges in registration, the impact of political polarization, and the influence of laws and media practices. Understanding these factors can help in addressing the underlying issues and fostering a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.