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The Independent Voter Action Plan

Global Indexes Have Downgraded America From A Full Democracy To A Flawed Democracy.

Independent Voters Have The Power To Bring It Back.

OUTGROW THE PAST. BUILD THE FUTURE.

A System Built To Evolve

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"I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions... But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind... as manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

— Thomas Jefferson, Letter (1816)

LESS PARTY, MORE COUNTRY.

What Inspired Us?

Joyful Woman Outdoors
Group Hug Outdoors
Girl Holding Flag

Independents Hold The Keys To Restoring America's
Full Democracy

America's Democracy Status

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In 2016, the Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the United States from a Full Democracy to a Flawed Democracy.

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That decline has continued. The 2024 Democracy Index ranks America 28th globally. Freedom House gave the U.S. its lowest score ever, and the V-Dem Institute’s 2026 report states that America has lost its status as a liberal democracy for the first time in over 50 years. 

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This is one of the fastest declines ever recorded in an established democracy. We now rank closer to Romania, Croatia, and Panama than to Canada or Germany.

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The Drivers of Decay

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Extreme polarization, attacks on election integrity, inequities in the justice system, and the overwhelming influence of special interests have eroded trust and deepened division.

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The Independent Solution

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Independent voters are uniquely positioned to fix this. United in purpose and free from party loyalties, we can demand evidence-based governance that puts results and country over partisan warfare.

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By choosing country over party, we can restore America’s standing as a full democracy, creating a more prosperous, secure nation that reflects the freedoms we’ve fought to protect.

Four Constitutional Amendments

Stronger America — Powered by Independent Voters

Supreme Court Building

We Are Proposing
Four Bold Constitutional Amendments to Strengthen Democracy, Ignite Prosperity, Guarantee Security, and Reunite the Nation

These Four Constitutional Amendments provide a bold, lasting framework that independent voters can champion to rebuild trust, restore fairness, and strengthen democracy, security, and prosperity for generations.

 

If we act together to advance these Four Amendments, America will once again rise to full democracy status, and secure our republic for the next 250 years.

 

Join us to strengthen and restore the promise of our nation.

Four Amendments to strengthen

Voting, Leadership, Economy, Democracy

Man Voting Outdoors

Free and Fair Elections

 

Open, competitive, and accessible for every voter.

Amendment # 1
Voting

Woman Giving Speech

Accountable Government

 

Honest leadership serving citizens, not special interests.

Amendment # 2
Leadership

Paying Customer

Affordability and the American Dream

 

Strengthening financial safeguards for a fair, competitive economy.

Amendment # 3
Economy

Child Holding Sticks

Defend Freedom & Global Stability

 

Protecting our constitutional liberties and support fellow democracies worldwide.

Amendment # 4
Democracy

amendment # 1 VOTING

FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

Open, competitive, & accessible for every voter

THE FAIR ELECTION AMENDMENT

A modern constitutional amendment for the 21st century to secure and expand the freedom to vote, restore fairness in elections, and return power to the people by ending gerrymandering, dark money, and partisan manipulation so every citizen’s voice truly counts.

The Goal

The right to vote is the foundation of every other right. Every citizen has the right to free, fair, and competitive elections where power belongs to the people, not parties or wealthy donors.

The Details

  • Nationwide open primaries and ranked-choice voting

  • Independent redistricting commissions to end gerrymandering

  • Full transparency and bans on dark money in campaigns

  • Secure, accessible elections with strong voter protections

The Outcome

Less influence from lobbyists and wealthy donors → stronger oversight and fairer competition → restored public trust in our democracy.

amendment #2 LEADERSHIP

ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT

Honest leadership serving citizens, not special interests

THE ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP AMENDMENT

A modern constitutional amendment for the 21st century to secure honest and accountable leadership, restore integrity in public office, and return trust in government to the people by ending self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and permanent political careers.

The Goal

Public officials must serve citizens with integrity, free from conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or elite capture.

The Details

  • Term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court

  • Ban on stock trading by members of Congress and their families

  • Strong independent ethics enforcement with real penalties

  • Full enforcement of the Emoluments Clause and blind trusts

The Outcome

Targets the core weakness of a functioning government crippled by perceived corruption/gridlock. 

Amendment # 3 ECONOMY

AFFORDABILITY & THE AMERICAN DREAM

Strengthen financial safeguards for a fair, competitive economy

THE ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND
OPPORTUNITY AMENDMENT

A modern constitutional amendment for the 21st century to secure and expand economic opportunity, restore fairness in the economy and justice system, and return the American Dream to the people by breaking up monopolies, protecting working families, and fixing systemic inequities including criminal justice reform.

The Goal

Every American has the right to economic security, fair competition, and the pursuit of the American Dream without monopolistic barriers or systemic inequality.

The Details

  • Robust antitrust enforcement to break monopolies and price-fixing

  • Protections for Social Security and expanded family supports (housing, childcare, education)

  • Comprehensive criminal justice reform to address mass incarceration and sentencing inequities

  • Safeguards against financial crises and corporate concentration

The Outcome

More homes built → lower housing costs → stronger middle class → the American Dream becomes attainable again.

amendment #4 DEMOCRACY

DEFEND FREEDOM & GLOBAL STABILITY

Protect our constitutional liberties & support all democracies worldwide

The Constitutional Republic Amendment

A modern constitutional amendment for the 21st century to secure and strengthen our constitutional republic and democratic institutions, restore checks and balances against overreach, and return power to the people and their elected representatives while protecting economic liberty and America’s role as defender of global democracy.

The Goal

​To forever enshrine America as a constitutional federal republic, make every part of the Constitution enforceable, restore checks and balances by limiting presidential overreach, protect our free-enterprise system, and reaffirm America’s role as the world’s leading defender of democracy and freedom.

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The Details

  • Permanently enshrine the United States as a Constitutional Federal Republic and Representative Democracy

  • Enforce all constitutional clauses (including Emoluments and 14th Amendment) with clear federal mechanisms

  • Curtail presidential overreach: war powers require Congressional approval, Senate confirmation for Cabinet appointments with 10-year terms, and Senate approval for all pardons

  • Enshrine free-enterprise capitalism and protect against socialism

  • Affirm America’s commitment to defend fellow democracies worldwide

The Outcome

If passed, this amendment will protect our republic from subversion, end unchecked presidential power, safeguard our free-enterprise economy, and reaffirm America as the world’s leading defender of democracy restoring our full democracy status and securing freedom and stability for the next 250 years.

Andrew Yang | TED 2025

Why US Politics Is Broken and How To Fix It

FAQ: Independent Voters Questions & Answers

Welcome to the Independent Times News FAQ! As independents make up a growing share of voters (over 45% in 2026), we're here to answer common questions about your role, voting rights, party systems, and ways to push for fairer elections. 
All info is nonpartisan, sourced from trusted organizations and recent data.

  • An independent voter is someone not affiliated with a major political party (Democrat or Republican), often registering as "unaffiliated," "no party preference," or "independent." Independents prioritize issues over party loyalty, seeking moderation, accountability, and less partisanship. They make up about 45% of U.S. voters in 2026, up from 30% in 2000, driven by frustration with polarization, extremism, and gridlock. Many want to "take partisanship out of politics" by supporting reforms like open primaries and ranked-choice voting.

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    Independent Voters want broader representation, reduced big-money influence, and collaborative governance. As Jackie Salit explained in her 2012 TED Talk, independents signal a desire for nonpartisan solutions to fix a broken system.

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  • Independents aren't a monolith; most (about 80–90%) lean toward one major party when pressed but reject strict labels. In 2025–2026 data, independents break roughly 20% Democratic-leaning, 15% Republican-leaning, and 10% true non-leaners (pure independents). They often split tickets, vote issue-by-issue, and punish extremes. Younger independents (Gen Z/Millennials) show higher rates of independence (50%+).

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  • Independent Voters prioritize practical, non-cultural-war issues: economy/inflation (top concern for ~41%), affordability (housing, family costs), immigration control, restoring competence/merit in government, and reducing polarization/big-money influence. They trust parties variably (e.g., Republicans on economy/immigration, Democrats on healthcare/abortion in some polls) but want bipartisanship and results over party loyalty.

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  • Independent voters can advocate for changes that reduce extreme partisanship and give moderates/third parties a voice. Key actions include: 

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  • Registering is easy and varies by state; most offer online, mail, or in-person options. You must be a U.S. citizen, 18+ (or turning 18 by Election Day), and meet state residency rules. Deadlines are typically 15–30 days before elections (e.g., October 2026 for November generals).

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  • The two major parties dominate U.S. politics, but Independents often feel unrepresented. Here's a neutral overview of their 2024 platforms.

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    • Republican Party (GOP) Platform: Focuses on "America First" with 20 promises like sealing the border, mass deportations, ending inflation, energy dominance, tax cuts for workers (no tax on tips), manufacturing revival, and reducing regulations. Emphasizes national security, school choice, and opposing "woke" policies. 

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    • Democratic Party Platform: Emphasizes "bottom-up, middle-out" growth, lowering costs for families (health care, child care, education), tax fairness (raise on wealthy/corporations), climate action, gun safety, restoring abortion rights, equity in education/wealth, and global alliances. Supports student debt relief, paid leave, and voting access. 

  • Independents are frequently excluded from closed primaries (only party members vote), meaning millions can't help choose major-party nominees. This leads to more extreme candidates advancing, as low-turnout primaries are dominated by the most partisan voters.

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    • Key Facts: In the 2024 presidential primaries, 22 states held closed contests, locking out over 27 million voters not registered with a major party (~23.5 million independents + minor-party voters). Primary turnout averaged around 20% (often under 20% in many states), typically featuring the most ideologically polarized participants, which helps explain how polarized nominees emerge from both parties. 

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    • Why Open Primaries Help: They let independents vote without joining a party, forcing candidates to appeal broadly, reducing extremism, and increasing moderation. In closed systems, independents are "locked out" while turnout stays low, amplifying extremes.

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    Watch for a clear explanation:

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    Other Resources:

  • Ranked-choice voting (RCV), also known as instant-runoff voting, is a simple yet powerful election method that lets voters rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on) instead of picking just one. Here's how it works:

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    • Voters mark their ballot by ranking as many or as few candidates as they want.

    • First, all 1st-choice votes are counted. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win immediately, just like in traditional elections.

    • If no one reaches a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their supporters' ballots are redistributed to the voters' next-ranked choice (2nd preference).

    • This "instant runoff" process repeats, eliminating the lowest vote-getter each round and transferring votes until one candidate has a true majority (over 50%) of the active votes.

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    Key Benefits, Especially for Independent Voters

    • Reduces "spoiler" effects: You can vote sincerely for an independent or third-party candidate as your 1st choice without fear of "wasting" your vote or helping the candidate you like least; your ballot counts for your backup if needed.

    • Encourages civility and broader appeal: Candidates must seek support beyond their base to earn 2nd- or 3rd-choice votes, leading to less negative campaigning and more focus on consensus-building.

    • Boosts independent and third-party voices: By removing the "wasted vote" fear, RCV gives independents/third parties a fairer shot at winning or influencing outcomes, often resulting in more representative winners who reflect a true majority.

    • Forces winners to appeal to at least 51%: Unlike plurality voting (where someone can win with 30–40% in a crowded field), RCV ensures the winner has broad support.

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    Learn More & See It in Action:

  • Proportional representation (PR) allocates legislative seats based on the percentage of votes each party or group receives in multi-member districts, electing 3–10 representatives per district, rather than a single winner in single-member districts. 

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    How It Works:

      • Voters choose parties or candidates.

      • Seats are divided proportionally: 30% of the vote gets roughly 30% of the seats.

      • This contrasts with winner-take-all, where the top vote-getter takes 100% of the representation even with only 40% support, leaving many votes "wasted."
         

    Key Benefits for Independents

      • Gives independents and third parties a realistic path to winning seats.

      • Produces more diverse, representative legislatures that better reflect the full electorate.

      • Reduces polarization by requiring broader coalitions and compromise.

      • PR is standard in most democracies and is proposed in U.S. reforms (e.g., Fair Representation Act) to break two-party dominance.

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    Learn More:

  • True independents (not affiliated with Democrats or Republicans) remain rare in elected office due to the two-party dominance, ballot access barriers, and primary systems that favor party nominees. Most "independents" in office caucus with one major party for committee assignments and leadership. In the U.S. Congress (as of January 2026)

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    • U.S. Senate: 2 independents (both caucus with Democrats):

      • Angus King (I-Maine)  Serving since 2013; focuses on bipartisanship, national security, and rural issues.

      • Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) Serving since 2007; known for progressive policies on healthcare, inequality, and workers' rights.

    • U.S. House of Representatives: 0 true independents currently serving. The House has no independents in the 119th Congress (2025–2027 session), with all 435 seats held by Democrats (213), Republicans (218), and 4 vacancies as of early 2026. Independents face steep challenges in winner-take-all districts.

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    At the State and Local Levels, Independents and minor-party officials are more common here, though still a small fraction of the ~7,300 state legislators and tens of thousands of local offices. Examples include:

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    • State Legislatures: A handful of independents serve in states like Alaska (coalition governments often include independents), Vermont, and Maine (where multi-member districts and ranked-choice voting help). Recent additions include figures like Emily Buss (Forward Party, Utah Senate District 11, 2025) and others in the Northern Mariana Islands or Mississippi.

    • Local Offices: Independents win mayoral or council seats more frequently (e.g., Yemi Mobolade as mayor of Colorado Springs in 2023, or ongoing independent bids in cities like Detroit or smaller towns). Nonpartisan local races often elect independents without party labels.

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    Learn More on Federal Independents:

  • America is unique among major democracies for its two-party dominance at the national level; third parties rarely win due to "winner-take-all" systems and barriers like ballot access. 

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    • Are third-party votes "wasted"? No, they signal demand for alternatives and can influence major parties (e.g., Perot's deficit focus in 1992). But in winner-take-all, they risk "spoiler" effects without ranked-choice voting. 

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    • Major Third Parties in 2026: Libertarian (focus: limited government, individual rights); Green (environment, social justice); Constitution (conservative, constitutionalism); Forward (centrist, anti-polarization); others like Reform or No Labels. 

  • Yes, in 44–48 states (depending on exact definitions), "sore loser" laws prevent candidates who lose a primary from running in the general election as independents, on another party's ticket, or via cross-filing. The goal is to avoid vote-splitting and protect party nominees, but critics argue that they limit voter choice and shield party insiders.

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    • How they work: Most states ban primary losers from appearing on the general ballot under a new label, often through explicit prohibitions or early filing deadlines.

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    • Recent examples:

      • Andrew Cuomo & Eric Adams (2025 NYC mayor race): Cuomo lost the Democratic primary and ran as an independent in the general; Adams switched to independent amid challenges, both of which were possible because New York has no strict sore loser restriction (Adams later withdrew).

      • Greg Lopez (former CO Rep.): Switched from Republican to unaffiliated/independent in late 2025 for a 2026 governor run.

      • Classic blocked case: Don Blankenship (2018 WV Senate): Lost GOP primary, tried Constitution Party but disqualified under WV law.

    • Supporters say they prevent chaos and maintain party integrity.

    • Critics say they suppress competition and options.

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    Learn More:

  • The U.S. Constitution doesn't explicitly grant a universal "right to vote" but outlines election frameworks and prohibits certain restrictions through amendments. States hold primary authority, with federal oversight to ensure fairness.

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    • Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 (Elections Clause): "The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of choosing Senators." 

      • Purpose: Gives states control over federal election logistics (dates, polling sites, procedures), but allows Congress to intervene (e.g., via laws like the Voting Rights Act). 

      • Learn More: Constitution Annotated

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    • Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 (Presidential Elections): "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors..." 

      • Purpose: Creates the Electoral College; states decide how electors are chosen (usually by popular vote). 

      • Learn More: Constitution Annotated

  • The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) doesn't directly address voting, but later amendments prohibit discrimination. Key expansions came post-Civil War and during the Civil Rights era. 

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    • 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibits denying the vote based on race, color, or previous servitude. Enacted after the Civil War to protect African Americans, but enforcement was weak until later laws. 

    • 19th Amendment (1920): Prohibits denying the vote based on sex, securing women's suffrage.

    • 24th Amendment (1964): Bans poll taxes in federal elections. 

    • 26th Amendment (1971): Lowers voting age to 18. 

    • Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA): Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark law enforced the 15th Amendment by outlawing discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes in Southern states. It required "preclearance" for changes in voting rules in areas with discrimination histories and boosted Black voter turnout dramatically. Though weakened by Supreme Court rulings (e.g., 2013 Shelby County v. Holder), it's considered the most effective civil rights legislation. 

  • Supporting: volunteering, donating small amounts, spreading awareness, or endorsing via groups like the Forward Party. Running: Ballot access varies by state. Independents often need petitions (with thousands of signatures and early deadlines), filing fees, or assembly rules. It's challenging due to sore-loser laws and high barriers, but possible (e.g., collect signatures equal to a % of past votes). Start with your state's election office.

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