Journal article
Who Are Independents? Are They Moderate in Political Ideology?
American politics research
05/20/2026
DOI: 10.1177/1532673X261450581
Abstract
Political polarization and division between the two major U.S. political parties has sparked a growing interest in independent voters - individuals who prefer not to align with the two major political parties. Independents make up the largest proportion of the U.S. electorate. Despite the growth of independent identifiers, scholars continue to debate whether independents are truly distinct or merely weak partisans, and there has been little prior research on the characteristics of independents and how the public perceives them. This study assesses how independents differ demographically, ideologically, and perceptually from partisans. Evidence from voter file data suggests independents are younger, less educated, and more likely to be moderates. Analysis of a unique 2022 national survey finds independents want a political system that is more inclusive, offers better representation, and allows for increased political flexibility (with less categorization). The results suggest independents seek a greater sense of participation in the political process.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Who Are Independents? Are They Moderate in Political Ideology?
- Creators
- Eveline Dowling - Center for the Study of DemocracyNathan K. Micatka - University of South AlabamaCaroline Tolbert - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- American politics research
- DOI
- 10.1177/1532673X261450581
- ISSN
- 1532-673X
- eISSN
- 1552-3373
- Publisher
- Sage
- Grant note
- National Science Foundation (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100000001)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/20/2026
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Political Science
- Record Identifier
- 9985166966802771
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