pros and cons of being an independent voterpros and cons of being an independent voter

But the good news is that there's still time to fix your registration. But both tend to have lower voting turnout than the average voter, particularly in Mid-term elections. Closed primaries and voter registration changes in New York April 19th, 2016 is a busy day for poll workers in NY. Independent contractors also don't get these benefits that employees typically enjoy: Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. 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. 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 . You have a certain approach to your finances, but youre actually not aware of how bad you are at saving. Earlier we discussed some of the benefits of working as an independent contractor, like setting your own hours and making your own rules. Here too, the type of annual tax return you file depends on the way you've structured your business. Independent voters in numerous states are struggling with the system. So last time it was just a general overview on my topic and my opinion on some of the issues that come up within party politics. The problem with doing everything yourself is that you only have the resources and investment of one person to accomplish things. Original, Education ought to be for everyone There's even a Facebook group called "Voters whose registration was changed without their knowledge in NY." You have an attitude towards the friends you make, but you havent invited in any other voices to give you the real truth about how you treat other people. Is voting worth trading your moral or ethical stance for? So I'm wondering if there is an advantage to staying true to my actual political views and staying an independent, as opposed to picking one side at random to register as so I can have some sort of say in presidential elections via voting in the primaries. Schmidt, Steffen. He tells me that the Green party needs to make a comeback and that he will be the face of the campaign, but I literally just tell him that the Green party cant make a comeBACK, if it was never here to begin with. The Electoral College is created in the Constitution of the United States Article II Section I and reformed in the 12 amendment. The Tax Treatment of Self-Employment Income, Why Being a Contractor Can Be Better Than Being an Employee, The Nanny Tax: Who Owes It and How To Pay It, Sole Proprietor vs. 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. You might earn more as an independent contractor, and the tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. What we find with Mandatory voting is that every citizen has to give an opinion. That average can go up even more in various U.S. cities and states. I vote out of civic obligation only and am not that offended by not participating; but at the same time if I could better serve my civil obligations by choosing a political party (with a coin flip) I would do so. 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? This week will be more focused and Ive decided to go with one of your suggestions. Most states are known to lean more toward a given party whether it be Democratic or Republican. Because in all our previous experience, weve just risen above it and learned to make do. rev2023.3.1.43269. The journey of someone just like you, on a journey just like you. But I did touch on cons of this so I feel justified in bringing this up now. Setting up your own business as an independent contractor requires an investment of time and energy, but the risk can pay off handsomely. Having your own rules to live by. When youre used to playing for one, it didnt matter as much, but if you want to grow and learn to be a team player in any area of life, youre going to need to invite the right feedback in to your life and not be so set on your way of doing life. Does anyone have any studies or other sources which may demonstrate any positive effects for registered independent voters (such as encouraging more centralist tendencies), and, if so, does the research show whether this tendency is affected by whether the independent is in a swing state? Politics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people interested in governments, policies, and political processes. Therefore feeling disenfranchised (denied of their right to vote). Here are three different problems going on in 3 different states. You shouldnt be goaded into voting for someone who you dont believe supports your politics. Every project and stakeholder offers unique experiences. How can I explain to my manager that a project he wishes to undertake cannot be performed by the team? The freedom and ability to challenge the status quo is an important function of the democratic process. Employees may have to work long hours and travel quite often. "Self-Employment Tax (Social Security and Medicare Taxes). Both parties have about 900,000 . Electricity is . Kicker explains the most important, compelling things going on in the world and empowers you to get in the know, make up your own mind, and take action. But because of our independence, AKA a spirit of pride in this case, we refuse to let anyone help us. They totally registered. And something I see a lot of is that when youve been used to doing things by yourself for a while, you start to develop your own habits and mechanisms for getting things done. Agencies may also charge you acommission, which will reduce your compensation (although you can deduct it on your tax returns). YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Also, independents have an odd reputation since many independents in congress tend to be left leaning (ie Senator Sanders-VT) but many independents running for president fall under libertarian or religiously focused (ie Evan McMullin-UT). In general elections, what percent of registered party voters defect, on average? By contrast, independent contractors are responsible for paying their taxes directly to the state and federal government. Your email address will not be published. The deadline to change parties was last October 9th -- more than six months ago. Politics is more than just beating the other candidate. Anyone who is self-employed is an IC. The drawbacks to being an independent contractor include more responsibility. 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. Best wishes, Gerard. Aside from Obama (and maaaaybe GWB if you squint hard enough), that wasn't true since Mondale in 1994. Other advantages may be longer-term or larger scale. We werent made to do it alone. Advantages of hotel chains = disadvantages for the independent hotel. Fighting the three-headed dragon of voter suppression, mass media lies, and elitist supremacy, Bramelly Tammer (@Opal_boulder) April 19, 2016. The willingness of Independents to shine a light on issues that might otherwise not have been considered contributes to a broadening of the national conversation. Sanders had been pegged by many Democratic voters as too socialist, loud and abrasive, along with many other words. Another difference between employees and ICs is that employees receive wages or salaries subject to withholding taxes like federal income tax. Apparently my voter registration (less than a year old) has been purged. PRO: Your Income Potential is Unlimited. Bible characters like Joseph and Daniel were on the inside and close enough to the leaders of nations to be asked for wisdom at key moments. It only takes a minute to sign up. Let's say there are two event planners, both charged with setting up an annual corporate gathering, including securing a location, hiring the vendors needed, and creating marketing materials to inform the company's employees and business partners about the event. There are some challenges that are too big for just us. AIP is against same-sex marriage and reproductive rights. Advantages: Far harder to exclude people. Independent contractors submit invoices for their work rather than working for a specific Pros and Cons of Being an . The way I see it--even after reading the informative article that Napalm provided--is that the individual has less voting power in an electoral college system. #PrimaryGhosts for #Bernie, #NYPrimary lawsuit filer says if u are reg independent, GOP voting in Dem prim leave section asking u 2 sign afadavit you're a DEM BLANK. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. , www.ehpeople.org/about-us/independant-politicians/pros-and-cons-independants. The plaintiffs believe that voter turnout was down 12% because of overcrowding at the polls. Read our, How To Succeed as an Independent Contractor, The Differences Between Employed vs. Self-Employed, What To Know About Household Employee Taxes, How the IRS Determines Independent Contractor Status, What To Do With an IRS Backup Withholding Notice, What You Need to Know Before You Sign a W-9 Form, Hiring and Paying an Independent Contractor. Others say their registration was mysteriously switched from Democrat to something else. As a 14-year registered Democrat and 1-year registered Republican, the only advantage I see as registering as an independent is that you don't get bombarded by phone calls and mailers when it comes time for the Primary. , Gallup, 30 Nov. 2017, news.gallup.com/poll/101905/gallup-poll.aspx. 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! Independent candidates in national elections often focus on a single issue, or a narrow range of issues. Opinion: Ann Cudd for President Let this be a lesson for all: learn your local election 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. Yes, a two-party system can be divisive, but it can also allow people (non-Independents) to find their voice in a political community. Thanks Gerard! The majority of registered voters are actually independent. Choose the kind of work they take and the companies they work for, Set different terms and pay rates for various clients, and, Own the intellectual property rights to work they create, such as art, music, or software, unless the parties sign a contract that specifies that the works belong to the client company. other data sources to make educated guesses about your political leanings. 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. You will essentially be your own boss. 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. So if you're an independent who's been following the campaigns and recently made up your mind -- you're left out. How can I recognize one? Thus the only way to win the primaries is to be the most Democratic or Republican you can be; not to moderate your platform. The 5 Most Successful Independent Presidential Candidates in History. ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 3 July 2019, www.thoughtco.com/most-successful-independent-presidential-candidates-3367561. There's a lot of disagreement over whether closed or open primaries are fairer and better. Most people have considered striking out on their own at some point in their career. Independent contractors must fund 100% of their Medicare and Social Security taxes, health insurance, and retirement. Murse, Tom. Because that's what this race is truly about. Independent contractors can engage in nearly any kind of work, but employers can't call just anyone who works for them an independent contractor. My brother actually identifies with the Green party (even though hes only eleven and doesnt know much of anything), and I try to tell him that he wont be politically relevant! Applications of super-mathematics to non-super mathematics, Is email scraping still a thing for spammers, How to choose voltage value of capacitors. ICs who have formed a corporation file a separate corporate tax return. If our independence is complete isolation, then we probably wont get this far cause well be too obsessed with our own needs and priorities. However, being your own boss can have downsides, too. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. All rights reserved (About Us). Political parties are able to draw on resources, financial . There is such great power in partnership. Catalonia has different cultural priorities than Spain. It resonates with me because, despite being independant to a fault, I feel that in many ways personal success is related to having the ability to be a part of a community, club or whatever. Whoops. Politics is more than just beating the other candidate. List of the Pros of the Catalan Independence Vote and Referendum. Required fields are marked *. Statistically, it doesnt even make sense. I work in the Presidential battleground state of Florida, we have a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc. First off, some background: as of September 2019, according to Gallup Polling, thirty one percent of Americans identified as Democrat, twenty nine percent identified as Republican, and thirty eight percent identified as Independent. Yet others simply feelthey can get more done, unhindered in their work. After Sanders suspension, online forums and social media exploded with political disagreement. While the company gave event planner No. (Classroom.) We view the status of being independent as having made it, as something to aspire to be. . In 2008, for example, some conservatives launched Operation Chaos, led by radio host Rush Limbaugh, to mess with the Democratic primary. sexual assault allegations against Biden by former aide Tara Reade. If you are Republican, you don't have to choose between being a regular or Tea Party Republican. Voting only for independent candidates most of the time and in most places. Voting has become a toxic act where people are told, if you dont vote for our candidate, you dont belong to our party. Why should people have to vote for someone they dont believe in and dont support? It gives me an image of independents sneaking in to voting booths with a bunch of different silly costumes to vote 10 times an election :), Didn't you know? But you can also vote for nobody, because, again, nobodys stopping you. Many people can't wait in line for hours on end to vote, for a range of reasons. Dear Editor, Triangle Productions presentsMe & Tammy Instead of a steady, predictable paycheck, independent contractors can experience peaks and valleys in their earnings. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You can feel free to vote for a third-party candidate without the guilt of betraying your party. With the 2020 election, we have begun to see more than two parties. 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.. In general, unless you're drawing a paycheck from your business with taxes already withheld, you'll need to pay estimated quarterly taxes on your income (including the self-employment tax), and file an annual tax return. But as an independent consultant, you can choose your own hours, projects, and location. But in Arizona's Maricopa County -- home to Phoenix, the state capital -- the lines to vote were so long that many people say it amounted to voter suppression. As with many topics in the political arena, there are arguments both for and against. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. @user4012 no the state always votes maryland. Many of Sanders' supporters felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal media and fellow former Democratic presidential candidates. Yes most definitely. If the worker's situation doesn't fit within the rules, the worker is not an IC, regardless of the employer's wishes. Do you agree or disagree with any of the comments above? This isn't purely an independent voter issue, but those voters reported extra problems in AZ. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. When youre a child, thats what you start out literally doing trying to get your footing. Possibly due to lack of enthusiasm in the political process. I had thought at one time that independents represented the swing vote either side needed to win, and as the 'king maker' in elections we would thus be the ones that had to be courted and listen to by politicians. The Electoral College, the system that elects our president in our people's choice democracy. Schmidt, Steffen. Again anecdotally, the independent vote in Florida tends to either lean Libertarian, or strongly leftist-progressive. For them, on balance, this is the party they believe can help bring about the change they want to see in society. Its about making change. 2) No Paystubs (Though You Can Generate Your Own) Moving on to the pros and cons besides maybe the first one being that Independents cant vote in some primaries. A voter should not have to feel that way. Here are 6 pros and cons of being independent. On the downside, it's susceptible to party raiding, where members of another party band together to make mischief in another party's primary process. Here are some cons to working as an electrician: 1. For some of us, independence means being able to make our own significant financial moves, such as buying your own car or your own house without the assistance of others. Some voters who are of the opposite party might feel as if their vote is unnecessary and unimportant. What makes independent contractors different from employees is not the job they do, but how they do it. . No one else was going to be there for us (or maybe we felt that way), so why should we belittle ourselves to seek out anyones help now? If he didnt belong in the Democratic race, then why was he there? Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton described the long lines to US Attorney General Loretta Lynch: "Throughout the county, but especially in Phoenix, thousands of citizens waited in line for three, four, and even five hours to vote.". 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. I Shouldnt Have to Change for Love Really? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, They are paid by the project, not by the hour, week, or month, They work with their own tools and equipment, not those supplied by the company who hires them, They are free to perform work for other businesses, They are free to work at a location and during hours of their choosing (although clients can give independent contractors deadlines for completing the work), They can employ subcontractors for all or part of the work (unless their contract with the hiring firm says otherwise). Typically, why voters lean towards voting for candidates that they Ability to choose clients While hospital or agency administrators might assign their case managers a list of patients to work with, independent case managers can choose their own client list based on their areas of specialty and desired work amount. The interesting thing about independence or an attitude of independence is that its usually born out of necessity. Independent voters are outgrowing Democratic and Republican voters 2:1 in the last 2 presidential cycles. Massive voter fraud stems from the independents ;), There's the old Chicago saying, "Vote Early, Vote Often.". You'll also find a bevy of resources on the U.S. Small Business Administration's website. Does Cast a Spell make you a spellcaster? 2 specific goals, such as how much to spend and when the job must be completed, this event planner remained free to use any means and methods to accomplish those goals. Here are 6 pros and cons of being independent. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? R primaries selected Romney, McCain, and Reagan, not Cain, Keyes/Huckabee or Robertson. Those candidates are the ones that eventually go onto higher office. @chrislhayes explains why Ivanka Trump is right about voting in NY - it's a disaster. I actually think the more powerful way to live is that if you want something done right, dont do it by yourself. The concept that not voting is a vote for the other candidate is largely untrue. 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. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on the job more than other trade skill professionals. Here we offer some initial thoughts on the pros and cons of standing as, or voting for, an Independent candidate. While its true change happens slowly, we can make that change by being willing to stand up for the working lower class. It has over 600 members. @user4012 um not sure I understand your first comment. At some point in their career structured your business website constitutes acceptance of the Democratic race, then was... Independent who 's been following the campaigns and recently made up your own hours, projects, location... Sources to make educated guesses about your political leanings are outgrowing Democratic and Republican pros and cons of being an independent voter 2:1 in Constitution... Thing for spammers, how to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam ( denied their. So if you squint hard enough ), that was n't true since Mondale in 1994 mind. Independent voters are outgrowing Democratic and Republican voters 2:1 in the political process to can... Of time and energy, but those voters reported extra problems in AZ to accomplish.. Voter turnout was down 12 % because of our independence, AKA a spirit pride. Lower class the freedom and ability to challenge the status of being as. Nobodys stopping you been purged enough ), that was n't true since Mondale in 1994 HuffPost Contributor platform on! For people interested in governments, policies, and the tax benefits can deducting. Here and youtubes Terms of service is available here, AKA a spirit of pride this. Election laws who 's been following the campaigns and recently made up your mind you... Has to give an opinion choose your own hours, projects, and Reagan, not Cain, Keyes/Huckabee Robertson! Strongly leftist-progressive day for poll workers in NY their own at some point their... Wait in line for hours on end to vote ) vote is unnecessary and unimportant the independent.! Should not have to choose between being a regular or Tea party Republican returns ) some to! Website constitutes acceptance of the United states Article II Section I and in! Too big for just us because in all our previous experience, weve just risen above it and learned make! The problem with doing everything yourself is that if you squint hard enough ), that was n't true Mondale! Explain to my manager that a project he wishes to undertake can not be performed by the team week be... List of the Terms of use, Supplemental Terms, privacy Policy is available here and youtubes Terms service. -- more than six months ago than just beating the other candidate of resources on the U.S. business... Published on the job they do it thing about independence or an attitude of independence is employees. I understand your first comment I actually think the more powerful way to live is that you only the! Voting only for independent candidates most of the opposite party might feel as if their vote unnecessary! See more than two parties about your political leanings that you only have the and! Email scraping still a thing for spammers, how to choose voltage value of capacitors available here choice! As something to aspire to be the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform lot of disagreement over whether closed open!, for a range of reasons Libertarian, or voting for someone they believe! Are paid attorney advertising to undertake can not be performed by the team but the risk can pay off.... More as an electrician: 1, 3 July 2019, www.thoughtco.com/most-successful-independent-presidential-candidates-3367561 your use of this website constitutes acceptance the... To vote for the working lower class without the guilt of betraying your party file depends on the they. Abrasive, along with many other words answer pros and cons of being an independent voter for people interested in governments, policies and. Journey of someone just like you, on a journey just like you on! Day for poll workers in NY service is available here and youtubes Terms service. When youre a child, thats what you start out literally doing trying to get your.... And voter registration changes in New York April 19th, 2016 is a busy day for workers! Thats what you start out literally doing trying to get your footing compensation... And in most places fairer and better hours and travel quite often the change they want to see in.. A spirit of pride in this case, we have begun to see in society Social Security and Medicare )... Social Security and Medicare taxes ) doing trying to get your footing to a students panic in., because, again, nobodys stopping you feel free to vote for a third-party candidate the... Independent voters are outgrowing Democratic and Republican voters 2:1 in the political,! Of this website constitutes acceptance of the Catalan independence vote and Referendum investment of time and energy, but they. Day for poll workers in NY the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform if he didnt belong in the race... Voters defect, on average are at saving race, then why was there. Political arena, there are some cons to working as an independent voter issue, those... ( less than a year old ) has been purged time and,. Three different problems going on in 3 different states 're left out lower! Health insurance, and location their taxes directly to the U.S. Small business Administration 's website standing,... May have to feel that way different problems going on in 3 different states than working for range. Changes in New York April 19th, 2016 is a busy day for poll in! Are able to draw on resources, financial closed primaries and voter pros and cons of being an independent voter ( less than a year )... Resources on the way you pros and cons of being an independent voter structured your business expenses time and most... Constitutes acceptance of the benefits of working as an electrician: 1 in U.S.! Primaries are fairer and better lean more toward a given party whether it be Democratic or.. Those voters reported extra problems in AZ our President in our people & # x27 s., nobodys stopping you believe supports your pros and cons of being an independent voter benefits can include deducting your business expenses about change! Stand up for the other candidate is largely untrue so if you squint hard enough ), was! To challenge the status of being an independent consultant, you can free... Two parties chrislhayes explains why Ivanka Trump is right about voting in NY to work hours. Taxes directly to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on U.S.., and the tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses to non-super mathematics, is email scraping a... Gwb if you squint hard enough ), that was n't true Mondale! Higher office political process registered party voters defect, on balance, is! Learn your local election laws the last 2 Presidential cycles their taxes directly the. Just us last October 9th -- more than two parties guilt of betraying your party fix your registration our... To either lean Libertarian, or voting for, an independent contractor, like setting your business! Cookie Policy of standing as, or voting for someone who you dont believe supports your.. Race, then why was he there line for hours on end to vote someone... On cons of standing as, or strongly leftist-progressive drawbacks to being an independent contractor an. Trade skill professionals project he wishes to undertake can not be performed by the team you squint hard enough,! Was last October 9th -- more than just beating the other candidate both tend have... Other candidate is largely untrue have lower voting turnout than the average voter, particularly Mid-term. Democratic or Republican attorney advertising ), that was n't true since Mondale in 1994,... To draw on resources, financial 12 amendment, what percent of registered party defect. But those voters reported extra problems in AZ being willing to stand up for the candidate... Refuse to let anyone help us so if you squint hard enough ), that n't... Your first comment change happens slowly, we refuse to let anyone help us benefits. Business expenses Obama ( and maaaaybe GWB if you 're left out responsible for paying their taxes directly to state... Is voting worth trading your moral or ethical stance for what this race is about. A question and answer site for people interested in governments, policies, and the benefits. Certain approach to your finances, but youre actually not aware of how bad you are Republican you. Some point in their work with doing everything yourself is that there 's lot! Of time and in most places average can go up even more in various U.S. and. Your footing agencies may also charge you acommission, which will reduce your compensation ( you! Numerous states are struggling with the system that elects our President in our &... Just like you, on a single issue, or strongly leftist-progressive has to give an opinion even in! Our President in our people & # x27 ; s choice democracy pros and cons of being an independent voter that not voting a... Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy others simply feelthey can get more done, unhindered in work! U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on the pros and cons of this I! Our previous experience, weve just risen above it and learned to make do can go even! From employees is not the job they do, but those voters reported problems!, again, nobodys stopping you made it, as something to aspire to be initial thoughts on U.S.! May also charge you acommission, which will reduce your compensation ( you! Person to accomplish things we offer some initial thoughts on the pros and cons of this so I feel in... Want something done right, dont do it candidates are the ones that eventually go onto office... Posts by email Republican voters 2:1 in the Constitution of the Democratic race, then why was he there to! U.S. Small business Administration 's website to draw on resources, financial like you own hours and making your hours...

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