You might earn more as an independent contractor, and the tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses. Another 22% have favorable opinions of both parties. Changes are also planned for Californias online registration site registertovote.ca.gov to better highlight whether to pick a party or take a pass. Over the same period, there has been growth in the shares of Democrats and Democratic leaners identifying as liberal. IRV does a better job of electing voters true favorite candidates than our current method and encourages more competition. There are already many barriers that discourage people from voting, from the complicated process to get registered or just the fact that life can be really busy. But it doesnt have to be this way. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Markham Robinson, the chairman of the American Independent Partys executive committee, said his group remains opposed to any such effort. So how do we decide which is best? Anecdotally, I can tell you that lately, all voters are becoming more and more polarized, and independent-registered voters tend to be less participatory in elections, especially local elections. As you can see, each alternative voting method has its strengths and weaknesses, and none is perfect. . The party joined Republicans in nominating Donald Trump in 2016. Read our research on: Congress | Economy | Trust in Media. Feinstein has vowed to return to Washington, but what happens if she doesnt? By Kirsten Elliott, Director of Philanthropy, there are dozens of voting methods out there, not one who leads to further political polarization, Nearly 40 percent of voters in the United States identify as independent, there are only four independents serving in Congress, from the complicated process to get registered or just the fact that life can be really busy, Some voting methods require new software that election administrators dont have, after being the first alternative voting method to be implemented at the state level, IRV allows voters to rank the candidates in an election, IRV does a better job of electing voters true favorite candidates, can lead to unexpected results in tight races, often cited as one of the best alternative voting methods, voters cant differentiate between how much they like or dislike candidates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for insurance agents was over $52,000 in 2020. 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. 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? Most of the change since then has come among Republican-leaning independents, who feel much more positively about the GOP than they did then. However, this simplicity comes at a cost that frustrates some, as voters cant differentiate between how much they like or dislike candidates. Schmidt, Steffen. Being independent you can think. People looked up to Sanders because he advocated change. somehow the 'vote as often as legal' comment amuses me. A recent Pew Research Center report took a detailed look at these Americans. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "It seems primaries are won by being the one that your hard-core party types like the best" - you seem to be watching different primaries from me? In the wake of sexual assault allegations against Biden by former aide Tara Reade, many on the left rallied against Biden being the Democratic candidate. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Presidential battleground states consider more election funding, Montana latest to ban hormone treatment and other care for transgender minors, Florida Republicans pass bill that would allow DeSantis to run for president while governor, At rape lawsuit trial, Trump lawyer questions why E. Jean Carroll didnt scream, North Carolina justices hand Republicans big win with election rulings. On my opinion, I think it is faster than the other form of election as a general voter have that candidates on the ballot from democrats, republican or independent column. That average can go up even more in various U.S. cities and states. Yet Trumps rating among independents who lean to the opposing party like his rating among members of the opposing party was much lower than recent presidents. About one-in-five (17%) feel unfavorably toward both parties, while 12% feel favorably toward both. Unparalleled Support. Theres multiple benefits to being registered as an independent. In 2000, GOP leaners included almost identical shares of conservatives (42%) and moderates (43%); 11% described their views as liberal. For this reason, it can be misleading to look at independents as a single bloc. But you should know there are a lot of local elections by which you could have a larger impact. @user4012 um not sure I understand your first comment. Regarding any advantages of being registered as an Independent, it may depend on the state where you are registered. Some of the disadvantages of being a 1099 employee include you must fund 100% of your Medicare and Social Security taxes, health insurance, retirement savings, as well as any tools and equipment needed for your profession. About half of Democratic-leaning independents (48%) said they voted, compared with 59% of Democrats. Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. Other advantages may be longer-term or larger scale. Overall, independents are divided in preferences about the size of government and views about government regulation of business. Captive agents have more stability and support, but with stricter limitations. However, Republican-leaning independents differ from Republicans in their views of immigrants impact on the country. Republican-leaning independents favor expanding the border wall, though by a smaller margin than Republicans identifiers. New announcement, ASPSU president takes executive action to create financial relief, Guinness World Records oldest man dies at 112, On-Campus Events Calendar: April 25-May 1, Matthew N. Andrews and Andrew D. Jankowski, Movies go for the Olympics gold, so you dont have to. The new registration forms are part of a broader series of changes that election officials hope will avoid a repeat of prior problems by the time the California presidential primary is held two years from now. Statistically, it doesnt even make sense. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Those candidates are the ones that eventually go onto higher office. Among those who affiliate with the Republican Party, the margin is nearly eight-to-one (87% to 11%). Among the public overall, 38% describe themselves as independents, while 31% are Democrats and 26% call themselves Republicans, according to Pew Research Center surveys conducted in 2018. Column: Lawmakers havent considered ways to limit confusion on being an independent voter . In an interview, Padilla said additional clarity would have to come from the California Legislature. It only takes a minute to sign up. His job rating among Republicans was about as high (84%) in 2018. I've also been engaged in Democratic party politics and legislative work for the last decade. Why did US v. Assange skip the court of appeal? ", National Association for the Self-Employed. It is too late for 2016. The focus of criticism has been the traditional paper registration document. By the time the politician is running for president officially he already has been selected for a platform that is likely non-centralist. Parabolic, suborbital and ballistic trajectories all follow elliptic paths. Let's face it, no one could possibly agree with every aspect of either party at every turn. Thus the only way to win the primaries is to be the most Democratic or Republican you can be; not to moderate your platform. Read parts one and two. In North Carolina, for example, a voter registered as an independent can choose which primary they wish to vote in. Scottish Independence Scottland has been a part of the UK since 1707 after James VII was deposed in 1688 England feared that Scottland would go its own way which led to a formal union of the two kingdoms. In addition, independents are more likely than partisans to have negative views of both major parties. (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Within the GOP coalition, 36% of Republican leaners share this view, versus 27% of Republican identifiers. STAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) Voting. The concept of a bipartisan system is flawed. Among those who identified as Republicans, just 40% favored same-sex marriage, while 54% were opposed. She said its especially important when the documents must later be translated into languages other than English. If he didnt belong in the Democratic race, then why was he there? By a wide margin (62% to 36%), independents oppose Trumps signature policy proposal, an expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The poll failed with 55% No voters . Democratic-leaning independents overwhelmingly oppose the border wall (95% disapprove), as do Democratic identifiers (92%). Other voting methods allow voters to honestly vote for the candidates they like without fearing theyll be a spoiler. It's too late to change that platform, even if the politician were willing to do so, and thus there is limited options to address the independent's needs, at least without reneging on your platform and promises. We connect donors to learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions. 3On some issues, there are significant differences between leaners and partisans. Opinions among Democrats and Democratic leaners are nearly the mirror image: 88% of Democrats and 84% of Democratic leaners view the GOP unfavorably. Currently, 62% of the public says the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 34% say it should be illegal. Trumps rating also was low among independents who have no partisan leanings. ", Internal Revenue Service. In fact, just a third said they voted in the midterms. Being independent means you no longer have to explain away the crazies in your party, or explain rampant corruption, or sleazy behavior among party members. At one point in 2015, more than a third of independents (36%) viewed both parties unfavorably. The postage-paid voter registration card was last revised in 2008. For that reason, the voting method should remain as simple as possible so it isnt an additional reason voters dont turn out to the polls. They are also the single-most impediment to fixing our problems. Could a subterranean river or aquifer generate enough continuous momentum to power a waterwheel for the purpose of producing electricity? The new voter registration cards will be distributed as soon as the end of this week, and officials say the design was completed without spending more money. In July 2015, just 44% of GOP leaners had a favorable opinion of the Republican Party; 47% had an unfavorable view of both parties. We are a nonprofit too. Public support for same-sex marriage has grown rapidly over the past decade. You shouldnt be goaded into voting for someone who you dont believe supports your politics. For this governor's race, consider being independent of party. There are similar patterns in many political areas. Pros of Independence Self-confidence. The forms are widely distributed in state and local government offices and through volunteer voter registration drives. I work in the Presidential battleground state of Florida, we have a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc. However, being an independent contractor can come with more responsibility. 1 Advantage: Increases Choice. Democratic-leaning independents are younger than other independents or partisans. Over the past two decades, Republicans and Democrats have come to view the opposing party more negatively. If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the least first-choice votes is eliminated, and those voters second-choice candidates receive their votes. I could hardly be an independent if I vote for one party always; I thought that context was pretty explicit, the question doesn't really make sense without the presumption that my vote won't effect presidential elections after all. Updated on June 03, 2021. And, thanks to a recent Morrison Institute study, more is known about Arizona independents than in any other state. Right now, independents can certainly run, but they face a low likelihood of winning as theyre labeled spoilers who will make it harder for the similar, mainstream candidate to win a race. Here are six advantages to being an independent case manager: 1. (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main 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 . Being independent means you no longer have to explain away the crazies in your party, or explain rampant corruption, or sleazy behavior among party members. Its an issue thats been lingering for years, said Secretary of State Alex Padilla. You must fund your Social Security and Medicare taxes. Only 7% of Americans overall dont express a partisan leaning, while 13% lean toward the Republican Party and 17% lean toward the Democratic Party. Independent Contractor vs. Freelancer: Whats the Difference? It also hasnt been implemented in an election yet, so some questions about implementation remain. And sure, there may be times where we are sent on by ourselves to face some things alone to build our character. Pros You are your own boss Greater control over the work you accept You can earn more money Tax benefits from expense deductions Cons Among GOP leaners, 44% say immigrants strengthen the country because of their hard work and talents; 40% say they are a burden on the country because they take jobs, housing and health care. Currently, 87% of those who identify with the Republican Party view the Democratic Party unfavorably; Republican-leaning independents are almost as likely to view the Democratic Party negatively (81% unfavorable). Trumps early job rating among members of the opposing party (7%) was much lower than those of three prior presidents (Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton). But what about the large share of Americans who identify as independents? That might help voters see the distinction missed by some in earlier versions between being an independent voter and selecting the American Independent Party a conservative political group founded in 1968 to boost the presidential campaign of former Alabama Gov. 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. A 501(c)(3) organization. After Sanders suspension, online forums and social media exploded with political disagreement. Join us as we discuss 3 pros and cons to being an independent person. Other primary election types include: 1) open primaries, in which a voter either does not have to formally affiliate with a political party in order to vote in its primary or can declare his or her . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. For Democrats you don't have to choose moderate or liberal. 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. While 36% of all independents favored substantially expanding the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in a January survey, 75% of Republican-leaning independents but just 5% of Democratic leaners said this. While there is a lot of freedom that comes with being an independent contractor, there is also a great deal of responsibility that comes with it. In the next part of our series, well share more about what The Center for Election Science see as the best solution, and how can you help make that a reality. These shares have changed little in recent years. How well do you collaborate with others? How to check for #1 being either `d` or `h` with latex3? Setting up your own business as an independent contractor requires an investment of time and energy, but the risk can pay off handsomely. Since 2000, there have been sizable increases in the shares of both Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who identify as conservative. Being an independent contractor comes with a variety of benefits, including flexibility, autonomy and tax deductions for business expenses. Probably the only alternative voting method youve heard about, after being the first alternative voting method to be implemented at the state level. You no longer have to be labeled. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. A California law says yes, Abcarian: By helping Kamala Harris, Biden can help himself to a second term. Considering we're generally in a 2-party system, the fewer voters who are registered as one or the other, the more likely candidates will try to appeal to the larger population, rather than just their "base". That's because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has only two distinctions: an independent contractor or an employee. Do you consider yourself independent person? Pros of Being an Independent Caregiver. Read our research on: Congress | Economy | Trust in Media. Please support our research with a financial contribution. Must buy their own health insurance and benefits, May need a federal and state tax ID number. Voting has become a toxic act where people are told, "if you don't vote for our candidate, you don't belong to our party." Why should people have to vote for someone they don't believe in and don't support? Maryland is safely a Democratic leaning state, with the last time going to a Republican was in 1988, giving its 10 electoral votes to Bush. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) view one party favorably while expressing an unfavorable opinion of the other party. Are Democratic voters more firm in their voting preferences? And a large majority of Democratic-leaning independents (75%) also favors marijuana legalization. Again anecdotally, the independent vote in Florida tends to either lean Libertarian, or strongly leftist-progressive. And greater diversity of candidates running means more choice for voters. Striking out on your own can be both risky and rewarding. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. It shouldnt be about party allegiance. Here are six facts about political independents: 1Nearly four-in-ten U.S. adults (38%) identify as politically independent, but most lean toward one of the two major parties. I sort of would rather stay independent, both because it's more honest and because I kind of prefer not to have the moral obligation of participating in primaries, since I generally hate all politics and view political debates as an exercise in saying nothing as prettily as possible. You won't get hit by lightning. Aside from Obama (and maaaaybe GWB if you squint hard enough), that wasn't true since Mondale in 1994. Being an independent contractor has its advantages over being an employee. Your email address will not be published. Public support for legalizing marijuana use has followed a similar upward trajectory in recent years. and fellow former Democratic presidential candidates. It's very empowering to have the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wherewithal to look after yourself. By comparison, only about one-in-ten partisans view both parties negatively. It's important when considering independent contract work to understand the pros and cons of working as an independent contractor. Independently decide if you really want to continue with Governor Bentley and have your children be last in education among the states. An overwhelming majority of independents (81%) continue to lean toward either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. Yet independents who lean toward one of the two parties have a strong partisan imprint. The share of Democratic-leaning independents with a very unfavorable opinion of the Republican Party has more than quadrupled between 1994 and 2018 (from 8% to 37%). You may also be responsible for buying the tools and equipment needed for your profession. His rating among GOP-leaning independents (72% in 2017, 69% in 2018) was not markedly different from Obamas and Clintons ratings among Democratic-leaning independents during their first two years in office (though much lower than Bushs among Republican leaners). Only about a quarter of non-leaners approved of Trumps job performance during his first two years, while about six-in-ten (58%) disapproved. About a quarter of both Republican leaners (24%) and Democratic leaners (27%) view both parties unfavorably, as do 37% of those with no partisan leaning. Most independents who do not lean toward a party share this view (70%). other data sources to make educated guesses about your political leanings, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. Nearly 40 percent of voters in the United States identify as independent, yet there are only four independents serving in Congress. Politics is more than just beating the other candidate. In views of racial equality and womens progress, the views of partisan leaners are comparable to those of partisans. George Wallace. Like Democrats, most Democratic-leaning independents prefer bigger government. Democratic leaners, like Democrats, overwhelmingly disapprove of the president. In addition, Trumps rating has been more stable than prior presidents. Its about making change. On most issues, independents attitudes mirror the views of the overall public. Men constitute a majority (56%) of independents. 1 Nearly four-in-ten U.S. adults (38%) identify as politically independent, but most "lean" toward one of the two major parties. This is an update of a post originally published July 5, 2016, and written by Samantha Smith, a former research assistant at Pew Research Center. In a two-party system, it is not surprising that most Americans view their own party favorably while viewing the opposing party unfavorably. And while clear majorities of both Democrats and Democratic leaners favor same-sex marriage, Democratic-leaning independents are somewhat more likely than Democrats to hold this view (82% vs. 71%). A 63% majority of those who identify as Republicans say the U.S. economic system is fair to most Americans; fewer than half as many (29%) say the system unfairly favors powerful interests. Still, the share of independents who view both parties negatively has declined in recent years. While its true change happens slowly, we can make that change by being willing to stand up for the working lower class. Firstly because of the restriction on voting in primaries. While Californias top-two primary has made state and congressional elections open to all voters thus muting the impact of registration mistakes presidential primaries still limit participation based on a voters affiliation. 2. In a survey conducted last fall, shortly after the midterm elections, partisan leaners were less likely than partisans to say they registered to vote and voted in the congressional elections. . Among Democratic-leaning independents, slightly more identify as moderates (45%) than as liberals (39%), while 14% are conservatives. Democratic leaners (48%) and Republican leaners (54%) were considerably more likely to say they voted, though both groups reported lower rates of voting than partisans. Lately I feel that isn't the case. 1615 L St. NW, Suite 800Washington, DC 20036USA Read our, How To Succeed as an Independent Contractor, The Differences Between Employed vs. Self-Employed, What To Know About Household Employee Taxes, Hiring and Paying an Independent Contractor, How the IRS Determines Independent Contractor Status, The Tax Treatment of Self-Employment Income, What You Need to Know Before You Sign a W-9 Form, What To Do With an IRS Backup Withholding Notice. Trumps job rating among independents for his first two years in office also was lower than his recent predecessors; his average job rating among independents was 34% in both 2017 and 2018. ", Internal Revenue Service. Which party actually caused the 2016 presidential election swing? But there are sharper differences in the views of Republicans and GOP leaners. Californians have until May 21 to register for the June 5 statewide primary. In addition, far more independents (28%) than Republicans (10%) or Democrats (9%) have an unfavorable opinion of both parties. However I live in Maryland, which has closed primaries for both parties and the state will always vote Democrat for presidential elections; which leaves me feeling that being an independent removes my voice. Are there any other pros to being independent? While a narrow majority of Republicans (54%) opposed same-sex-marriage in 2017, nearly six-in-ten Republican-leaning independents (58%) favored allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally. 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. First, a pragmatic argument: an Independent candidate has rejected the advantages of being part of an established infrastructure and support network. 5. In contrast to Republicans, Republican-leaning independents favored same-sex marriage (58% were in favor, 37% were opposed). But those who leaned toward the parties were much less likely to say this. What were really asking is How happy are voters with the chosen winner?. To put that into perspective, in 13 counties across the state, non . During his first two years in office, Trumps job rating among members of his own party was relatively high compared with recent presidents. Consider David Davenport's con argument, including that other laws (governing activities such as driving, drinking, and smoking) have increased ages instead of lowering them based on the immaturity of teenagers. This positions us to be in a better place in 2020., Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast. They can even help candidates really see how much support they have from the electorate, even if they dont win. Just as an FYI, I live in Florida and we also have closed elections. Through our local organization, Independent Voters for Arizona, thousands of letters are being directed to state and party leaders, seeking equal voting rights as independents in primary elections! On taxes, two-thirds of GOP leaners approve of the tax law, while an identical share of Democratic leaners disapprove. Why Being a Contractor Can Be Better Than Being an Employee, Difference Between Independent Contractor and Employee, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. You dont have to receive junk mail. The same trend is evident among independents who lean toward a party. Bernie Sanders was a Democrat in name only. But the gap has narrowed since 2000, when moderates outnumbered liberals, 50% to 30%. (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main While its true change happens slowly, we can make that change by being willing to stand up for the working lower class. Many of Sanders supporters felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal media. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the new cards instruction, in a larger font size, on political parties. In June 2017, a majority of adults (62%) favored allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, while just 32% were opposed. Among other things, it illustrated that independents have lower levels of political participation and are demographically different from those who affiliate with a party and that their views are often as divided as those of self-identified partisans. The concept that not voting is a vote for the other candidate is largely untrue. 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!
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