To the Editor:
The Independent voter has become the predominant influencer in our elections. Their voter registration is now 43%, compared to Republicans and Democrats, tied about 27% for each mainstream political party. Republicans outnumber Democrats by about 1.2 million voters in Florida. Our state has 4.2 million Independents, who can determine who wins an election.
While Independents lean toward their original political instincts, they tend to have alternate values outside the limitations mandated by either party. This puts their vote into the category of “the lesser of two evils,” and may split their vote. This can be seen in Michigan and Arizona, who voted for Republican Trump, but elected Democrat senators.
Millennials (ages 28-43) and Gen Z (ages 12-27), are far less likely to join either political party because they are dissatisfied with both. As they become a larger portion of the electorate, they will have increased influence in election outcomes. Their concern is the polarization and division of both parties. They want our political lawmakers and leaders to prioritize cooperation, instead of partisan conflict.
In the 2024 presidential election, Independents crossed-over their votes to elect Donald Trump and a GOP Congress. Independents wanted real action to cool inflation and reduced prices. They wanted to see the federal bureaucracy and debt under control. They were not happy with Biden’s version of immigration and border situation. The question became: “Can Republicans govern better?”
This will remain to be seen in the mid-term elections. Independents more focus on pragmatism than party allegiance. The new question will be: “Did they govern better? How will the tax reduction bill impact the deficit? What may be the consequences of changes to social programs? Will tariffs be an economic benefit or crisis? Is the avoidance of climate change and renewable energy really a good idea? Independents are fed up with wealthy party donors and corporate interests dominating the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.
The Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan has decided to run for governor of Michigan. The mostly Black electorate chose a white man to run their city for the last 12 years. Duggan’s intent as an Independent is to tap the best ideas from Republican and Democrat voters, elected state officials, and, with his own instincts, continue the business and social revival he led in Detroit.
Independent politicians competing in an election rarely win. However, with 43% of voters being non-partisan, this can change. In Congress, our last presidential elections have been very close between both parties. Example: The “big beautiful bill” to extend tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy passed by one vote in the House.
What if several Representatives from both parties were elected Independent; instead of being pressured to vote along party lines?
Our elected Congress members are afraid. What happened to “The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?”
Bill Summerfield
Ocala