The time has come for the voices of independent voters to be heard in Pennsylvania! Gallup polls show 45% of Americans identify as independents (regardless of their registered voting status) and clearly outnumber both parties (separately).

Registered voters retain their party affiliation only for primary voting in Pennsylvania. A Republican or Democratic candidate who proposes a centrist platform that is appealing enough to get elected gets pounded into submission by the far left or far right of their own parties. As it is now, a minority far right and minority far left control our country and the majority — centrists — have to sit back and watch.

We can change that! It is time for centrists’/independents’ votes to be recognized and candidates listed on Pennsylvania primary ballots. I am an independent voter who has had enough! It’s time for politicians who can walk the middle of the road with one foot on the center line at all times. Independent voters can help make that happen.

There was a recent push for open primaries in Pennsylvania. It stalled in the state House, which has been the typical end of such motions. It is obvious that both parties are afraid of the independent voter and how they may change the dynamics of future elections.

Contact your state representatives. Start with Republican House leader Jesse Topper (who opposed the House bill) and let them know that you will remember their position on this issue on General Election Day.

R.C. Baer,

Portersville