Why are some ppl "independent" in the political election of candidates or presidents?
355613
If you wish to vote in a primary you must be affiliated with a party. An affiliation is decided at the time one registers to vote. You can register as a party member, or an independent.\nSome don't care to vote in the primaries and don't wish to affiliate themselves with either party. \nAnd you don't have to vote party line regardless of your affiliation.
48791
Because they are lazy, and don't think it matters.\n\nFor all those out there who think so, here's a quote(I haven't a clue who by)\n\n"Bad men are elected by good people who don't vote".\n\nIf you didn't vote, don't grouse if you don't like who your neighbor picked.
447216
The key reason for having an election is  to show the will of the electorate.  How effective this is is always open to debate.\nIn theory a person or party voted into office by election has the mandate to act on behalf of the people as in a fair contest more people voted for them than the other guy.  Again I stress this is how they are meant to work.\nSo the short answer would be we need elections to show what the will of the people is and to make our officials accountable to us.
918599
...people believing that the candidate is inexperienced\n\n...people believing that voting for that candidate will cause another party (republican) to win because it takes away democratic party votes.
647540
So they are less controlled by politics. They have no loyalty to a particular party or politician if their jobs are secure.
1033694
My political persuasion is my own.\n\nI am an affiliate of NO political party.\n\n\nWhy? Because they are full of s h i t.
928393
Oh, I'm a liberal, and I admit it. Here's the thing; the ones who switched from voting Republican in 2004 to voting Democratic in 2006 view themselves as independents.
725760
That's been my question for a long time! When I elect someone they are suppose to represent what the people who elected them want, not the Democratic Party, Not the Republican Party, not the rich and not the special interests!\n\nNone of them were elected by anyone but their constituents!\n\nNone of them have a backbone! Money and power grabbers all!!
841547
The Presidency is reserved for rich white males who are members of the power elite and who have sold their soul to the devil or in many cases, big oil or big business, not that there's much of a difference.  Yes, it was originally designed so that anyone could run and every election there are countless numbers of candidates running for President.  Unfortunately, its only the Repubs, Dems, and maybe one or two others who get recognized as serious contenders.  Its become a game for the rich - not the common, ordinary person.  If you plan on running, you need to make sure you're rich - that will be the first step.  Then, take it from there.
406113
A lack of decent candidates. If there were a decent, honest candidate running for office, more people would be energized and excited to vote. We've had pretty poor people to choose from the last 2 election cycles and the voter turnout has declined in both.
854359
Because America does not want liberal leaders.  The only way they get votes is to pretend to be centrists.
50943
Because no one wants to be the one to put themselves on the line; by showing what they believe, they risk losing votes in their next elections---->to them, that's what it's all about, the next election.
786524
Good question.  It probably has more to do with the money associated with being in a political party.  Third party candidates tend to be self-financed (Ross Perot) and most candidates don't have a personal fortune of his size.  Therefore, most candidates join a party where they can get access to money,
452552
I will vote according to who I like...whether he is in my party or not.  If I don't like either candidate, I do a write in.  I cannot in good conscience vote for someone that I do not trust to hold that office.  That is why I did a write-in the past two presidential elections.
662733
The two above me have given typical answers all about rhetoric, what about the baby's that Bush has killed in Iraq, or do they not count. \n\nTo answer your question liberals and conservatives are about even, it is the independents that really choose the candidates. Best thing to do is to provide candidates that appeal to the middle.
728844
Aren't something like 38% of Americans self-proclaimed independents who just align themselves with whatever party they agree with the most come election time?  So to answer your question, no, I do not think you are the only one unhappy with our wide open field of two party choices.
1129698
Because only ppl wanting personal gain go into politics.