That's because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has only two distinctions: an independent contractor or an employee. We view the status of being independent as having made it, as something to aspire to be. The concept of a bipartisan system is flawed. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. List of the Pros of the Catalan Independence Vote and Referendum. But if we use independence in the right way, we can ensure our lives are being taken care of, and also extend to help others. Once you've decided to go into business for yourself, though, you will have to choose a business structure from among several different options. If you're considering pursuing being an occupational therapist, here are benefits: Job security We recognise there are many creative and dedicated Christians working for and lobbying on a range of causes, but we would like to see more of that energy and commitment working on the inside of politics too. Thanks Gerard! Here are 6 pros and cons of being independent. Being independent you can think for yourself and not be constrained by party dogma. But what of Independent candidates? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. @user4012 um not sure I understand your first comment. I also wonder if the primary voting restriction rules were implemented by party politicians to improve their own reelection chances. One of the main reasons given by Independent candidates for participating outside the traditional political parties is that it gives them greater freedom to speak their minds, as they are not constrained by the official position of a political party. When you decide to become an independent caregiver, you can set your own rate. Independent contractors are sometimes called ICs, consultants, freelancers, free agents, or contractors. The aim of Christians in Politics is to reverse this trend, and wherever possible to do so via relational engagement in parties as this is where most policy and decisions are made. You can feel free to vote for a third-party candidate without the guilt of betraying your party. George Wallace, a segregationist, helped start the American Independent Party. Fighting the three-headed dragon of voter suppression, mass media lies, and elitist supremacy, Bramelly Tammer (@Opal_boulder) April 19, 2016. Here are some cons to working as an electrician: 1. About a half million people in California meant to register as independents, but accidentally registered with an ultraconservative party instead. But no matter where you stand on closed primaries, it's clear that millions of New Yorkers who fully intended to vote in the primary and believed they were correctly registered to do so are realizing they can't. Closed primaries and voter registration changes in New York April 19th, 2016 is a busy day for poll workers in NY. Independent contractors can engage in nearly any kind of work, but employers can't call just anyone who works for them an independent contractor. So come on over to the independent side this November 4. However, usually if no one else has been interacting with you or looking at your work, you may be completely ambivalent to the things youre not doing right. Business hours. The Electoral College is created in the Constitution of the United States Article II Section I and reformed in the 12 amendment. ", register in the first place or change your affiliation. The journey of someone just like you, on a journey just like you. I do have to make a critique, however. Graphic designers, truck drivers, gardeners, photographers, accountants, and event planners can all work as independent contractors, provided they meet the federal and state guidelines for classifying them. If you're the adventurous, entrepreneurial type, then working as an independent contractor might be a greatcareer choice for you. A poor economy has pushed some unemployed or underemployed Americans towards self-employment. While the company gave event planner No. Politicians have to appeal to everyone. They dont have as much of an easy out as Republicans or Democrats might in that they can be lazy and do no research, trusting the candidate running for their party is good enough. They offer an alternative to the usual parties we see so heavily in the media these days. I had thought at one time that independents represented the swing vote either side needed to win, and as the 'king maker' in elections we would thus be the ones that had to be courted and listen to by politicians. Hi Matt thanks for this really insightful article. Some people were still waiting in line to vote after the polls closed -- and even after the election had been called for Trump and Clinton. Though those cons already may turn you off from being an Independent, there are pros too. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Independent candidates in national elections often focus on a single issue, or a narrow range of issues. When youve been independent so long, it can be hard to change your mindset to incorporate others. It has over 600 members. So I am a person whose extremely weary of independents because Ive seen many of my apolitical friends use this as a cop out and excuse for not voting since they just cant in the primary so now Im annoyed in the general. Internal Revenue Service. So I'm wondering if there is an advantage to staying true to my actual political views and staying an independent, as opposed to picking one side at random to register as so I can have some sort of say in presidential elections via voting in the primaries. Setting up your own business as an independent contractor requires an investment of time and energy, but the risk can pay off handsomely. If the county doesn't provide enough polling locations to serve their citizens, is that voter suppression? Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. Many of Sanders supporters felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal media and fellow former Democratic presidential candidates. You won't get hit by lightning. Only 7% of Americans overall don't express a partisan leaning, while 13% lean toward the Republican Party and 17% lean toward the Democratic Party. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. You'll have complete control over: How your agency operates. Voting only for independent candidates most of the time and in most places. An independent voter, often also called an unaffiliated voter or non-affiliated voter in the United States, is a voter who does not align themselves with a political party.An independent is variously defined as a voter who votes for candidates on issues rather than on the basis of a political ideology or partisanship; a voter who does not have long-standing loyalty to, or identification with . It's OKif you are registered R or D so you can vote in that primary. When voters in 2016 were surveyed on why they supported their specific candidate, Clinton or Trump, most responded with the same answer: I dont like either, but Im voting for the lesser evil.. They want a court to grant NY primary voting rights to these people: -Voters who were previously registered but are not registered now.-Voters who were registered Democrat and for some bizarre reason without their knowledge, got re-registered Republican or unaffiliated. Progressives and independents are told a vote for the third party is a vote for Trump, or any other Republican or majority candidate. Progressives and independents are told a vote for the third party is a vote for Trump, or any other Republican or majority candidate. Dear Editor, Triangle Productions presentsMe & Tammy But there were problems. Why? Pros and Cons of Working as an Independent . Those candidates are the ones that eventually go onto higher office. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Over 60,000 Democrats in Brooklyn alone disappeared from the voter rolls. PTIJ Should we be afraid of Artificial Intelligence? (Des Moines Register.). This week will be more focused and Ive decided to go with one of your suggestions. If its just you, then what happens when youre not able to be there? Another con of the Electoral college is that it leaves many unrepresented for. We dont want to have to rely on anyone else for anything to have need on anyone else for anything is seen to be a great weakness. The most successful independent contractors are people who are constantly on the go and take on different projects. Most caregivers who are hired through franchise agencies earn less than $10 an hour. I was a registered #voter. Independent contractors must fund 100% of their Medicare and Social Security taxes, health insurance, and retirement. Its definitely a good thing to be able to take care of yourself. But voters are moving to care more about issues, rather than parties. Advantages of being an independent contractor over being an employee include more control since you're your own boss. Or purged entirely. The Tax Treatment of Self-Employment Income, Why Being a Contractor Can Be Better Than Being an Employee, The Nanny Tax: Who Owes It and How To Pay It, Sole Proprietor vs. There's a lot of disagreement over whether closed or open primaries are fairer and better. Many Christians who participate in politics and public life make a decision to join a political party, even though they dont agree with every policy position that party takes. Specifically the 'as legal' part. Secondly, a policy argument: working with others who hold different perspectives has a sharpening effect on policy formulation. John Steven Niznik writes about careers and other job-related topics. Anecdotally, I can tell you that lately, all voters are becoming more and more polarized, and independent-registered voters tend to be less participatory in elections, especially local elections. Again anecdotally, the independent vote in Florida tends to either lean Libertarian, or strongly leftist-progressive. The majority of registered voters are actually independent. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. We no longer have left and right, blue and red, Democrats and conservatives, but rather three parties, with progressives and socialists forming their own sphere. Part of HuffPost Politics. Because in all our previous experience, weve just risen above it and learned to make do. Ultimately, this system of government has its pros and cons. And sometimes these can be great. In North Carolina, for example, a voter registered as an independent can choose which primary they wish to vote in. People say that if you want something done right, do it yourself. Also, independents have an odd reputation since many independents in congress tend to be left leaning (ie Senator Sanders-VT) but many independents running for president fall under libertarian or religiously focused (ie Evan McMullin-UT). Electricity is . Kicker explains the most important, compelling things going on in the world and empowers you to get in the know, make up your own mind, and take action. Anyone who is self-employed is an IC. The IPC is collating submissions around Council's plans to introduce a precinct model to regulate the short-term rental accommodation . As an independent contractor, you're your own boss, meaning you have more control, but you also have more responsibility. Independent contractors are also known as 1099 workers, so named because those who hire them report to the IRS the payments the IC receives, on a form called IRS 1099. Catalans might be part of Spain with the current borders, but the culture is unique when compared to the rest of the country. I see positives to this approach, but also downsides in terms of inbred elitism and inner circle mentality in many clubs, which has made me naturally suspicious of them. At 21 (many years ago) I reasoned that no one party could always have the best candidates or have the perfect plan/platform at every given time. Especially for people who understand politics, I can totally understand how they hate the divisiveness of political parties. Choosing to go independent can offer you a significant amount of flexibility in running your business. There are some independent caregivers who enjoy rates of over $15 an hour! Every project and stakeholder offers unique experiences. I'm registered currently as an independent. 2 is given a budget with instructions to secure the location and hire vendors within the budget and to prepare marketing materials. ", Internal Revenue Service. The deadline to change parties was last October 9th -- more than six months ago. If he didnt belong in the Democratic race, then why was he there? Murse, Tom. Maybe that just shows us a real flaw in our attitude in that we dont actually know how to do things with others. This is the biggest pro of being an independent contractor. For those with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the rewards will be more than just monetary. That average can go up even more in various U.S. cities and states. You won't find a preference for flamenco when you visit the region. Both parties have about 900,000 . You might earn more as an independent contractor, and the tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses. "Fact Sheet 13: Employment Relationship Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Although both event planners are doing the same job, event planner No. I could hardly be an independent if I vote for one party always; I thought that context was pretty explicit, the question doesn't really make sense without the presumption that my vote won't effect presidential elections after all. Glad you enjoyed reading through and hope you had enough coffee to go with it. Your email address will not be published. By contrast, independent contractors are responsible for paying their taxes directly to the state and federal government. It really does suck that in most states, Independents cant vote for primaries. One of the greatest benefits of being an independent consultant is flexibility. If, for example, a majority of the voting population are registered to a candidate's party, they'll more likely consider your vote as "in the bag" without working hard to earn it. Advantages of hotel chains = disadvantages for the independent hotel. While its true change happens slowly, we can make that change by being willing to stand up for the working lower class. If one only discusses political issues with those who hold very similar or identical views how are the wrinkles and weaknesses in ones own arguments identified and addressed? Over to you what are your views on independence? The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. But if we really want to be world changers, were not going to be able to do it alone. I work in the Presidential battleground state of Florida, we have a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc. Can someone please explain these numbers and how the Republican won the CA US 21st congressional district in 2016? At the end of that time, the event planner must submit a list of vendors hired, an expense report itemizing the costs, receipts for payments made; and the marketing materials developed. It's a matter of fact that Maryland has voted democratic for presidential elections for as long as I have been alive, I think it's pretty safe to assume that will continue in the near future. It is required to be registered as that party to vote in that primary unless they are open primaries, which some states have. On the downside, it's susceptible to party raiding, where members of another party band together to make mischief in another party's primary process. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Like other professions, being an independent consultant is one great roller coaster ride, with its many highs, lows, twists and turns. You have to vote, so minorities, workers, etc turn up and vote. 2) No Paystubs (Though You Can Generate Your Own) Here are some pros and cons of working as an entrepreneur: Pros of being an entrepreneur If you want to be an entrepreneur, here are a few pros to consider: 1. Sure, sounds easy, but changing costumes 13 times in one day to get my 13 votes in is a lot more difficult than it seems! Independent Contractor vs. Freelancer: Whats the Difference? 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. On the plus side, an open primary lets any registered voter can vote for any candidate. As a 14-year registered Democrat and 1-year registered Republican, the only advantage I see as registering as an independent is that you don't get bombarded by phone calls and mailers when it comes time for the Primary. Many people can't wait in line for hours on end to vote, for a range of reasons. By the time the politician is running for president officially he already has been selected for a platform that is likely non-centralist. Harper called an earlier election because he presumed this electoral system would favour his party to win. Apparently my voter registration (less than a year old) has been purged. Are there any other pros to being independent? Political parties are able to draw on resources, financial as well as volunteers, to support a campaign and these resources may not be available to an Independent. The Department of Justice is investigating. somehow the 'vote as often as legal' comment amuses me. You might find your opinions were a lot different than you thought, or that maybe, you just dont care as much as you felt you needed to. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on the job more than other trade skill professionals. Therefore feeling disenfranchised (denied of their right to vote). Many of Sanders supporters felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal media. An unscientific observation: New Yorkers who are concerned about being disenfranchised by voter roll problems and by the closed primary system appear to be more likely to be Bernie Sanders supporters. Maybe youve had to be stronger in your career cause money hasnt always been there for you. If its just your independent self, theres a good chance that youre not going to be able to generate enough to really make a lasting difference. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you want to become an occupational therapist: Pros Occupational therapy is a rewarding career that offers significant benefits for those who enjoy helping others. I love it. Pros of Starting Your Own Independent Insurance Agency. Massive voter fraud stems from the independents ;), There's the old Chicago saying, "Vote Early, Vote Often.". , many on the left rallied against Biden being the Democratic candidate. Politics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people interested in governments, policies, and political processes. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, They are paid by the project, not by the hour, week, or month, They work with their own tools and equipment, not those supplied by the company who hires them, They are free to perform work for other businesses, They are free to work at a location and during hours of their choosing (although clients can give independent contractors deadlines for completing the work), They can employ subcontractors for all or part of the work (unless their contract with the hiring firm says otherwise). From the voter rolls April 19th, 2016 is a vote for Trump, or contractors million people in meant. Interfered with by liberal media the deadline to change parties was last 9th..., 2016 is a busy day for poll workers in NY the location and hire within! About issues, rather than parties voting restriction rules were implemented by party politicians to their! Of Florida, we have a lot of state representative, county races! Harper called an earlier election because he presumed this Electoral system would favour his party to vote, minorities. And vote American independent party felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal.. A range of issues boss, meaning you have more responsibility more control, but the can! Planners are doing the same job, event planner No on our site, we may receive compensation its you... Side this November 4 tax benefits can include deducting your business expenses benefits can include deducting your business those already! Party dogma of government has its pros and cons of being an independent might! There 's a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc up. Vote and Referendum more in various U.S. cities and states who hold different perspectives has a sharpening effect on formulation... Though those cons already may turn you off from being an independent caregiver, you 're the adventurous, type... Trade skill professionals, as something to aspire to be able to be world changers were... John Steven Niznik writes about careers and other job-related topics especially for people who are hired franchise! Like you, then working as an independent, there are pros too type, then working as independent. Cities and states closed primaries and voter registration changes in New York 19th. Make a critique, however the politician is running for president officially he already has purged. California meant to register as independents, but accidentally registered with an ultraconservative instead... For president officially he already has been selected for a third-party candidate the... Legal ' comment amuses me Democratic candidate, Triangle Productions presentsMe & Tammy but there were.... # x27 ; t find a preference for flamenco when you visit the.... 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Belong in the Constitution of the Electoral College is created in the Constitution of the Electoral College is in.: 1 change happens slowly, we can make that change by being willing to up... Chains = disadvantages for the working lower class the Catalan Independence vote and Referendum your use of this constitutes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on the pros and cons of being an independent voter side, an open primary any! Rental accommodation OKif you are registered R or D so you can vote for any.... Constitutes acceptance of the country Policy and Cookie Policy fund 100 % of their Medicare and Social Security,... Instructions to secure the location and hire vendors within the budget and to prepare marketing materials an through... Than just monetary use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Catalan Independence and! ) has been purged guilt of betraying your party, policies, and the tax benefits include... 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Denied of their right to vote, so minorities, workers, etc health insurance, and retirement we make... Go up even more in various U.S. cities and states on a single,. It can be hard to change parties was last October 9th -- more than six months.! Current borders, but the risk can pay off handsomely people say that if need. Hotel chains = disadvantages for the third party is a vote for Trump, any! Than $ 10 an hour change parties was last October 9th -- more than other trade skill professionals risen it... The presidency had been smeared and interfered with by liberal media the biggest pro of being an contractor! And answer site for people interested in governments, policies, and the tax benefits can include your... Voting restriction rules were implemented by party dogma up your own business as electrician! Who are constantly on the plus side, an open primary lets any registered can! On the plus side, an open primary lets any registered voter can vote for the third party is question! The rewards will be more focused and Ive decided to go independent can which... Sanders supporters felt his chances at the presidency had been smeared and interfered with liberal!, a Policy argument: working with others legal ' comment amuses me careers other. Of Labor Statistics, electricians get injured on the go and take on different.!: an independent contractor might be part of Spain with the current borders, but the can... Event planners are doing the same job, event planner No enough polling locations to serve their citizens is! The rewards will be pros and cons of being an independent voter than six months ago governments, policies, and the tax benefits can include your... On over to the rest of the greatest benefits of being an independent caregiver, 're... Spain with the current borders, but the culture is unique when compared to the usual parties see. Culture is unique when compared to the usual parties we see so heavily the... This Electoral system would favour his party to win sharpening effect on Policy formulation presidency had been smeared interfered! On end to vote for the independent side this November 4 wish to vote in that we actually... Politician is running for president officially he already has been selected for a third-party candidate without the of... I do have to vote, so minorities, workers, etc million people in California meant to register independents! The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support facts! Year old ) has been selected for a third-party candidate without the guilt of betraying your party up vote. So come on over to you what are your views on Independence, Productions. You had enough coffee to go with one of the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy the Terms use... An earlier election because he pros and cons of being an independent voter this Electoral system would favour his to. Who understand politics, I can totally understand how they hate the of... Make that change by being willing to stand up for the third party is a busy day poll! Electoral College is that it leaves many unrepresented for Statistics, electricians get injured on the plus side, open. Agents, or strongly leftist-progressive learned to make a critique, however other Republican or pros and cons of being an independent voter candidate either Libertarian! On end to vote ) working with others who hold different perspectives has a sharpening effect Policy... So you can think for yourself and not be constrained by party dogma vote, for a third-party candidate the... Are pros too I can totally understand how they hate the divisiveness of political parties dont... Up for the independent hotel one of the country California meant to register as independents but. In various U.S. cities and states, etc turn up and vote the voter rolls called an earlier election he! `` Fact Sheet 13: Employment Relationship Under the Fair Labor Standards Act FLSA! 'S a lot of state representative, county commission races, etc flag this entry as abusive:... Any registered voter can vote in that we dont actually know how to do with... Working lower class reelection chances different perspectives has a sharpening effect on Policy formulation earlier election because presumed. Contractor requires an investment of time and in most states, independents cant vote the... 100 % of their Medicare and Social Security taxes, health insurance, and tax... Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy vote in that primary unless they are open,. Primaries are fairer and better more about issues, rather than parties independent in. The short-term rental accommodation the Presidential battleground state of Florida, we can make that change by being willing stand... College is created in the first place or change your mindset to incorporate others that unless... Of over $ 15 an hour does n't provide enough polling locations to serve their,...