Rise of the Nation of the Independents

        Even though the U.S. needs a two-party system in order to maintain it’s government, polls are showing a significant increase in voters that identify as Independent. With a steady decline in both parties, (Democrats however still maintain a higher party identification than Republicans) it seems that the informed voters of the nation are attempting to make a change in modern U.S. democracy. The unexpected trend is perhaps the most understated issue in the U.S. government.

Coming from the lens of a registered Independent, I can tell you that it’s not about declaring action against the party system, and it’s certainly not about some sort of clear cut divide between conservative and liberal ideals. What’s driving the increase in Independent voters is the general dissatisfaction with the government. In recent years the American public has loss significant faith in all branches of the U.S. government. The rise towards Independent voters is partially meant as a protest against the government, showing that voters won’t immediately throw their support to politicians until there is significant change in our government. Whether it be be through representation or new legislation that would prevent the government from being in such a stand-still on certain issues. Another part of the rise of Independents is a portion of voters genuinely wanting to entertain the ideas and policies of electoral candidates that aren’t associate with the two-parties. 

Some research suggests that Independent voters are very well informed and keep an active eye on the government. And that’s probably what’s scaring politicians the most, a rise in informed voters that are seeking change in government. What’s rather fantastic about the increase in Independents, is that the American public is fundamentally relying on the basis of all democracy. The voice of the public is growing in order to change the government, thus respecting the pillars that democracy is built on. What can be viewed as a protest or a decline of partisan participation, can also be seen as a movement towards a stronger, adaptive, government.

Gallup. “Record High 42% of Americans Identify as Independents” January 8, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2014.

Gallup. “Americans Losing Confidence in All Branches of the U.S. Gov’t” June 30, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2014.

Truthout. “What Do We Know About Independent Voters?” September 25, 2012. Accessed October 23, 2014.