In my life thus far, I cannot remember a presidential
election that has been so widely publicized or discussed as the current one.
Every time I turn on the news or check my Twitter feed I come across something crazy
one of the candidates said that day. More and more I find myself shying away
from the extremes that both the Democratic and Republican parties are expressing
as I find it too difficult to align entirely with one side. The political
canvas is changing across the country, and in the Adirondacks, because of the
unusual candidates in this year’s election.
The majority of park inhabitants identify as Republicans
(37.5%). The breakdown below shows how party affiliation differs across
counties. Franklin County is home to the highest percentage of Democratic
enrollments – 38%. Hamilton County is home to the highest percentage of
Republican enrollments – 58% . And Clinton County is home to the highest
percentage of non-majority party enrollments – 33%. The parks voter enrollment
currently favors the Republican party, but three counties lean towards the
Democrats.
More and more voters in the park, however, are identifying outside the
major political parties. According to
North Country Public Radio, more people in the park are “registering with
minority parties, as Independent, or opting out affiliation entirely.” This has
been going on for the last four election cycles. Additionally, Republican
enrollment has decreased 13.7% since 2000. And Democratic enrollments are only
down slightly since 2012. If the current trend continues the majority of the park will no longer identify as Republicans, but as members of minority parties. What will that do to the park itself? Will any of the economic, social, or environmental aspects change drastically? For now, only time may tell.
This is a fascinating post! I wonder if this trend extends beyond just the Adirondacks. If so, what will this mean for the next election?
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