The nation's two predominate political parties are losing the contest to register voters on the Treasure Coast.

The winners is the 'no party affiliation' box on registration forms, as well as minor parties. Known generally as 'independents' — though not to be confused with the actual Independent Party — these voters now represent 26 percent of the three-county electorate, up from 23.6 percent in 2012.

That means fewer people can vote in most Aug. 30 primaries, which are closed to non-party voters unless there are no candidates from other parties running.

'That happens because people are unhappy with their particular party,' said Celeste Bush, chair of the St. Lucie County Democratic Party. 'We're trying to get people involved in politics and pay attention.'

Scroll down to see how party affiliation has changed in all three Treasure Coast counties.


Democrats lost the most: They represent 1.7 percent less of the electorate now. The GOP lost 0.7 percent.

Republicans in all three counties registered at a faster rate than Democrats, reflecting a trend across Florida, where GOP voters are growing while Democrats' numbers are shrinking. Although Democrats still are the majority in the state, their 259,321 lead over the GOP is the smallest it's ever been, said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida.

Why the GOP registration uptick? Many voters might have registered or switched from being independents so they could vote for Donald Trump in the March presidential primary, MacManus said.

County Republican Party officials across the state have done a better job than Democrats at registering people, she added. Democrats normally start their voter registration efforts later mainly by targeting college campuses and young voters. That means more Democrats will register before the Nov. 8 general election. The Democratic National Committee opened a campaign office in Port St. Lucie in July.

In Martin County, where commission races typically are decided in the GOP primary, many voters register as Republicans so they can have a say, said elections supervisor Vicki Davis. The same happens with commission elections in Indian River County. Both counties are predominantly Republican.

'We always have voters make that change so they can vote in races they are passionate about,' Davis said.

Read or Share this story: