More voters are choosing “independent”
To the Editor:
In response to guest columnist Walter Cook’s recent article, “Don’t expect better results with the same choices,” (Dec. 31 edition of SMN) Mr. Cook accurately describes a political reality in Western North Carolina: for far too long, many voters have cast ballots strictly along party lines — then wondered why so little changes, or why things get worse.
But I have hope that’s changing.
As I visit with neighbors and voters from both parties, I’m meeting more and more folks who are questioning the “party line” and the politicians who seem to follow it blindly. Here in the mountains, unaffiliated voters outnumber Republicans and Democrats. I believe that’s a reflection of who we are: independent by nature. Folks here have been growing our own food, cutting our own wood and working our own land for generations. And now, many of us are determined to pick our own candidates, too.
When voters look beyond the label, the things that truly matter rise to the top: a candidate’s experience, record of service and positions on real issues. People are tired of the emptiness of culture-war politics and the do-nothing results of divisive rhetoric. Folks are no longer choosing simply because there’s an R or D behind a name.
Here in Swain County, four unaffiliated candidates have filed petitions to get on the November ballot. We are taking on the extra hurdle of collecting hundreds of signatures just to qualify. And encouragingly, people from both parties — along with independent voters — are signing those petitions because they want voters to have a real choice.
Related Items
‘Rough House’ at City Lights
Some pre-Lent thoughts: fasting and feasting
The rule of law still matters
Don’t change districts in Macon County
We need leaders focused on what actually matters to everyday life — schools, infrastructure, and local economies that grow.
Perhaps it’s time to choose candidates who will deliver better results.
Fred Crawford
Swain County
