The Perils of Partisanship
"The spirit of party dissension perpetrates horrid enormities and leads to despotism, inclining men to seek security in the absolute power of
an individual, ruining public liberty."
- President George Washington, Farewell Address (1796)
Source: GALLUP News, January 12, 2024
From the nation's founding, political factions have shaped American politics. As the Constitution was drafted, figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson debated the role of political parties. Despite their differences, both saw the potential for partisan divisions to influence or destabilize the young republic. These early debates laid the groundwork for the two-party system that has dominated American politics, particularly the Republican-Democratic rivalry that solidified after the Civil War.
A significant shift is now underway. Independent voters, now the largest voting bloc, reject traditional party labels. They prioritize candidates and policies that address their immediate concerns over party loyalty.
Declaration of Independents
“I’ve seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division.
I’ve not only seen it, but at times I’ve been on the receiving end of it.
But more often than not, what I’ve witnessed and experienced are human beings,
both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other,
but who’d still help you in a heartbeat if you were in trouble.”
- Oprah Winfrey
When registering to vote, a growing majority of voters in America are rejecting party labels and embracing no-party affiliation. Research indicates this trend reflects a strong belief and frustration, especially among young voters, with a political system that prioritizes party interests over the common good.
Independent voters want a government focused on what matters, one that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and an end to the endless political drama. They want to elect leaders who will be honest and dedicated to moving this country forward.
While independents view both parties as too extreme, most aren’t looking for a third-party solution. Instead, they choose to cast their vote on issues rather than partisan loyalty, demanding real solutions to the challenges facing America. They draw upon ideas from both sides of the aisle, prioritizing pressing issues facing Americans today, like job availability and affordable housing.
Among registered independents, 66% identify as moderates and align with each political party based on various issues. For example, independents generally trust Democrats on abortion (70%), healthcare (67%), and climate change (64%). They favor Republicans on crime (66%), the economy (62%), gun rights (61%), and immigration (60%).
Although 80% of Americans perceive the country to be divided on most issues, there is a majority agreement on key topics. Americans broadly support democratic values, healthcare, sensible gun control laws, recognize climate change as a human-caused issue, and back women's reproductive rights. Yet, deep divisions persist on cultural issues, including religion and gender identity.
In this era of heightened polarization, insights from independent voters could play a vital role in reshaping party strategies and restoring trust in the electoral process. It's time to examine the root cause of this dissatisfaction and build a political system that truly serves all of We The People.
Independents Favor Both Major Parties on Key Issues
Source: Change Research 2024
Partisanship Silences Independents
“There’s one thing that is guaranteed to increase your feelings of control over your life: a bias toward action.”
- Mel Robbins, Author of The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life
Americans are more skeptical of politics than ever before. Trust in the government has plummeted from 77% in 1964 to just 22% today, a sentiment especially strong among independents.
77% of independents feel angry about the direction of the country, and 70% believe that both the Republican and Democratic parties are too extreme. Overall, 86% of Americans think the parties spend more time fighting with each other than solving the nation’s problems.
Despite these reservations and voting obstacles, independent voters showed up in record numbers, with 11 million more casting ballots in the 2024 election than they did in 2020. In fact, more Independents (34%) voted in 2024, matching Republican turnout (34%) and edging out Democrats (32%).
Given that political behavior is often seen as predictable, can candidates rely on past voting behavior to predict where independents will swing?
Unlikely, according to Thom Reilly, author of The Independent Voter, “Independents favored Barack Obama in 2008 by 8 percentage points, then swung for Mitt Romney in 2012 by 5 percentage points, then Trump in 2016 by 4 percentage points. In 2020, independents supported Biden by 13 percentage points and then Harris by 3 percentage points in 2024, representing a 10-percentage-point loss of support for the Democratic candidate.”
Ultimately, the only predictable thing about independents so far is their unpredictability.
The Independent Forecast
“You want to be the pebble in the pond that
creates the ripple for change.”
- Tim Cook, CEO Apple Computer Inc.
While there is no definitive consensus on the number of independents, evidence suggests their numbers are steadily increasing. Much of what we know about voter registration comes from polling data, since not all states require voters to declare a party affiliation. In some states, registration as "unaffiliated" or "independent” is not permitted.
Out of 186.5 million registered voters in the U.S., 27% are registered Republicans, and 27% are registered Democrats. 43% identify as independents, which is an increase from 33% in 1988 when Gallup Polls first started collecting this data.
Among independent voters, 45% lean toward the Republican Party while 43% lean toward the Democratic Party, a nearly even split that can significantly influence election outcomes. For instance, Donald Trump won the 2024 popular vote by just 1.5%.
In 2023, Gallup Polls asked survey participants to identify their political views on a liberal-to-conservative scale. 36% of U.S.
adults considered themselves conservative (the same percentage as in 1992), while 36% identified as moderate (down from 43% in 1992). Additionally, 25% described themselves as liberal (up from 17%) in 1992, the first year this question was introduced.
Independents tend to be younger, comprising 52% of millennials and 52% of Gen Z, compared to only 33% of boomers and 27% of the Silent Generation (born from 1928 through 1945).
Sadly, only one in three independents believes their vote will make a difference. This highlights the need for greater engagement and recognition of their importance in the electoral landscape.
Independents View Both Parties As Too Extreme
Source: Change Research 2024
A Wake-Up Call for the Parties
“A leader must be inspired by people before a leader can inspire people.”
- Simon Sinek, Author of Start with Why
Candidates can no longer afford to overlook independent voters' growing influence. According to Axios research, “Every election since 2004, except 2012, has seen the White House, Senate, or House flip control. Antsy, unsatisfied independent voters are the reason.”
Since independent voters comprise the largest group in the electorate, they hold the power to shape the nation’s future, especially in close elections where less than three percentage points can often win each of the seven battleground “swing” states.
Independent voters often engage with news only as Election Day nears, limiting their exposure to sustained political messaging and nuanced policy discussions. This makes them more receptive to candidates’ immediate appeals and the prevailing sentiments around urgent issues in the final weeks before an election. As a result, their voting behavior often defies consistent party alignment, leading to unpredictable swings based on the current political climate.
To engage this influential bloc, campaigns must connect with independent voters earlier and provide ongoing, meaningful content tailored to their concerns, rather than relying on last-minute appeals. Viewing independents as a dynamic force, not a statistical outlier, is crucial for shaping electoral outcomes and public policy.
Given their growing influence, more research is needed to develop strategies that consistently engage independent voters, ensuring they are better informed and represented in the voting booth and beyond.
Plurality of Independents Continue to Identify as Moderate
Source: GALLUP, January 16, 2025
Independent Voters Are Speaking:
Who Is Listening?
“The great body of the people of this country do not belong to either of the two great parties, and their interests are not served by the politicians who cling to party machinery.”
— Theodore Roosevelt, 1912
The era of party dominance is waning, and the rise of independent voters marks a seismic shift in American politics, a wake-up call for candidates and parties to adapt or risk irrelevance.
As Simon Sinek said, “A leader must be inspired by people before a leader can inspire people.” Today, independent voters lead the charge. They are the swing voters, the dealmakers, and the key to our elections’ future.
But they need more than last-minute soundbites. Independent voters crave nuanced discussions and clear information to understand complex issues, not just fleeting sentiments.
That’s why we created Independent Times. We’re not just reporting on this shift, we’re living it. Our mission is to illuminate the political landscape through the lens of independent voters, delivering insights and analysis that cut through partisan spin to empower informed choices.
The truth is clear: independent voters hold the power to shape the nation’s future. By equipping them with knowledge, we strengthen democracy itself.
Reviving The Fireside Chat
“It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt, Fireside Chat, March 12, 1933
Once, families gathered around the radio for FDR’s fireside chats, sparking thoughtful debates about the day’s issues.
In today’s 24/7 news cycle and polarized social media, such meaningful conversations are more crucial than ever.
What if we revived that tradition with Independent Times, a podcast free of partisan spin, delivering honest discussions on issues independent voters care about?
Understanding the news shouldn’t overwhelm or divide; it should inspire. By diving into the stories behind the headlines, we cut through the noise to focus on what matters to you, your community, and our nation’s future.
Join us to spark open conversations, bridge divides, and empower independent voters, one episode at a time.
Images Courtesy of the FDR Presidential Library
Let’s Each Make an Impact
“The denial of this sacred right is a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition. … Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Every voice matters, and The News Together is here to amplify yours. Democracy thrives when we all participate, so we bring together diverse voices, historians, local leaders, and everyday Americans to tackle today’s issues.
Staying informed is just the start. Each episode equips you to cut through misinformation, connect with elected officials, and act in your community.
Independent voters face unique challenges: partisan gridlock and media noise often leave them sidelined and frustrated.
Our mission is to provide the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage, vote, and make your voice count. Your country needs you now more than ever.
I’m Just an Independent,
What Can I Do?
Independent voters are now 43% of America’s electorate and hold the key to healing our nation’s political divide.
Free from partisan loyalty, you can champion reforms that break the gridlock, reward compromise, and amplify the voices of the majority over the extremes.
Here are seven practical steps you can take to reshape democracy, backed by proven successes and ready for your support.
1. Advocate for Open or Nonpartisan Primaries
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Open primaries let all voters, including independents, choose primary candidates, forcing politicians to appeal beyond party bases. This reduces extreme nominees and fosters moderation.
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Learn More: Unite America - Open Primaries
2. Support Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV)
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RCV lets you rank candidates, ensuring winners have broad support and eliminating "spoiler" fears. It encourages civility and empowers independent voices.
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Learn More: FairVote - Ranked Choice Voting
3. Push for Independent Redistricting Commissions
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Replace partisan gerrymandering with citizen-led commissions to draw fair voting maps. Fair districts increase competition, electing more moderates and independents.
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Learn More: Brennan Center - Redistricting
4. Campaign for Proportional Representation
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PR allocates seats based on vote share in larger districts, giving independents and third parties a fair shot. It promotes diverse, collaborative legislatures.
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Learn More: FairVote - Proportional Representation
5. Demand Public Campaign Financing
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Public funding or vouchers amplify small donations, reducing big-money influence and polarizing ads. This levels the field for independent candidates.
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Learn More: RepresentUs - Campaign Finance Reform
6. Promote Automatic Voter Registration
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AVR registers voters automatically at DMVs, boosting turnout among moderates and independents. Easier voting (mail, early) dilutes extremist influence.
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Learn More: Center for American Progress - Who Votes With Automatic Voter Registration?
7. Encourage Bipartisan Candidates
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Elect independents or cross-party candidates to broker deals in tight legislatures; join community dialogues to reduce prejudice.
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Learn More: Forward Party - Endorsements
Americans’ Dismal Views of the Nation’s Politics
