Resources For Independent Voters
Welcome to the ultimate hub for independent voters.This page brings together the best tools, knowledge, and organizations created to help independents navigate elections, understand their power, and take action. Whether you want to dive deep into the research, find unbiased voting information, or connect with groups fighting for greater voter choice, you’ll find it here.
The Library
Here’s a curated selection of the most important and insightful books on independent voters. These books offer a mix of classic theory, rigorous data, and fresh perspectives perfect for anyone wanting to go deeper into the story of independent voters.
Leading Organizations
Several nonpartisan and cross-partisan organizations are working to amplify the voice of independent voters, push for election reforms (such as open primaries and ranked-choice voting), and reduce partisan gridlock. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
The
Library
The Best Books on Independent Voters
A curated selection of the most important and insightful books on independent voters. Click any title to find it at Barnes & Noble.
The American Voter (1960) · Angus Campbell, Philip Converse, Warren Miller & Donald E. Stokes The foundational study of American voting behavior.
The Myth of the Independent Voter (1992) · Bruce E. Keith et al. The seminal work debunking (or at least complicating) the idea of independents as a massive neutral bloc.
Independent Politics: How American Disdain for Parties Leads to Political Inaction (2016) · Samara Klar & Yanna Krupnikov A groundbreaking look at the psychology behind the independent label and why many "undercover partisans" avoid party identification.
The Independent Voter (2023) · Thom Reilly, Jacqueline Salit & Omar Ali A contemporary examination of the rising power and diversity of independent voters.
The Swing Vote: The Untapped Power of Independents (2011) · Linda Killian An accessible journalistic deep dive into how independents decide elections.
Unstable Majorities: Polarization, Party Sorting, and Political Stalemate (2017) · Morris Fiorina Explores how independents and weak partisans contribute to volatile election outcomes.
Leading
Advocacy
Groups
Organizations Empowering Independents
These groups vary in focus. Some emphasize research and education, others legal reform or candidate support, but they all share a common goal: making the political system more responsive to the growing number of Americans who refuse to be locked into the two major parties.
Independent Voter Project (IVP)
A leading advocate for open primaries and greater voter choice. They authored California's Top-Two Primary system and focus on removing barriers that exclude independents from primary elections.
A philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reforms to create a more representative democracy. They support initiatives that put voters first and help independents have a stronger voice in elections.
Focuses directly on championing independent voters through research, polling, advocacy, and efforts to elect independent candidates. They emphasize that independents' votes should count equally regardless of registration status.
A cross-partisan group working to promote problem-solving and bipartisanship in Congress and across the country. They build coalitions of independents, moderates, and pragmatists tired of extreme partisanship.
Founded by Andrew Yang, this organization (and affiliated state parties) aims to give independents and moderates a political home while advocating for reforms like open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and more competitive elections.
Dedicated to ending closed partisan primaries so that all voters, especially independents, can participate in choosing candidates.
A national organizing network with chapters across the country that connects and empowers self-identified independents.
Voter
Tools
Voting Guides for Independents
Check your state’s rules early, in many states independents can vote in primaries, while in others you must register with a party to participate. Tools like Vote411 make this simple.
(League of Women Voters) Comprehensive voter guide with personalized ballots, polling place locators, candidate information, and state-specific rules.
Easy-to-use tool that shows your full ballot, helps you make a voting plan, and provides nonpartisan details on every race and measure.
Detailed, factual information on candidates' voting records, issue positions, and biographies, from one of the most trusted nonpartisan databases.
Independent Voter Project – State Primary Map & Voter Stats
Interactive map showing primary rules and independent voter registration numbers by state.
Nonpartisan voter guides with clear comparisons of where candidates stand on key issues, created by veteran journalists.
FAQ hub covering how to register as an independent, ballot access, and understanding closed vs. open primaries.