Simple Solution for Independent Voters

A select few Independent voters are upset about closed primaries, saying it will leave them unable to have any impact on the Presidential race as Democrats choose their delegates at a closed caucus. Of course, Idaho’s Republican Presidential Contest is somewhat irrelevant is anyway. But, how can Independent Voters have a say on the process?

Good question. There are many reasons voters are Independents and many answers for different situations

Scenario 1: “I like being an Independent because it makes me feel morally superior.”

Three step Solution:

1) Get over yourself.

2) Decide what issues matter most to you.

3) Pick a party.

Scenario 2: “I think both parties are hopelessly corrupt and full of idiots, knaves, and fools.”

1) Realize that you are not God’s gift to politics and that you’re a human being like the rest of us.

2) Realize that the only ways parties will get closer to the views of people like you is by being part of the process.

2) See Scenario 1.

Scenario 3: “But I don’t want to vote a straight ticket.”

In the primary, you have to vote straight Republican or Democrat, regardless of whether we have opened or closed primaries.  

As for the general, 5-15% of self-identified Republicans and Democrats may crossover to support a candidate of another party in the General, if you look at exit polls. Becoming a member of a political party doesn’t mean checking your brain or your vote at the door. 

If people don’t like the Republicans or Democrats, the Constitution and Liberatarian Parties are out there. Join them, or get off your rear and work to get a new party qualified for the ballot. While I won’t join, I’ll be happy to sign anyone’s ballot access petition as long as they’re not racist or something like that.

It’s a hard truth. The Republican Primary is for the choice of the Republican nominee. Open primaries are a corruption of the system. When there’s suspicion that the Republican nominee has been chosen by someone other than sincere Republican voters, a cloud of suspicion hangs over our process.

Worse yet, amusing Independent that come out to vote in primaries rarely volunteer or open their pocketbooks. What this means is that in a competitive election, nominees that are out of touch with the working base of the party will struggle for volunteers and money.

The idea of Open Primaries makes political parties a joke, as well as the associated events. “Republican need to unite behind our candidates (which were chosen by Democrats and Independents.)”

Finally, if you are unable to determine what your core beliefs are, or which party is closest to those core beliefs, I might suggest this whole voting thing is far too complex for you. Regardless of what MTV or Sean “P Diddy” Combs tells you, casting uninformed ballots based on emotion is neither patriotic or noble. And the choice isn’t “vote or die.”