“I agree with certain policies from both sides. I’m Independent because I choose based on whose policies I agree with the most.” This is a quote from a 20-something-year-old in a recent study that illustrates a new phenomenon in American politics: younger generations are increasingly rejecting the notion that they have to be either a Democrat or a Republican.
According to recent data from Gallup, 45% of American adults claim to be independents, which is a record high for this metric recorded by this organization. The figures for Generation Z and millennials are even worse: over half of these generations claim to be independents. Only one-third of baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation claim to be independents. The gap between these generations has widened over the past ten years, and younger adults today claim to be independents at a greater rate than younger adults in previous generations.
The motivations behind this movement are complex. Research shows that young independents are more prone than their elderly counterparts to feeling that the political system is corrupt, too tied in with business, and unresponsive to differing perspectives. Many of these young people have never been registered in one of the two major parties. To them, being an independent simply means avoiding what they perceive as a rigid two-party system.
This is a decision that has serious implications. Currently, in 15 states that have closed primaries, about 5 million independents aged 34 and younger are not allowed to vote in congressional primaries. These individuals, in non-competitive congressional districts, lose their voice in choosing their representation when the general election is not competitive. A large majority of these individuals believe that it is a violation of their rights and support changes such as open primaries and independent redistricting commissions.
However, disaffection extends beyond party affiliation. Studies based on the 2024 election cycle indicated that young Americans feel negatively about both of the major parties in general. When asked for a one-word characterization of each, the most popular response for the Democratic Party was “weak,” and for the Republican Party it was “corrupt.” Four out of ten people were willing to provide negative characterizations of each party. Even young Democrats were willing to provide negative descriptions of their own party at a rate of nearly half, with young Republicans tending to be supportive of theirs.
The list of issue priorities also helps to explain why young people have been so averse to party alignment. The economy and employment have been at the top of the list, and other issues, like climate change or abortion rights, transcend party affiliation. In the 2024 election, young people who put the economy first were more likely to support Donald Trump, while those interested in abortion or climate change were much more likely to support Kamala Harris.
Driving these decisions is the perception of turmoil in the country at large. A large number of young Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and many are skeptical about the intentions of people with different political ideologies. Almost half of them avoid political discourse at all. The level of trust in various institutions is mixed: colleges/universities are viewed favorably, but political parties and the mainstream media are viewed as threats rather than strengths. From the perspective of political strategists, the growing number of young independent voters presents both a problem and an opportunity.
There are enough of them to tip an election, and they are plentiful enough in swing states that could tip the balance of the election nationally. However, their distrust of the system makes it more difficult for strategists to mobilize them, especially during odd-numbered years when presidential elections are not held. As one independent voter explained, Every citizen should have the right to vote in all elections, and we need to make it easier to participate.
