American Independent Party vs. Decline to State Voter

By Nonie Fickling

In the State of California the classification, American Independent Party, has been confusing voters for decades. Many voters mistakenly register to vote with the American Independent Party assuming that it is the same as being an "Independent" or Decline to State Voter. This mistake has prevented them from receiving the ballot of their choice.

The secondary problem is with the "Decline to State" voter, who was not aware that they could request a Democratic or American Independent ballot and therefore were given a Non-Partisan ballot on Election Day. As a consequence they did not vote for a presidential candidate in the primary. To further the problem, many poll workers were unaware of this option, so they failed to inform the voter as well.

I feel very strongly that before the next election, this problem needs to be addressed. Here are my suggestions:

1. Better education to persons working voter registration and voting polls.
2. Improved clarification of the parties on voter registration applications.
3. Posters to be placed at voter polling places clarifying the difference between American Independent and Decline to State along with clarifying what ballots are available to Decline to State voters.
4. Inspectors at each polling place should have special training in this matter and be instructed to educate the clerks prior to each Election Day.

Lastly, I feel that the party name, American Independent, is in direct violation of the Election Code as stated below:

5001. Whenever a group of electors desires to qualify a new political party meeting the requirements of Section 5100, that group shall form a political body by:
(a) Holding a caucus or convention at which temporary officers shall be elected and a party name designated. The designated name shall not be so similar to the name of an existing party so as to mislead the voters, and shall not conflict with that of any existing party or political body that has previously filed notice pursuant to subdivision (b).