Voting Independent

As I have mentioned in this protracted political series here on the blog, when I came of voting age I sat down to read about the parties I could align myself with.


I liked many things I saw. There were things I did not like. In the end it felt like no one party completely represented all that was important to me.

I am all for peace for instance but I am a military BRAT. Meaning both of my parents were soldiers. I also understand that the 50 united mostly connected states are a huge target. We must be prepared to defend ourselves and help others in need.

I believe there are things the government should do, handle, regulate and over see. The vast majority of things I understand that states should have control over.

Both major parties have been involved in scandals and perhaps worse, politics as usual. I might love some really new fresh non partisan ideas. I am still waiting.

So I signed on as an Independent.

I was more liberal as a wayward teen. I enjoyed being under Clinton. I also had no problem sitting under the Bush’s maybe they reminded me of the elders in my past.

I take an interest in issues represented by propositions on my ballots. I care about the officials we elect because character matters.

I try to assess them by their actions, stance and record not just party affiliations.

When new parties pop up into view I take a serious moment to look over what they represent. I am not so locked in to the two major sides that I cannot conceive of more or different.

If it seems or sounds confusing to think of contemplating multiple parties it is really not.

I know more people struggle with accepting whole party platforms. I hope they do not do it out of fear and miss information.

There are some restrictions when voting as a registered Independent but there are restrictions and implications when registering with parties as well.

I have no regrets or misgivings.

I like being free to do what I feel the country needs not just what one group expects from me. I usually run just a little off the grain and or grid. This is not collective think. We are individuals.

So I registered last month. I have moved too many times in the past four years. I finally went to vote by mail. Not because I want to mail it in. I do that so I can sit at home to fill out my ballot.

The day of I just want to drop off my signed envelope and get my sticker!
 

I hope you voted AI, D, G, I, L, P…maybe…, R or something other. We could use that write in slot to sweep the country for change one year!

For now there is plenty on the ballots to get behind. Individual issues not party affiliations.

That is the life blood of any nation. Citizens have to grasp hold of that. 

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Undecided Voter 2012

It took me until late last month to remember the reason for undecided voters. I know there are actually many. Still I am talking about why candidates stump and have debates.

All citizens in good standing have the right to vote and should exercise it. This includes being informed which is not always easy. It takes time.  

With everything that one can find out on paper or online the in public test of a candidates abilities cannot be ignored. 

Not everyone inspires admiration when they speak or draws people in with their communication. Some people do it better than others. Leaders emerge when put to the test. Those who would follow them are in receiver mode and latch on when they hear something they need, want or perceive as beneficial.

Never the less there are the non-informed coin flippers that will vote. I remember hearing “the parties are the same” a lot during previous election seasons.

For those who feel this way the issues on the table are not ones that concern them. Worse is when people get jaded and don’t think their voice/vote counts. 

The current POTUS has had these four years to present himself and his abilities to us. 

The deck was stacked against him with those who did not vote him in but there was always hope. There have even been changes here and there.  

Some were disappointing but most not shockingly so. 

I was discussing the issues with a contact who said for the first time in her various voting years she was not enthusiastically attracted to either major party candidate for president. I was a bit shocked. 

The right person for a job is not always someone you want to 'go grab a beer with'.

Having someone personally so warm, fuzzy and impressive that you might want them in your living room is gravy. What a big nation or organization needs is someone to make the hard decisions, tow the line and bear the responsibility.

This year there were a few key things so important to me the only option was to align with whoever could support them. 

Thus proving the quote “Politics make strange bedfellows.”

It is not a blind alignment. I watched all year to make sure those I was looking to did not disqualify themselves by showing fear, weakness or faltering on the things I wanted them to stand for.

Many people were waiting for this moment when basically all has been said and done.
 

There are those who dislike all the options equally.

The questions are marinating.

“Is voting non mainstream really a vote against the major party candidate they would most like?"