To preface number associated does not mean number of members. But this total comes to 55% meaning 45% have opted out in one way or another. As the article says ony these two 'faces' of a philosophically and face it objectively same party given their actions are available. The None Of The Above vote includes those who don't register, those registered who don't vote and a few odd disparate splinters.

So 55% associated?

to win the popular vote and the winner take all take over of your third party or write in vote takes 42.5% plus one vote. No more majorities no more landslides no more mandates except one that says 29% and 26% leaves 45 percent as the majority and they don't like you. No ....we don't.

the article


Number of Americans Associated With Either Party At Near Historic Lows
1, January 12, 2016 jonathanturley Media, Politics

220px-Democratslogo.svg200px-Republicanlogo.svgA new poll shows that the number of citizens who identify with with the Democratic or the Republican parties are at a near all time low. Only 29 percent of respondents in a Gallup survey identify as Democrats (the lowest point in 27 years) Only 26 percent defined themselves as Republicans in 2015. Thus, while the number of Americans in either party has fallen to near all-time lows, there remains virtually no choice other than those selected by the two parties as leaders.

Roughly four in 10 U.S. adults now say they are political independents.

In the meantime, critics within the Democratic party have increasingly accused party leaders like Debbie Wasserman-Schulz of openly rigging the process for Hillary Clinton while critics in the Republican Party say Donald Trump will destroy the GOP.

The result is a growing political crisis of disaffected and alienated voters, which explains the popularity of candidates like Trump. The perception of a duopoly is likely to increase the anger of the near majority in the country rejecting both parties. That can produce a dangerous disassociation of the public from their government.