New York barring political parties from using ‘independent’ or ‘independence’ in name to avoid voter confusion

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York is prohibiting political parties from using the words “independence” or “independent” in their names in an effort to avoid voter confusion.

Proponents of the new law argue the ban is necessary to ensure New Yorkers don’t mistakenly register for a party when seeking to remain unaffiliated registered independent voters.

The Independence Party of New York State gained ballot access in 1994 and critics have long argued that thousands of state residents mistakenly signed up with the party when attempting to register as independent, or unaffiliated, voters.