While Republicans and Democrats dominate today's political arena, Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler recently released a list of the 217 political parties within the state, including several offbeat parties that have residents scratching their heads.
As of this month, 1,407,917 Louisiana residents are registered as Democrats and 773,183 as Republicans. Additionally, 4,813 voters are registered as Libertarian Party members, 1,369 as Green Party members and 1,383 as Reform Party members, according to the secretary of state's website.
But several unconventional parties have made headway.
The Banana Party has a total of 20 members, and the Cajun and Common Sense parties each have two members.
In addition, the state's Jedi Party pulled 12 members as of this month, while the Aerosmith Party comprises three members.
Thorsteinn Gudmundsson, kinesiology sophomore and Icelandic international student, said Iceland has a similar policy allowing residents to form political parties of their choice.
"I think people create these parties because they don't like the traditional, available parties," he said. "I feel like they know they won't win, but it's a way of protesting."
History graduate student Kat Sawyer agreed.
"It's a combination of dissatisfaction and boredom," she said. "A lot of people feel like the current system doesn't work. So, why take it seriously?"
Sawyer also said she is a registered voter but is not affiliated with a specific party.
"I don't think either of the two major parties are functioning correctly, and I'd like to keep my options open," she said.
While many residents are affiliated with the two major parties, some don't completely identify within party lines.
Leah Camarillo, history junior, said she is a registered Democrat but does not consider herself a Democrat.
"I agree with what the Democratic party stands for, but I don't want to limit myself to just one thing," she said.
Camarillo also said some voters may register under obscure parties out of boredom.
"I don't think people really believe in these things," she said about the Jedi and Banana parties. "I think a lot of it is just for the hell of it."
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Contact Kate Mabry at kmabry@lsureveille.com
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