My Response to Dave Stockton:

Unaffiliated Voters and the Illusion of Independence

As the author of the January 5 Montrose Mirror piece titled “There is No Such thing as ‘Non-Partisan’”, I appreciate Dave Stockton's letter challenging my views on unaffiliated voters, it has helped me to clarify my thoughts and possibly my position concerning the topic for others out there who may not have fully understood what I was trying to put across.

However, after considerable thought, I believe his claims reinforce my point: declaring oneself “unaffiliated” does not constitute true “free thinking”. It often avoids committing to principles aligned with a party and one’s own core values. Party membership does not demand or even expect blind agreement. It means supporting foundational ideals while allowing disagreement on specifics. Let’s unpack this with evidence.

The Myth of True Independents

Stockton portrays unaffiliated status as liberation from "party extremism" since 2008. Yet, data shows most independents are not neutral. They lean toward one major party. A 2019 Pew Research study found 81 percent of independents lean Republican or Democratic. Gallup's 2026 poll reports a record 45 percent identify as independents, but equal shares (27% each) affiliate with Democrats or Republicans when pressed. 

In Congress, "independents" reveal this lean. The two current "independent" senators, Angus King (Maine) and Bernie Sanders (Vermont), both caucus with Democrats, aligning on votes and committees. No independents currently serve in the House of Representatives, underscoring that true neutrality is rare. This is not independent thinking. It is partisan alignment without the label. A Pennsylvania State University poll identifies three independent types: disguised partisans, cultural independents, and thinking independents. Most fall into the first, hiding biases.

Benefits of Party Affiliation

Party membership pools resources for collective impact, not blind loyalty. It enables fundraising, organizing, and policy advancement aligned with shared principles. Protect Democracy notes parties are essential for democracy, coordinating voters and holding leaders accountable. The U.S. Embassy's educational resources explain parties streamline elections by nominating candidates reflecting core values, like limited government or social welfare.

Unaffiliated voters can still vote freely, but affiliation amplifies influence in primaries and conventions. A Third Way analysis debunks the "myth of the independent voter”, showing leaners consistently support one side without contributing to its infrastructure. Stockton's family divide, Democrats for aid, Republicans for military, illustrates how parties embody principles without requiring total agreement.

Addressing Stockton's Claims

Stockton left the Democrats in 2008, citing ‘extremism’, then wrote in a Republican in 2024. This is not impactful free thinking. It is ineffective, as write-ins rarely win without ballot access. His vote, while cast, lacked strategic weight in a plurality system. He claims unaffiliated seek "middle ground," but core values always surface in votes, making non-partisanship illusory. Pew's 2024 data shows 49 percent lean Democratic, 48 percent Republican, hardly a neutral bloc.

His invitation to "break chains" misses that free thinking thrives within parties. Disagree on candidates? Vote accordingly. But dodging affiliation avoids building principled coalitions.

Free Thinking vs. Virtue Signaling

Free thinking is a virtue. It involves critical evaluation. However, claiming "unaffiliated" often signals virtue without substance, appearing above the fray while leaning partisan. Unite America's research shows independents are growing but critical in swing states due to leans, not purity. True integrity means recognizing alignments and contributing.

In Montrose, where community values like self-reliance matter, unaffiliated status may feel empowering. But as my original article stated, non-partisan is a myth. Core values guide votes, regardless of label.

Passion for America and the Constitution unites us. But let’s commit to principles through affiliation, not evasion. That builds a stronger nation and is the intellectually honest choice.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”