Neither Red Nor Blue: The Influence of Independent Voters in Massachusetts

Abstract

In a time when candidates feel pressure to tout their independent attitude and bipartisan spirit in order to win elections, the growing presence of the independent political mindset among voters cannot be ignored. Massachusetts is a perfect microcosm through which to explore the influence of independent voters. The perception of Massachusetts as a predominantly blue state in which Democratic candidates dominate is misleading. While this is true of the legislature, the electorate of the Bay State is over one-half independent, giving Massachusetts the largest proportion of independent voters in the United States. This piece explores how a predominantly independent constituency elects a predominantly single-party legislature. Using registration and election data as well as first-hand accounts from Massachusetts legislators, this article seeks to uncover how the indpendent voter fits into America's dominant two-party system. In this process, it confronts questions on the merit of the two-party system as well as the identity of the American voter.