Feature, Feb 20 – In yesterday's Wisconsin primary, nearly 55 percent of voters define themselves as independent, not affiliated with a particular party. Wisconsin mirrors many states this primary season that have a seen a rise in independent voter registration and participation.

Nearly 80 percent of voters identified as Independents in New Hampshire. Although New Hampshire is known for being independent. But even in California, 40 percent voters don't associate with political parties.

But with no independent party candidate currently in the race, these voters must take their pick if they head to the polls.

They often cross party lines and find themselves liking candidates with vastly different ideologies and policy beliefs.

Here are voices of people who voted in Iowa's caucus and New Hampshire's primary.

"You know I'm looking at John McCain very seriously and Senator Obama. They're different as far as experience goes which makes it kind of hard for me. But I think they both have a huge amount of integrity, both very compassionate men, hard workers, and I believe they're genuine human beings and there for the right reasons," says this Iowa Caucus goer.

"I am looking for Obama's change. But still I am looking for someone who is a patriot like McCain, even though he's screwed up a few times. It's a hard nut to figure out. The old experience guy or the young guy with a lot of good ideas. What do we do?" says New Hampshire voter Lawrence Coffin.

Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama are the most popular among independents. But independents are voting in Democratic primaries far more than they are in Republicans.

Obama has made it a point of his campaign to reach out to independent voters, where most candidates often reach out to their base.

KPFK's Sonali Kolhatkar, host of Uprising Radio spoke with Jim Mangia Chair of IndependentVoice.Org, the nation's largest organization of independent voters the independent vote.

"42% of Americans self identify as Independents, so its definitely on the rise... [and] many Democrats and Republicans consider themselves independent minded "