As of July 20, 2017, here are the number of registered voters in Arkansas: Republican 83,448; Democratic 79,031; Libertarian 330; Green 39; independent and other 1,559,211. The percentages are: Republican 4.85%; Democratic 4.59%; Libertarian .02%; Green .003%; independent and other 90.54%.
The reason so few voters are registered into a party is that joining a party has no practical or legal effect. People only register into a party on voter registration forms in Arkansas to make a public declaration. The voter registration form has a block marked “Optional”, which asks if people want to list themselves as a party member. Any entries are written in; there are no check boxes.
In November 2016, the percentages were: Republican 4.60%; Democratic 4.57%; Libertarian .02%; no tally was made for Greens; independent and other 90.81%.
Maybe in 40 years the Greens will break triple digits.
Curiously, it is the state constitution that requires the optional party affiliation – but there is no corresponding statutory framework. State law does permit a party to control qualification for nomination. A party could conceivably require affiliation.
So based on the data as of 2017 and 2016, Arkansas is technically largely Independent rather than Republican or Democratic? This is kinda cool
Can and how do I change mine from optional to Democratic?