What Are Independent Voters? How They're Transforming America

A two-party system has long dominated the American political landscape. The only thing that has changed is the names of the two parties in control. However, the rise of Independent voters is reshaping the nation's political discourse, introducing new perspectives and challenging the status quo. 

But what is an Independent voter, and how are they influencing American politics today? Join us as we explore the world of Independents and their growing impact on our democracy.

What Is an Independent Voter?

There are several myths and misunderstandings about what it means to be an Independent voter in America. In the media, Independents are often called “spoilers,” and they’re routinely blamed by leaders in the establishment political parties for their losses or poor showings. 

At its core, an Independent voter is anyone who chooses not to affiliate with the establishment Democratic or Republican parties. That can include people registered with minor parties, like the Green Party or the American Independent Party, as well as the voters who list “No Party Affiliation” (NPA) or “No Party Preference” (NPP) on their voter registration. 

The common thread is that Independent voters prioritize individual candidates and issues over party loyalty, and they long for alternatives to the traditional two-party system.

What Independent Voters Believe

Independent voters are not a monolith. They’re not all moderates, nor are they composed solely of a fringe element in America. 

Rather, they’re a diverse group united mainly by their rejection of rigid party ideologies and business as usual. Some prioritize fiscal conservatism while advocating for progressive social policies. Others align with Libertarian values, environmental concerns, or specific local issues. This flexibility allows Independent voters to focus on realistic solutions rather than partisan politics.

For example, Independents often champion transparency, electoral reform, and the inclusion of Independent politicians in debates and elections. They want more diversity in opinion and representation, and their varied perspectives reflect a growing frustration with the polarization of American politics.

Other Names for Independent Voters

Any news story about the Independent movement is likely populated by terms like “swing voters,” “minor-party candidates,” and “Independents.” Independent voters refer to themselves by many names, depending mainly on personal preference. 

However, the official terminology used in ballots and election materials is largely determined by state laws. Some common terms include:

• No Party Affiliation (NPA): Used in states like Florida to denote voters who decline to register with a political party.

• No Party Preference (NPP): Popular in states like California, where voters can opt for a non-partisan stance.

• Unaffiliated Voters: A catch-all term for those who avoid aligning with major or minor parties.

• Third-Party Voters: Those who support smaller parties like the Green Party or Libertarian Party.

Each term reflects how Independent voters navigate America’s complex political system. 

What Does It Mean to Vote Independent?

Voting as an Independent can take many forms. Some Independents cast their ballots for third-party candidates, while others vote for Democrats or Republicans based on individual merit. This flexibility gives Independent voters significant sway in close elections, as they are often the deciding factor in swing states and competitive districts.

Independent voters also play a critical role in supporting Independent candidates. An Independent in politics is not bound by party platforms, which allows them to prioritize local issues and bipartisan solutions. While it faces many challenges, the rising Independent movement provides new opportunities in public service and candidate support. 

How Many Independent Voters Are There?

Independent voters are the fastest-growing segment of the American electorate. According to the most recent data available, 37% of U.S. voters identify as Independents. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger voters, who are increasingly disillusioned with the two-party system.

Independent Voters and Their Impact on the 2024 Election

The 2024 U.S. presidential election witnessed a remarkable surge in voter turnout, with Independent voters playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. Altogether, 63.68% of eligible voters turned out to the polls — slightly below the voter turnout in 2020 but higher than the numbers for 2016. According to post-election findings published in U.S. News and World Report, 90 million eligible voters chose to stay home on election day. 

According to Edison Research exit polling data, self-identified Independents accounted for a larger share of voters than Democrats. They were tied with Republicans, marking the first time since Edison began exit polling in 2004 that Independents' share of overall turnout has exceeded that of one of the two major U.S. political parties.

This unprecedented participation underscores the growing influence of Independent voters in American politics. Their diverse perspectives and willingness to cross party lines have made them a decisive factor in elections, particularly in swing states. For example, exit polls indicated a significant shift in Georgia, with former President Donald Trump receiving 54% of the Independent vote compared to Vice President Kamala Harris' 43%, marking a notable swing from the 2020 election when Joe Biden won this group by 9 points.

In North Carolina, which showed promise as a swing state, the total number of minor-party and unaffiliated voters was 1,557,991. Compare that to the 1,465,241 registered Democrats and 1,497,729 Republicans who voted in the Tar Heel State. 

The increased turnout among Independents reflects a broader trend of voter engagement and a desire for alternatives to the traditional two-party system. As the fastest-growing segment of the electorate, Independent voters are poised to continue their significant impact on future elections, advocating for policies and candidates that resonate with their diverse values and priorities.

Growing Opportunities for Independent Candidates

The rise of Independent voters has created opportunities for Independent candidates at all levels of government. From local school boards to state legislatures, Independents are making their mark by running effective campaigns and addressing issues overlooked by the major parties.

In the 2024 election cycle, many Independents ran competitive campaigns nationwide. GoodParty.org helped more than 3,000 of these Independent candidates realize their dream of representing their communities. 

This shift is also reflected in changes to voting laws. States like Maine and Alaska have adopted ranked choice voting, which benefits Independent and third-party candidates by reducing the “spoiler” effect. As more voters seek greater choice in representation, the demand for alternative voting systems and Independent politicians grows.

Join the Growing Community of Independent Voters

Becoming an Independent voter is about more than simply rejecting the two-party system. It’s also about embracing a broader vision for American democracy. Whether you’re interested in supporting non-partisan reforms or running for office yourself, there are many ways to get involved.

Why Join the Independent Movement?

Although there are benefits and drawbacks to being an Independent voter, Independents are uniquely positioned to bring about meaningful change. By voting outside the two-party system, you’ll send a clear message that polarization and partisanship are not the only options. 

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer for Independent Campaigns: Many Independent candidates rely on grassroots support. A quick search of GoodParty.org’s candidate hub will help you discover qualified Independent candidates to support in your community. 

• Advocate for Electoral Reform: Support initiatives like open primaries and ranked choice voting to create a fairer political system.

• Stay Informed: Engage with Independent-focused blogs and organizations to keep up with the latest developments.

Joining the Independent voter community is a powerful way to challenge the status quo and help build a more inclusive democracy.

Independent Voters Are Shaping America’s Future

Independent voters are redefining what it means to participate in democracy. They’re paving the way for a more diverse and representative political landscape by prioritizing issues over party allegiance.

As America passes beyond the 2024 elections, Independents will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s policies and priorities. Whether through voting, running for office, or advocating for reform, the impact of Independent voters is undeniable.