Did you always have your current politics?

I have always been registered independent. I would say that I was pretty much dead center overall out of high school, but for some reason Republican candidates appealed more to me personally so they got my votes. Then as I grew older and paid more attention to the real world, I realized that on many social issues the GOP platform didn't agree with the reality I saw. One example is that I grew up thinking that women who sought abortions were mostly teenagers and early 20s who weren't careful, so I was okay with some pro-life ideas. I later learned this is not true, and that the young "oops" women made up a small minority of those seeking abortion, my views changed. Same goes with gay marriage. Once I actually came out of my childhood bubble and met people in those situations, I became much more socially liberal. From an economic standpoint, I still lean right, but am willing to consider other viewpoints. I now understand that there are good reasons for some government control over industry.

The one thing I cannot buy into are conspiracy theories, and platforms that aren't based on any logical reality, or a progression of facts. There are a few GOP candidates on my ballot whom I think would be ok, but because of their belief in the 2020 election lie, it tells me they are mentally incapable of governing in a free society. As a result, the past 3 elections I have voted almost exclusively democrat, and the way things are going I doubt I will be voting for any Republican in the foreseeable future.