Many citizens across the country are deciding which candidate they will be voting for in the upcoming presidential election. The Democratic candidate is President Barack Obama and the Republican candidate is Governor Mitt Romney. What if you do not agree with either candidate’s platform or do not agree with previous decisions made by either party? Who do you vote for?
The American Independent Party nominated Tom Hoefling to be its presidential candidate in February 2012. Independent political parties are commonly known as the third party. There are several Independent political parties. If ballot laws allow it, each state has an Independent candidate who represents an Independent Party
“The American Independent Party is not the only Independent Political Party, and others have candidates as well,” said Markham Robinson, executive committee chair member of the American Independent Party. “The problem that most Independent Political Parties are facing is gaining ballot access and fighting ballot access laws that make it difficult for candidates to run for office,” Robinson said.
Ballot access laws vary by state. The state of Georgia requires anyone running for a position in a government office to get a petition signed by a percentage of prospective registered voters from their district. The Georgia Tea Party, an independent policy organization, is aiding the fight against ballot access laws.
“It is a tragedy that in the freest country in the world it is difficult for citizens to exercise our greatest privilege-the right to vote,” says Tom Maloy board member of the Georgia Tea Party. “We are not a political party, but a policy party trying to educate and fight for political advocacy”, Maloy said.
“I knew about the independent party, but did not know about the candidates”, Davon Little, KSU junior said.
Freshman Rachel Fletcher said, “I didn’t even know they included independent candidates on the ballot.”
There are little resources around KSU that educates students on other political parties. Democratic and Republican social organizations can be found at the university, but there is no record of an organization pertaining to Independent political parties.
“I believe if there were more organizations geared toward independent parties, students will be familiar with all candidates and the party itself,” said Rachel Fletcher, KSU freshman.
Early voting begins Oct. 15 and the general election begins Nov.6. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat, Republican or a member of an Independent Party, go and vote. Every vote always counts!