The United States is well-known for its polarized political system. Every year, it feels like the gap between Democrats and Republicans grows. The two major parties may dominate in elections, but they aren’t the only parties you can choose to affiliate yourself with. Many U.S. voters who don’t identify with the two major parties choose to register as an Independent voter. Casting your ballot while unaffiliated with either party has its pros and cons, so before you make the leap this election season, it’s best to be educated about what registering as an Independent entails.
According to a Gallup survey conducted in January 2024, 45% of Americans identify as an independent voter. That’s more than the 25% who identify as Republican, and the 27% who align with the Democratic Party. Independent Voting, a national communications and organizing center for independents, says people often become independents when they grow weary of the two-party system, and no longer identify with the strategies or policies of the dominant parties.
Some states let you officially register as an Independent on your voter registration card, whereas some don’t give you the option to select a party. Regardless, anyone can identify as an independent voter. Here are a few pros and cons of voting as an independent.
THE PROS
- You still get the freedom to vote for whoever you want in general elections.
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You’re not required to state your political party when you register to vote. Even if you do, you have the freedom to vote outside your party affiliation in general elections, such as presidential and congressional elections. For example, if you’re a registered Independent, you can still vote for a Democratic candidate. Many independents lean towards one party and end up voting for a candidate from that party, although they may still not agree with the party in general. This offers independents the opportunity to influence the agendas of the dominant parties.
- You may be encouraged to vote based on candidates’ policies rather than party loyalty.
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Independents are an amorphous group — the common thread between them often being dissatisfaction with both parties. When you’re registered as an Independent, you may be more inclined to research the candidates you vote for rather than choosing a candidate just because they’re a Republican or a Democrat.
- Registering as an Independent can make a political statement.
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Independents are often forced to choose between two parties they don’t agree with if they want to make a difference during elections. Despite this, registering as an Independent can make the statement that you are one of those millions of Americans fed up with the current political system. The percentage of independent Americans has grown in the last 20 years, and more vocal independents could lead to changes in the political system. Politicians may try to appeal to more moderate voters, or new political parties may get introduced.
The CONS
- Some states don’t have Independent parties.
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While you can register as an Independent voter in any state, not all states have a recognized Independent political party you can align with. This means some independent candidates run for office without the backing of a political party, which could make their platform stronger. You can check your state government website to find more information about Independent Party recognition.
- You often can’t vote in closed primary elections.
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Some states have closed primary elections. Political parties use primaries, such as presidential primaries, to choose the candidate who will run on behalf of the party in the general election. If you’re not registered with a party on the ballot, likely Democrat or Republican, you may not get to vote in the primary and have a say over who moves onto the general election. Several states have closed primaries, including Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, and Oregon. The good news for independents is that in some states, the Democratic Party has opened up their primary ballot to independents.
- When voting for independent candidates, you are usually less likely to influence politics.
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Independent candidates don’t tend to get elected when they’re up against two dominant political parties. Even if you do live in a state where an Independent political party backs Independent candidates, these parties often don’t have as much influence as Democratic and Republican parties. Independent candidates may therefore have less resources and public support, meaning they’re less likely to get elected.
Hopefully, these pros and cons helped you evaluate whether registering as an Independent is a good decision for you. Being armed with the facts on voter registration is just as important as researching who you vote for. Now, get out there and cast your ballot!