Voting: Party Line

I am an independent so I make sure to compare all the candidates running for a given office no matter how important it may be. The issue was raised on some media outlets that many individuals still vote party affiliation only. I was wondering if anybody on ATS participates in this practice and what his/her reasoning would be for voting in this manner.

Also, do you think it would be harmful to remove a candidates party affiliation from a ballot?

-swinters

Originally posted by swintersVT
Also, do you think it would be harmful to remove a candidates party affiliation from a ballot?

Absolutely. People would have to read, listen, and generally pay attention.

that many individuals still vote party affiliation only. I was wondering if anybody on ATS participates in this practice and what his/her reasoning would be for voting in this manner.

(i don't vote this way)
However, the whole point of the party is to share a common platform. There is room to move around of course, based on the specifics of the area and the like.
But if you don't agree with the Republican platform (for example) they you wouldn't be endorsed. That is, you wouldn't be able to call yourself a republican candidate.