The rise of independent or unaffiliated voters in the United States reflects a broader trend of increasing political disengagement from the two major parties.
Featured Photo via U.S. Department of State
By Joshua Peters
According to Gallup, political independents continue to constitute the largest political bloc in the U.S., with an average of 43% of U.S. adults identifying as such in 2023. There are now more independent or unaffiliated voters in America than either of the two major parties.
The rise of independent or unaffiliated voters in the United States reflects a broader trend of increasing political disengagement from the two major parties. Historically, the American political landscape has been dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. However, over the past few decades, there has been a notable shift as more voters identify as independents or choose not to affiliate with any party.
Nationwide, the growth of independent voters began to accelerate in the late 20th century. This shift has been attributed to various factors, including dissatisfaction with the two-party system, a growing belief that neither party adequately represents their views, and a desire for more flexibility in political choices. As a result, the percentage of voters identifying as independents has increased significantly, often surpassing those identifying as either Democrats or Republicans in some polls.
This trend has been further influenced by demographic changes, such as younger generations being more likely to identify as independents. Additionally, the rise of social media and alternative news sources has allowed voters to access a broader range of perspectives, further eroding traditional party loyalties.
In North Carolina, the increase in unaffiliated voters mirrors the national trend but also has unique state-specific dynamics. The state has a history of competitive elections, with power frequently shifting between the Democratic and Republican parties. This competitive political environment has encouraged a segment of the electorate to remain unaffiliated, allowing them to vote in either party's primary (under North Carolina's semi-open primary system) and maintain flexibility in their political choices.
After a rally in Democratic registration from 2008 to 2009 due to the historic rise of President Obama, the number of registered voters began to decline, decreasing by 16% from 2009 to the present. Conversely, Republicans have seen a steady increase in registered voters, with an increase of 13% during the same period. If this trend continues, ceteris paribus, then by 2029 there will be more registered Republicans than Democrats in North Carolina.
In recent years, the number of unaffiliated voters in North Carolina has grown to become a significant portion of the electorate, now constituting the largest bloc of voters in the state. This shift has made unaffiliated voters a crucial swing group in elections, prompting both major parties to carefully consider their strategies before advancing partisan agendas.
However, the current political system is dominated by the two major parties, leading many to express concerns about adequate representation for the more than one-third of North Carolinians who lack a voice within the party structure. For instance, the North Carolina State Board of Elections members, appointed by the two major parties, decide election matters for all voters in the state. Yet, over one-third of these voters have no representation or protection against partisan manipulation that prioritizes party interests over those of the voters. This issue was clearly observed when the Democratic majority on the NCSBE voted to deny the Green Party ballot access, capriciously delayed We The People ballot access, and denied Justice For All ballot access. Consequently, election reforms are necessary to protect the rights of unaffiliated voters to see new political party options that better align with their interests.