Thread by @Civics4GrownUps

✅ RT THREAD! ✅

Something we hear a lot: "Smart, independent voters should stay independent and not affiliate with a political party."

FWIW we professional political scientists call that logic the “myth of the independent voter.” Read on... /1

In reality, the vast majority of voters have made up their mind about which party best represents their interests, values, and identity. They vote for that party most of the time. (That’s one of the many reasons it’s hard for third parties to break in—see our previous thread). /2

Many voters treat parties like brands that they can trust and remain more or less loyal to down the ballot. Seeing a "D", "R", "L", "G" or other label next to a candidate's name gives voters - particularly low information voters - a shortcut to help in their decision-making. /3

Other important reasons to keep party in mind when you vote...

All democratically elected legislatures (like the US Congress and state legislatures) have processes for setting the legislative agenda. What bills get considered? What bills get thrown in the garbage? /3

The party or coalition that wins a majority of the seats in the body GETS TO CONTROL THE AGENDA. They also, by definition, often have enough votes to pass bills that support their agenda. /4

So when you vote for your own local representative, you are not only choosing a person to represent your area, you are by proxy voting to choose the majority party in the legislative body as a whole. /5

That means it is important to consider not just the positions of the person you vote for, but the positions taken by that party overall, because that will guide WHAT GETS ON THE AGENDA and what PASSES. /6

Another one we hear a lot: "The parties are practically indistinguishable, so control of the agenda doesn't really matter."

Is that true in the United States?

Umm...no. THAT’S ABSURD. /7

The Democrats, Republicans, and other minor parties write distinct platforms. They put different bills and issues on the agenda when they take power. They are funded and supported by different individuals and groups in society. Their priorities are not the same. /8

Here is @TheDemocrats platform: /9 democrats.org/party-platform

Here is the @GOP platform: /10 gop.com/platform/

Pretty different. /11

Should people commit to blind party allegiance? No, absolutely not. There are times to put country, or your own deeply held values, above party. There are candidates that are not worth voting for, no matter their party. /12

We advocate that voters should take the time to deeply consider each candidate on their ballot, and ALSO consider the party that each candidate is most likely to caucus with once elected. /13