When I turned 18 years old, I registered with the Democratic Party but after I became disillusioned with the Democratic Party, I decided that I would register as an ‘Independent’ because I was not happy with the two-party system. We have a right to be heard and to be taken seriously. As an Independent Voter, I feel free and empowered to vote for who I want on a case-by-case basis. Ever since, I have been an Independent Voter for years and I am not turning back to either political party.

I have been a voter for over sixty years. I have been a Republican, and I have been a Democrat. Plus a couple of other parties along the way. At some point it occurred to me that registering as a member of a political party exposes your voting choice to everyone. This seems to be contrary to the secret ballot concept. I feel that for the government to inquire about a voter’s political beliefs is unconstitutional. I also think that it is unconstitutional for the government to inform voters of the political beliefs on the candidates on their ballots by identifying their political affiliations those documents.

My support for Open Primaries stems from the insightful work of Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter, identifying the Democratic and Republican Parties as a perfect duopoly, thriving for their own benefit, but not to the advantage of the constituencies they are supposed to support. Self-serving legislation, gerrymandering and undemocratic party rules have led to tyranny by the extreme and loyal fringes of the parties, further driving moderates out of the political system. One of the solutions is to open primaries, but also to time them so moderates will be more likely to be able to vote.

I have recently changed my political affiliation to Independent. I did this for two reasons: 1. I don’t think that either party is representing my core beliefs very well, and 2. I believe that the polarization of our current two-party system is destroying our country and hampering any meaningful change that reflects the ideology of the majority of American voters. I didn’t realize this at the time, but 27 million Independents in this country are not allowed to vote in the primaries – meaning that those people are denied an opportunity to help choose the candidates that face off in the elections. Since most Independents identify as ‘moderates’, that’s a huge moderate voice missing in this critical process toward finding the best candidates to represent us. Studies are showing that lack of primary participation by moderate citizens is part of what’s leading to extremist candidates on both sides. I think every independent in the country should be allowed to vote for whomever they wish for the candidates that will be governing us in the future. I am proud of Colorado for implementing a law that allows Independents to vote in the Primaries for either party.

As an individual of color with neurodiversity invisible disability (Autism) I’m ( independent / Democrat) because I see self – advocates and advocates for others within the independence and Democrat movement across this nation of the United States of America understanding acceptance sense Of belonging inclusion diversity transparency that What makes Us have Independence in the first place how we live work play communicate why I support being independent for self-advocates for others and being a self-advocate myself in general conversation and discussion with others.

As an individual of color with learning differences ( Autism ADHD dyslexic dyslexia) myself as an individual independent self advocate for myself and self advocate for others across my state regardless of political parties is to make sure everybody has a right to vote and should vote including individuals from marginalized communities senior citizens veterans individuals disabilities individuals of color.