What Is an Independent Candidate in Today’s Politics?

In a political landscape dominated by two major parties, voters often wonder: what is an independent candidate? Independent candidates are increasingly making their mark. They run without the backing of the Democratic or Republican parties and offer voters an alternative to the traditional party system. 

That clarifies a little of what is an independent candidate in politics, but what do independent candidates stand for, and what role do they play in today’s electoral landscape?

What Does “Independent Candidate” Mean in U.S. Politics?

What are independent candidates? In U.S. politics, the term "independent" usually refers to candidates and voters who do not align themselves with any of the established political parties. Independent candidates run for office without the formal support of a political party, while independent voters choose not to register with a specific party. This distinction allows independents the freedom to advocate for policies and positions that may not fit neatly within the platforms of the two major parties.

Independents often appeal to voters who are dissatisfied with the polarization and partisanship that characterize much of American politics. These voters may feel that neither party fully represents their views or that the major parties are more focused on maintaining power than on addressing the needs of the people. 

As a result, independent candidates can attract a diverse coalition of supporters who are looking for fresh perspectives and new solutions to the challenges facing the country.

What Are the Politics of Independent Candidates?

The politics of independent candidates are as varied as the candidates themselves. Because these candidates are not bound by party platforms, independents have the flexibility to craft their own positions on issues like healthcare, education, economic policy, and foreign affairs. This freedom allows independent candidates to tailor their campaigns to the specific concerns of their constituents rather than adhering to a national party agenda.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the question of what an independent candidate is in an election. 

When running for office, independent candidates often emphasize their commitment to representing the interests of their voters rather than the interests of a political party. They may advocate for policies that are popular among their constituents but not necessarily supported by the major parties, the Democrats and Republicans.

This focus on local issues and specific voter concerns can make independent candidates particularly appealing in state and local elections, where the needs of the community often differ significantly from the priorities of the national parties.

The Spectrum of Independent Politics

One of the most interesting aspects of independent politics is the wide range of political ideologies and philosophies that independent candidates can represent. Unlike major party-affiliated candidates, who generally adhere to a specific platform or set of beliefs, independents run the gamut of the political spectrum.

Some independent candidates lean conservative, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberties. They can be completely independent or run with a mission-aligned minor party like the Libertarians. 

Other independent candidates are more progressive, championing issues like social justice, environmental protection, and expanded access to healthcare and education, either independently or as a representative of a movement like the Green Party. 

Still others could take a centrist or moderate approach, working to find common ground between the left and right. Some even start their own political parties, hoping to improve their odds of obtaining ballot access and finance their campaigns. 

The diversity of independent politics reflects the diversity of the American electorate. Voters who are frustrated with the binary choices offered by the two major parties may find that an independent candidate better represents their views. This broad spectrum also means that independent candidates can attract support from a wide range of voters, making them a powerful force in American politics.

How Do Independent Candidates Get on the Ballot?

One of the biggest challenges for independent candidates is getting on the ballot. Unlike Democratic and Republican candidates, who benefit from an established party infrastructure and automatic ballot access in many states, independents have to meet more stringent requirements that erect barriers to diverse and fair representation.

For example, independent candidates typically need to collect a certain number of signatures from registered voters in their district or state to get on the ballot. The exact number varies by state and office, but it is a significant hurdle for candidates without the resources or organizational support that major parties provide. In some cases, independent candidates must also have to pay filing fees or navigate complex paperwork to qualify for ballot access.

Instead of seeking ballot access, some independent candidates choose to run as write-in candidates. This choice comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Together, the obstacles to ballot access can be daunting, but they can also serve as a filter, ensuring that only serious and committed candidates make it onto the ballot. Despite the challenges, many independents can secure a spot through grassroots efforts and community support. The process of gathering signatures can also serve as an early test of a candidate’s appeal and organizational strength, helping them build momentum and connect with voters before the election even begins.

The Challenges of Running as an Independent Candidate

Running as an independent candidate comes with unique challenges beyond just getting on the ballot. Without the backing of a major party, independents often lack access to the extensive resources, funding, and networks that Democratic and Republican candidates enjoy. This can make it more difficult to run a competitive campaign, especially in high-profile races where money and media attention play a significant role.

Independent candidates must also work harder to build name recognition and communicate their message to voters. In a political environment where party labels often guide voters’ decisions, independents must find ways to distinguish themselves and articulate a clear, compelling vision that resonates with a broad audience.

Despite these challenges, independent candidates bring a refreshing perspective to politics. They are often seen as more principled and less beholden to special interests, which can attract voters who are tired of the partisan gridlock and influence of big money in politics. Independent candidates also have the potential to disrupt traditional party dynamics, forcing the major parties to push the Overton Window further in one direction or another and address issues they might otherwise ignore.

The Role of Independent Candidates in Local and State Elections

While independent candidates face significant obstacles in national elections, they can be particularly influential in local and state-level races. In these contests, voters are often more focused on specific concerns that directly affect their communities, and party affiliation may be less of a deciding factor.

Independent candidates in local and state elections can draw on their connections to the community and their understanding of local issues to build strong, grassroots campaigns. They may also find it easier to engage with voters on a personal level, making the case that they are better equipped to represent the interests of their constituents than a candidate from one of the major parties.

In many cases, independent candidates have successfully won elections at the local and state levels, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome the challenges of running without party support. These victories often serve as a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the desire among voters for alternatives to the two-party system.

How GoodParty.org Supports Independent Candidates

For independent candidates, finding support and resources can be a significant challenge. This is where organizations like GoodParty.org come into play. Our movement is dedicated to supporting independent, non-partisan, and third-party candidates who are running outside the traditional two-party system.

We also provide tools, resources, and a platform for independent candidates to connect with voters and build their campaigns. This includes everything from helping candidates navigate the ballot access process to guiding campaign strategy, fundraising, and voter outreach. By offering these resources, GoodParty.org helps level the playing field for independent candidates, giving them a better chance to compete in elections and make their voices heard.

We also advocate for reforms that would make it easier for independents to run for office and win. This includes pushing for changes to ballot access laws, campaign finance reform, and other measures that would reduce the barriers faced by independent candidates. Through our efforts, we’re helping to create a more diverse and representative political system, where voters have more choices and candidates are more accountable to the people they serve.

The Future of Independent Candidates in American Politics

As dissatisfaction with the two-party system continues to grow, independent candidates are likely to play an increasingly important role in American politics. While they face significant challenges, the rise of independent candidates reflects a broader desire among voters for more options and a more responsive government.

In the coming years, we will likely see more independents running for office at all levels of government, offering voters new perspectives and alternative solutions to the issues facing the country. With the support of GoodParty.org and a growing base of voters who are eager for change, independent candidates have the potential to reshape the political landscape and bring fresh ideas to the forefront of American politics.

How You Can Make a Difference as an Independent Candidate

Independent candidates bring a unique and valuable perspective to American politics. By running outside the constraints of the two-party system, they offer voters a chance to break free from the polarization and partisanship that too often dominate elections. While the challenges of running as an independent are significant, the potential rewards — for both the candidates and the voters — are great.

As more voters seek alternatives to the Democratic and Republican parties, independent candidates will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of American democracy. By supporting these candidates and advocating for reforms that level the playing field, we can help ensure that our political system remains open, diverse, and truly representative of the people it serves.

If you're interested in running as an independent candidate, talk to a campaign expert about GoodParty.org’s advanced campaign tools and free support. Our resources are designed to support independent candidates as we build a movement toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.