Independent Voters

Re “Ranks of Independent Voters Rise Sharply,” Nov. 26: It is time that independent voters get a proper classification as part of the electorate. Presently, if voters choose not to affiliate with a party, they must register as a “decline to state.” Yet, an independent voter is not someone who declines to state, he or she simply doesn’t vote by party affiliation but rather expects to be persuaded to the side of political candidates. Such votes need to be formally recognized through a more proper category such as independent (no party) or nonpartisan.

RICHARD BAKER

Beverly Hills