MidHudson News is reporting Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed into law legislation restricting the words “Independence” or “Independent” from ballots statewide in an effort to reduce voter confusion. For more than 30 years, the Independence Party in New York had registered more than 400,000 members. Elected officials believed that many voters registered with the Independence Party thinking they were choosing to be unaffiliated but instead joined the Independence Party. The bill was sponsored by Senator James Skoufis, who said, “A party known for preying on independent-minded New York voters to inflate its rolls should have no place in our democratic system.” In addition, the words “American,” “United States,” “National,” “New York State” and “Empire State" have also been banned from appearing on ballot lines. The Independence Party failed to meet new signature requirements in New York and has not appeared on state ballots since 2020. I.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin’s failed gubernatorial campaign attempted to revive the party line this year, with the assistance of Republicans, but was unsuccessful. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.