>     When I was 18, I registered to vote. I thought it was a great privilege to participate in the process of choosing an elected official. When I got to the box asking if I wanted to join a party, I hesitated. Was I a Republican or Democrat? I did not think I knew enough to choose either, so I checked off Unaffiliated. It is a choice that I have stuck with my entire life and now that I am older, I am glad I did.
     I do not understand how anyone can subscribe to the every belief of a political party. I know some call themselves moderates, but it seems that when the pressure is on, they will stand by their group. People tell me that I waste my vote because I cannot participate in a primary. That may be true, but the primary vote is for the parties to put forth their best candidate.
     In Connecticut, the majority of the voters are unaffiliated. That means the largest group of voters does not have a loyalty to anyone. So what happens? My mailbox is stuffed with pamphlets. My phone rings nonstop with calls asking for my vote. Let me clue them in, it doesn’t work. I read the paper and watch debates to get my information. Ultimately, that is what helps make up my mind on who gets my vote.
     The people are elected are for the most part well educated and articulate. They have the ability to work with people and present information. Why then do they have so much trouble in Washington working to solve our issues? Why can they not dialogue and come to agreements as to what is best? Do they have to hold out for their own decision on how plans should unfold? I love watching them walk down the halls of Congress or the Senate. They look like a gang. They have a leader out in front with a posse behind them ready to take on the opposition. It all seems like a great waste of time.
     The American people have spoken this year. They sent a message that they want solutions. That is what we elect them to do. We do not want them to sit around being indecisive. We cannot afford for them to waste time discussing non-issues. We need them to commit on working together. Who knows? Maybe that is what will keep them in office. Until that happens, I think you might see more decisions made by the unaffiliated voter.