Harmony's Top Five

1. In this politically crazed environment, I find myself glad that I do not identify with a major political party, but instead have a "freedom of choice" on all the major choices offered during this election season. Since I do not need to follow a certain set of rules, I can vote, or believe in whatever causes suit me as an individual. It does making voting a more tedious process, researching the position of each candidate, as opposed to straight ticket voting, but it makes it so my choices are in fact the right choices for me.

2. Another reason I am an Independent stems from "not having predetermined ideas" about what I believe in. If I call myself a Democrat, or a Republican, there are immediately certain stereotypes attached. I am free of that by registering myself an Independent. I might not have a shiny convention to myself, but no one can tell me what I am, except myself.

3. It's kind of fun to be an Independent during the Primary season, because Independents can "vote for whomever they want in a primary." I declare which major party I wish so vote on, they give me the ballot, and I can immediately switch back to my Independent status. It is a little more work, but I have many more options that Republicans and Democrats, and that works for my research-based votes. I can understand how more options can make others more stressed, but that's not my personal opinion on the matter.

4. Another reason I like being an Independent is that "politicians are vying for my vote." Many politicians can assume that many Democrats and Republicans will vote for their party's candidate, but since I am Independent, I don't have a candidate to automatically support (I contend that the Independent Party that nominates candidates is completely different because I'm not in the party, merely Independent). All the annoying commercials are trying to influence my vote, which is kind of interesting, if you think about it.

5. Lastly, being an Independent allows me to "not label myself," which I feel is rather important. I'd rather go into the voting booth, and vote my conscience rather than feel pressured by a group I joined. I feel perfectly happy voting for whomever I want, and not needing anyone telling me what I should believe, and who I should vote for.