Undecided, are they really?

A lifelong student of the electoral process, political science and political history, I find the term “undecided voter” inaccurate, pejorative and restrictive.

“Undecided voter” implies an inability to decide on issues or candidates. Using this term suggests they are incapable of weighing policy initiatives or candidates for political office. This is untrue for most voters.

Used synonymously, “swayable voter” indicates views that are pliable and those easily moved through rhetoric, clouding issues through emotional invocation.

Equally demeaning, “uncommitted” pigeonholes them as being easily moved through rhetorical obfuscation and emotional elicitation.

The disregard politicians and pundits have for these voters who make up as much as one-third of the popular electorate is a disgraceful and loathsome practice.

This “middle third” of voters, better described as “undeclared,” are voters who choose to limit their political expression to the ballot box rather than participation in polling —“political pregaming” — holding sacrosanct their voices and votes.

Shift narrative away from undecided, uncommitted and swayable. Respect individuals and collectives holding them in a meaningful light. Illuminate these voters as vital, electoral participants. Elevate them and their importance in the electoral process.

Let us move away from the archaic embracing a respectful and engaging view of the “middle third.” Stop demeaning, even demonizing, them as political flotsam and jetsam subject to the winds, storms and tides that are driven by the volatility of rhetoric and the masking of oratory obfuscation. Embrace them as vital, informed and engaged members or the political process respecting the sanctity of their voice, acting anonymously as they “pull that lever," making known their vote.

Normalize undeclared and their role in the chaotic drama of political theater. Make this the new “normal” in the political vernacular. Let’s move the needle away from extremist rhetoric towards meaningful and civil engagement.

Mari Rochelle

Albuquerque