Although I took over a year to register to vote, I knew from the beginning that I was going to register as Independent. After weighing my options, my decision to not commit to a particular party became the only clear choice for me given that I am a young, inexperienced voter.

I have seldom followed politics, primarily because I lack any interest in them. Additionally, I grow weary of candidates who campaign by brutally tearing down their running mates. I have never considered attacking someone who is running against you to be a positive reflection of a leader. Doing so is discouraged from a young age, so I do not understand why people find it any less repugnant when adults do the same. A strong leader should be able to stand on his or her own principles and accomplishments and present ideas without having to reassert any form of dominance. Quite frankly, after seeing clips of the last Presidential Debate when our two candidates constantly spoke over each other, as well as the mediator, I was embarrassed. However, I knew that I needed to start focusing on who our future leader may be, given that I do intend to vote in 2016.

Most people that I know, whether they are family are friends, are certain about who they will and will not vote for and have committed to a particular party. However, I fear that if I commit to one I will become inflexible. Regardless of whether or not my views lean toward a certain side, I think that refusing to look at different perspectives will make me an uninformed voter. I recognize that not all people refuse to look at other parties simply because they are a member of one, but I do know some people who consider their party a binding contract. I do not consider that view to be a healthy mentality because times change and people need to be open to the idea of changing their perspective as societal values develop.

Nonetheless, I do not mean to imply that people cannot know where they stand when following politics. I know plenty of people who lean far left, others who lean far right and those who fall right in the middle. All of them are entitled to be a member of the party that they believe holds the candidate who will best serve our country. Likewise, I have my own right to keep my options open as I learn more about an unfamiliar area of study.