The Rise of the Independent

According to the Inky, the ranks of Independent voters are growing as the two major parties dwindle. Pundits on both sides of the political spectrum attribute this to dissatisfaction with the major parties, and that's certainly true enough. But I think another reason is voting machines. Not only is it easier to cast a write-in ballot, but it's also easier to physically see the independent candidate on the ballot. In the last election cycle, blogger Michael Molovinsky was able to draw 9% of the votes, although he attributes his success to his good looks.