What party line do you associate yourself with? Would you categorize yourself as a Democrat or a Republican? If you no longer want to be grouped with either party or you have been leaning more toward the viewpoints of the Tea Party or you are just plain and sick tired of politics as usual, then you may be of the Independent Party.

This will make a significant difference in our upcoming elections and many believe that the Independent Party is on the rise. Here is how to know if you are an independent.

When you think about the upcoming elections will your votes be based on partisanship or on a particular type of ideology? If instead you have decided to place your vote based on each specific candidate and the issues that are at hand then you are an independent.

Many Americans are tired of the party lines. They want their voice to be heard. They don’t want it based on a particular party but on the issues that are at stake for our country. As issues and individual candidates become more important, independents in this country will increase.

You will also know if you are an independent if in every other election you have voted for one particular party but now suddenly you are not so sure about checking the box that indicates one party.

Now you are taking the time to learn about each candidate so that you can make a more informed decision. You aren’t just going along with what everyone else thinks. You are making choices based on your own insight. In other words, you are no longer a “kool-aid drinker”.

For those who aren’t familiar with the phrase, a “kool-aid drinker” is one who believes everything they are told. It doesn’t matter what news source you stick to or which politician you listen to, if you base your beliefs on what others are saying instead of doing your own research and drawing your own conclusions then you are a kool-aid drinker.

As intelligent and informed Americans rise up and begin to do their own research, we will see an increase in the Independent Party. The benefit to this is that it will prevent politicians from hiding behind their party. They will have to take a stand and plead their cause on an individual basis.

The reality is that even if you prefer the ideology of one particular party you should still do your own research into each candidate. Don’t make a blanket decision. Hopefully by getting a better understanding of the Independent Party you will be ready to vote this November using your freedom to not only vote but to vote based on your knowledge. This is really what the Independent Party is all about.