Voting Independent: The Antidote to Political Apathy

Voter apathy is one of the most persistent threats to American democracy, fueling low turnout, disconnection, and distrust. But there’s a powerful, often-overlooked way to fight back: voting Independent.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what it means to vote Independent, how many Americans already do, and why it matters more than ever. We'll also walk through how voting Independent helps overcome political apathy and what you can do to build a democracy that reflects real people, not just party elites.

What Does It Mean to Vote Independent?

An Independent candidate is someone who runs for office without affiliation to the Democratic or Republican parties. They may run completely unaffiliated or with the backing of a smaller, third-party, or community-focused organization.

They’re your neighbors, teachers, community organizers, and small business owners, people who step up to lead because they care about their communities.

Because they’re not bound by partisan platforms or beholden to special interests, Independent candidates can:

• Prioritize local issues over national talking points

• Build coalitions across ideological lines

• Stay accountable to their voters instead of party bosses

Whether they're running for school board or Congress, Independent campaigns are rooted in people-first values, not party loyalty.

Who Are Independent Voters?

As of 2024, Independent voters outnumbered both registered Democrats and Republicans. According to Gallup, 43% of Americans identify as politically Independent. In the 30 states that allow and report partisan affiliation on voter registration, more than 33 million voters identified themselves as Independent or unaffiliated as of March 2025. 

Based on research from 2024, Independent voters are: 

• Primarily young, with 44% of Independent voters being under 45 years old.

• College educated, as 47% of Independent men and 43% of Independent women have college degrees. 

• Politically moderate, with 54% of Independent voters describing their political leanings as moderate. 

In the 2024 presidential election, 52.4 million self-identified Independents voted. And while many of those voters chose to support Democratic or Republican candidates, Independent candidates are making gains, especially in local politics, with Independent candidates winning races for city council, school board, mayor, and more across the country.

LEARN MORE: Check out 10 debunked myths about Independent voters.

Why Vote Independent? Top 10 Reasons

Here’s what voting Independent can actually accomplish:

#1: Break the Grip of Big Money

SuperPACs spent over $2 billion on the 2024 presidential election, backing major-party candidates and paving the way for their direct corporate influence on policy post-election. On the other hand, Independent candidates often run grassroots campaigns, free from the influence of big money from corporate PACs and billionaire donors. They focus on people, not profits.

#2: Represent Real Communities

Independents live and work in the districts they hope to represent. That makes them more in touch with local needs and more responsive when it counts.

#3: Embrace Diverse Ideologies

From fiscal conservatives to progressive reformers, Independent candidates come from across the political spectrum. That diversity gives voters more meaningful choices.

#4: Fight for Electoral Reform

Many Independents champion ranked choice voting, open primaries, and anti-corruption measures that make democracy more fair and accessible.

LEARN MORE: Explore more about campaign finance reform efforts. 

#5: Bridge the Divide

Independent electeds can serve as pragmatic dealmakers in polarized environments, putting solutions before party loyalty.

#6: Prioritize Long-Term Solutions

Untethered from donor agendas and short-term political cycles, Independents can focus on bold, future-forward policy.

#7: Inspire Voter Participation

Tired of voting for the “lesser of two evils”? Independent candidates can reenergize disillusioned voters and rebuild trust in democracy.

#8: Innovate in Governance

Without party constraints, Independents are free to borrow the best ideas from across the spectrum and build novel policy approaches.

#9: Stay Accountable to Voters

With no party apparatus to shield them, Independent candidates are directly accountable to the people who elected them and no one else.

#10: Promote Healthy Political Competition

Independent runs challenge establishment complacency and elevate the quality of political discourse, especially in local races. In dozens of local races across the country, Independents forced competitive runoffs, flipped seats, or reshaped debate priorities, proving that fresh voices raise the bar for everyone.

LEARN MORE: Millions of Americans are already supporting Independent candidates across the country. See where Independents won in 2024. 

What Is Political Apathy and Why Does It Matter?

In 2024, nearly 90 million eligible voters didn’t cast a ballot in the general election. Local election turnout is even worse, though, with most areas averaging around 15% to 27% turnout and some areas seeing rates consistently below 10%.

Political apathy is the sense that your vote doesn’t matter, or that nothing will change regardless of who’s in power. 

This apathy is reinforced by:

• Policy gridlock

• Misinformation

• Rigged primary systems

• Voter suppression

• A lack of inspiring candidates

It’s not just disinterest. It’s disconnection, and it’s one of the top reasons why tens of millions of Americans don’t vote in local or national elections.

LEARN MORE: Understand the different causes of voter apathy and how we can combat them. 

How to Overcome Apathy and Take Action

To break down voter apathy, we need action. Here’s some ways you can help build a better democracy, starting today:

• Get Informed: Learn about Independent candidates in your area, read up on ballot initiatives, and engage with media that prioritizes civic education over partisanship.

• Know the Process: In many states, Independent candidates won’t appear on primary ballots, especially in closed-primary systems. Check your state’s rules, register as an Independent if needed, and be ready for the general election.

• Participate Year-Round: Voting is just one part of political engagement. Attend town halls, volunteer for Independent campaigns, and talk to friends about the issues you care about.

• Support Election Reform: Advocate for reforms like ranked choice voting and open primaries that give Independent candidates and voters a fair shot.

Voting Independent and supporting Independent candidates is one of the clearest ways to reject broken systems and support leaders who answer to people, not parties.

Voting Independent Is a Vote for the Future

Voting Independent is a proposal for a more functional, more inclusive, more accountable government. If you’re tired of being told to “choose the lesser of two evils,” you’re not alone. 

We don’t have to accept the status quo. 

We can build a better system, one Independent campaign, one local victory, and one vote at a time.

At GoodParty.org, we’re here to make that vote count. We connect voters with verified Independent, non-partisan, and third-party candidates. We provide free and low-cost tools, campaign support, and data-driven strategy to help everyday people run and win on their values, not party lines.

This is about building a democracy that puts people first.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash