What is an ‘independent’ candidate this election?

Secrecy folders for ballots and “I Voted” stickers at a polling place in the State Office Building for early and absentee voting, Aug. 15, 2016. (Photo by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)
If you’ve felt like there are a lot more candidates in this year’s state elections running as independents, you are not alone.
Races up and down the ticket in Alaska have candidates dropping party affiliations all together. And, of course, Gov. Bill Walker ran and won as an independent after drop