Independent Surge in Swing States

image
Published: 10 Jul, 2012
1 min read

Key swing states have seen a surge in independent voters, with Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and North Carolina adding a collective 443,000 independents to their voter demographic. And while the number of voters registering as Republicans steadily increases, Democrats have seen a decline in the number of voters registering with their party.

Why? Voters are frustrated. 

“Independents are really just fed up with both parties. Most elections are about the center and that’s where the swing vote is going to come from.” - Michelle Diggles, senior policy analyst with the Democratic-leaning Third Way research group in Washington. 

When surveyed, independent voters found both the Republican and Democratic Parties as unfavorable. An independent voter from New Hampshire explained,

“I just want to be able to have the freedom to pick the right person to do the right things for the country.”

What's your reason for registering independent?

You Might Also Like

Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read
Utah state capitol.
Utah Judge Delivers a Major Blow to Gerrymandering
A Utah state judge has struck down the congressional map drawn by Republican lawmakers, ruling that it violates the state’s voter-approved ban on partisan gerrymandering and ordering new district lines for the 2026 elections....
11 Nov, 2025
-
2 min read
bucking party on gerrymandering
5 Politicians Bucking Their Party on Gerrymandering
Across the country, both parties are weighing whether to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia are all in various stages of the action. Here are five politicians who have declined to support redistricting efforts promoted by their own parties....
31 Oct, 2025
-
4 min read