> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://ivn.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 2026 Midterm Election Live Updates for Independent Voters
- URL: https://ivn.us/live-election-2026/
- Published: 2026-11-02T22:38:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-03T00:42:00.000Z
- Description: Live updates on the races and ballot measures that matter to independent voters.
- Author: IVN Editorial Board
- Tags: Midterms, #skip-workflow, #live-updates, #no-republish, #Top-Story

- Election Reforms

Nov 2, 4:37 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 4:37 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/10/S-Chad-Peace_Headshot--1--1-1.png)Chad Peace

More from IVN[AlaskaAlaska Republicans Have a 'Decoy Dan' Problem of Their Own10.29.26](https://ivn.us/alaska-republicans-have-a-decoy-dan-problem-of-their-own/)[MidtermsWhy Trump Hates Alaska: Republican Senator Endorses Democrat for Governor10.28.26](https://ivn.us/why-trump-hates-alaska-republican-senator-endorses-democrat-for-governor/)[All Alaska coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/)

[Alaska](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/) · US Senate

## Trump Casts Doubt on Alaska’s Election Process, but Ranked Choice Blunts the Spoiler Effect

Two days before Election Day, President Donald Trump is [questioning whether Alaska’s Senate result can be trusted](https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/43203?ref=ivn.us). He posted Monday that the second Dan Sullivan on the ballot is “MISSING IN ACTION,” alleged a hidden coaching effort by lawyers, and called for Democrat Mary Peltola to be charged. He has also called ranked-choice voting “crooked as can be,” [FactCheck.org reports](https://www.factcheck.org/2026/10/explaining-the-case-of-the-two-dan-sullivans-on-alaskas-ballot/?ref=ivn.us).

The irony is that ranked choice voting actually limits the impact of spoiler candidates. In a plurality race, a look-alike candidate can split the vote. In Alaska’s ranked-choice general, a voter who ranks the wrong Sullivan first can still rank the incumbent second, and that ballot [still counts](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ranked-choice-ballot-alaska-senate-dan-sullivan/?ref=ivn.us). Election law scholar Nicholas Stephanopoulos told [FactCheck.org](http://factcheck.org/?ref=ivn.us) the scheme is “much less impactful” in Alaska.

A federal judge [dismissed the Justice Department’s suit](https://cbsnews.com/live-updates/2026-elections-monday-november-2?ref=ivn.us) seeking to block certification, ruling DOJ lacked standing. DOJ has appealed.

![Screenshot 2026-11-02 at 4.38.46 PM](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-a3455002-6940-4349-932e-c071fb4b6efc.png)

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-5c73a22c-9ab4-4295-afb6-b4b0f27ac8e9.jpg)](https://dansullivanforalaska.com/?ref=ivn.us "dansullivanforalaska.com")Dan SullivanRepublicanIncumbent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-c08059a9-6e9b-427c-86ef-df3da6dd1be7.jpg)](https://www.sullivanforsenate.com/?ref=ivn.us "sullivanforsenate.com")Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr.Republican
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-27829c5a-3ef0-4f8e-b2af-a6093560b585.jpg)](https://www.marypeltola.com/?ref=ivn.us "marypeltola.com")Mary S. PeltolaDemocrat
- GHGerald L. "Jer" HeikesRepublican
- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-639ebcfd-865a-4a8e-b0a1-e16dafb8b4bd.jpg)Sidney "Sid" HillParty not listed
- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-a785eb08-fe60-4223-8486-e66f1509708c.jpg)Heather McElwainLibertarian
+3 more on the ballot

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Alaska

Nonpartisan top-four · ranked-choice general

The top four from one open primary; voters rank them and the last-place candidate is eliminated until someone has a majority.

All candidates appear on a single ballot. All registered voters can participate. The top four vote-getters advance to the general election, where ranked-choice voting determines the winner.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Alaska on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ak?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Alaskaas of Nov 2026

**583,006** registered · **63.8%** independent

[**583,006** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Alaska%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**63.8%** independentAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Alaska+are+not+registered+with+a+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Alaska+split+by+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- National Independent Voters

Nov 2, 4:16 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 4:16 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/Cara-McCormick-IVN.png)Cara McCormick

More from IVN[MidtermsCorruption Is on the Ballot: Independent Voters Will Decide Who Controls the Senate10.28.26](https://ivn.us/corruption-is-on-the-ballot-independent-voters-will-decide-who-controls-the-senate/)[Independent VotersColorado's Independent Voters Are Outpacing Both Parties in Early Ballots10.28.26](https://ivn.us/colorados-independent-voters-are-outpacing-both-parties-in-early-ballots/)[More on Independent Voters →](https://ivn.us/tag/independent-voters/)

Michigan · US Senate

## Cook Political Report Says Six Senate Races Are Too Close To Call

The Cook Political Report has issued its final US Senate ratings, and six races are still too close to call. With polls set to start closing in less than 24 hours, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Ohio and Texas all remain Toss Ups. Cook also moved Michigan’s open Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers from Toss Up to Lean Democrat, a shift that comes just days after Rep. Haley Stevens crossed party lines to endorse Rogers. Cook uses a seven-point system for ranking elections and has been active for 42 years. The ratings are published for free and according to the Washington Post, Cook is "riding a spike in interest from prediction market bros."

> New [@CookPolitical](https://x.com/CookPolitical?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us): our final Senate ratings are live. We're projecting a Dem gain of 3-6 seats, and [#MISEN](https://x.com/hashtag/MISEN?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us) moves from Toss Up to Lean D. Full analysis by [@JessicaTaylor](https://x.com/JessicaTaylor?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us): [https://t.co/FWYMxXQWl2](https://t.co/FWYMxXQWl2?ref=ivn.us) [pic.twitter.com/wsCVwbMEIY](https://t.co/wsCVwbMEIY?ref=ivn.us)
> 
> — Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) [November 2, 2026](https://x.com/Redistrict/status/2117377803611975728?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us)

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-ec316228-ee42-4b13-9e32-d22601cfb5ce.jpg)](https://www.rogersforsenate.com/?ref=ivn.us "rogersforsenate.com")Mike RogersRepublican
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-74b37d35-3015-41f4-b112-68f174512266.jpg)](https://abdulformichigan.com/?ref=ivn.us "abdulformichigan.com")Abdul El-SayedDemocrat

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Michigan

Open primary

Any voter can vote in any party's primary. No registration required.

Any registered voter can vote in any party's primary, regardless of their own party affiliation or registration status.

On election day, voters choose which party's ballot they want. They don't need to be registered with that party.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Michigan on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/mi?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Michiganas of Nov 2026

**7,995,837** registered · no party registration

[**7,995,837** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Michigan%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=mi&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)

Michigan does not register voters by party. About 17% of its voters show no lean toward either party in the voter file's model.

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=mi&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Michigan%2C+and+how+does+the+model+split+them+by+party%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=mi&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- Election Reforms

Nov 2, 4:03 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 4:03 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/10/S-Chad-Peace_Headshot--1--1-1.png)Chad Peace

More from IVN[AlaskaAlaska Republicans Have a 'Decoy Dan' Problem of Their Own10.29.26](https://ivn.us/alaska-republicans-have-a-decoy-dan-problem-of-their-own/)[MidtermsWhy Trump Hates Alaska: Republican Senator Endorses Democrat for Governor10.28.26](https://ivn.us/why-trump-hates-alaska-republican-senator-endorses-democrat-for-governor/)[All Alaska coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/)

[Alaska](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/) · Ballot Measure 2

## Betting Markets Lean Against Alaska’s Ranked Choice Repeal, but the Money Is Thin

Alaska voters will decide tomorrow whether to keep their election system. Ballot Measure 2 would repeal ranked choice general elections and bring back partisan primaries.

The prediction markets expect the repeal to fail. [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/markets/kxstateballotmeasure/which-state-ballot-measures-will-pass/kxstateballotmeasure-ak?ref=ivn.us) puts the chance it passes between 37 and 43 percent, with Yes contracts trading at 41 cents. [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/alaska-passes-ballot-measure-repealing-ranked-choice-voting?ref=ivn.us) lands in the same place, pricing Yes at 38 to 39 percent.

Those numbers rest on very little money. Fewer than $20,000 has been traded across both platforms, so a handful of traders can move the odds. On the same Kalshi page, a separate measure limiting voting to U.S. citizens trades at 88 percent.

Alaskans should expect a long count. The 2024 repeal attempt failed by [743 votes out of nearly 321,000 cast](https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska%5FBallot%5FMeasure%5F2,%5FRepeal%5FTop-Four%5FRanked-Choice%5FVoting%5FInitiative%5F%282024%29?ref=ivn.us), and the result was not settled until a [recount confirmed it](https://www.ktoo.org/2024/12/10/the-recount-is-over-alaska-will-keep-ranked-choice-voting/?ref=ivn.us).

Alaska’s open, nonpartisan primary gives every voter a say in the first round, including the majority who are not registered with either party. A repeal would hand that first round back to the parties.

Related: **[The REAL Reason Trump Hates Alaska and Dems Are Still Wrong](https://ivn.us/the-real-reason-trump-hates-alaska-and-dems-are-still-wrong/)**

On the ballot · Ballot Measure 2

Repeal the top-four ranked-choice voting (RCV) system that was adopted in 2020

- YesEliminating the top-four primaries and ranked-choice voting general elections in Alaska, establishing a party primary system, and eliminating campaign finance provisions that require persons and entities that contribute more than $2,000 that were themselves derived from donations, contributions, dues, or gifts to disclose the true sources (as defined in law) of the political contributions.
- NoA "no" vote opposes eliminating the campaign finance provisions, top-four primaries, and ranked-choice voting general elections in Alaska, thus keeping top-four primaries, ranked-choice voting general elections, and campaign finance provisions approved by voters in 2020.

Measure data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-measure)

Voting system · Alaska

Ballot measure

Statewide yes/no vote; a simple majority decides.

Measure 2 would repeal the top-four primary and ranked-choice general election adopted in 2020 and return to party primaries.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Alaska on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ak?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Alaskaas of Nov 2026

**583,006** registered · **63.8%** independent

[**583,006** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Alaska%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**63.8%** independentAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Alaska+are+not+registered+with+a+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Alaska+split+by+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- Election Reforms

Nov 2, 3:57 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 3:57 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/dJY12ln-_400x400.jpg)Shawn Griffiths

More from IVN[AlaskaAlaska Republicans Have a 'Decoy Dan' Problem of Their Own10.29.26](https://ivn.us/alaska-republicans-have-a-decoy-dan-problem-of-their-own/)[MidtermsWhy Trump Hates Alaska: Republican Senator Endorses Democrat for Governor10.28.26](https://ivn.us/why-trump-hates-alaska-republican-senator-endorses-democrat-for-governor/)[All Alaska coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/)

[Alaska](https://ivn.us/tag/alaska/) · Ballot Measure 2

## Alaska — A 'Yes' Vote on Ballot Measure 2 Means Giving Up The Right to Vote in Primaries

The "No on 2" campaign in Alaska, which opposes an effort to repeal nonpartisan open primaries, campaign finance disclosure requirements, and ranked choice voting, dropped a social post reminding voters that there is more at stake than RCV in this election.

[Alaska Ballot Measure 2 Could Kill Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting, and Dark Money Rules in One Vote](https://ivn.us/alaska-ballot-measure-2-could-kill-open-primaries-ranked-choice-voting-and-dark-money-rules-in-one-vote/)

Specifically, the campaign focused on the message that if Ballot Measure 2 passes, the political parties will decide what voting rights Alaskans have in a state in which 63% of the electorate is registered independent of a political party.

Under a nonpartisan election model, all voters and candidates participate on a single ballot, regardless of party. However, returning to partisan primaries means it is up to the parties to decide whether independent voters can participate in taxpayer-funded primary elections.

This is the second time Republican insiders have put this repeal effort on the ballot. In 2024, they failed by a razor-thin margin of just [743 votes out of nearly 321,000 cast](https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska%5FBallot%5FMeasure%5F2,%5FRepeal%5FTop-Four%5FRanked-Choice%5FVoting%5FInitiative%5F%282024%29?ref=ivn.us). According to the [most recent poll from Data for Progress](https://www.filesforprogress.org/datasets/2025/3/dfp%5Falaska%5F2025.pdf?ref=ivn.us#page=11), the results are likely to be just as narrow this year.

On the ballot · Ballot Measure 2

Repeal the top-four ranked-choice voting (RCV) system that was adopted in 2020

- YesEliminating the top-four primaries and ranked-choice voting general elections in Alaska, establishing a party primary system, and eliminating campaign finance provisions that require persons and entities that contribute more than $2,000 that were themselves derived from donations, contributions, dues, or gifts to disclose the true sources (as defined in law) of the political contributions.
- NoA "no" vote opposes eliminating the campaign finance provisions, top-four primaries, and ranked-choice voting general elections in Alaska, thus keeping top-four primaries, ranked-choice voting general elections, and campaign finance provisions approved by voters in 2020.

Measure data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-measure)

Voting system · Alaska

Ballot measure

Statewide yes/no vote; a simple majority decides.

Measure 2 would repeal the top-four primary and ranked-choice general election adopted in 2020 and return to party primaries.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Alaska on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ak?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Alaskaas of Nov 2026

**583,006** registered · **63.8%** independent

[**583,006** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Alaska%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**63.8%** independentAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Alaska+are+not+registered+with+a+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Alaska+split+by+party%3F&src=alaska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ak&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- California Independent Voters

Nov 2, 3:54 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 3:54 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/Cara-McCormick-IVN.png)Cara McCormick

More from IVN[CommentaryI Grew Up Around Gangs. California's Top Two Repeal Effort Feels Familiar11.02.26](https://ivn.us/i-grew-up-around-gangs-californias-top-two-repeal-effort-feels-familiar/)[CommentaryOpinion: A Wealth Tax Would Harm California10.30.26](https://ivn.us/opinion-a-wealth-tax-would-harm-california/)[All California coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/california/)

[California](https://ivn.us/tag/california/) · Proposition 40

## California Independents Aren’t Sold on the Billionaire Tax

California’s independent voters are helping to sink Proposition 40, the one-time 5 percent levy on residents worth more than $1 billion. Only about four in ten independents now back the measure in the [Public Policy Institute of California’s latest survey](https://www.ppic.org/publication/ppic-statewide-survey-californians-and-their-government-october-2026/?ref=ivn.us), far behind the more than 60 percent of Democrats who support it, though well ahead of Republicans at roughly two in ten. PPIC survey director Mark Baldassare said the measure is losing ground particularly among independents. Support overall fell from 52 percent in September to 46 percent, with 52 percent now opposed. The poll shows the billionaire tax still draws strong backing from voters under 35 (70 percent), lower-income voters (64 percent), and Latino voters (58 percent), but without independents, it has no path to a majority. PPIC polled 1,086 likely voters Oct. 16 to 22, with a 3.8-point margin of error. According to the [Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/finance/the-four-academics-who-dreamed-up-californias-billionaire-tax-b0d05dcc?ref=ivn.us), four professors wrote the language for Proposition 40\. The group includes three University of California professors, Berkeley economist Emmanuel Saez, Berkeley law professor Brian Galle, and UC Davis law professor Darien Shanske, along with tax scholar David Gamage of the University of Missouri School of Law.

> 🆕 [#PPICsurvey](https://x.com/hashtag/PPICsurvey?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us): How are CA voters feeling about imposing a 5% tax on certain taxpayers with assets over $1 billion? Today, Proposition 40 is supported by 46% of likely voters, while 52% would vote no.  
>  
> 📝 Full report ➡️ [https://t.co/QaHGNARPhA](https://t.co/QaHGNARPhA?ref=ivn.us) [pic.twitter.com/VnxO0jOdGv](https://t.co/VnxO0jOdGv?ref=ivn.us)
> 
> — Public Policy Institute of California (@PPICNotes) [October 28, 2026](https://x.com/PPICNotes/status/2115496337252708769?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=ivn.us)

On the ballot · Proposition 40

Levy a one-time 5% tax on the accumulated wealth of taxpayers and trusts with covered assets valued over $1 billion to fund state health care programs, food assistance programs, and public education

- YesA "yes" vote supports this initiative to levy a one-time 5% tax on the accumulated wealth of taxpayers and trusts with covered assets valued over $1 billion, including shares of capital stock, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, and any legal or equitable interest, to fund state health care programs, food assistance programs, and public education.
- NoA "no" vote opposes this initiative to levy a one-time 5% tax on the accumulated wealth of taxpayers and trusts with covered assets valued over $1 billion, including shares of capital stock, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, and any legal or equitable interest, to fund state health care programs, food assistance programs, and public education.

Measure data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-measure)

Voting system · California

Ballot measure

Statewide yes/no vote; a simple majority decides.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[California on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ca?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Californiaas of Nov 2026

**22.6M** registered · **23%** no party preference

[**22.6M** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+California%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**23%** no party preferenceAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+California+are+No+Party+Preference%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+California+split+by+party%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- Independent Candidates

Nov 2, 3:26 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 3:26 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/05/matt-shinners.png)Matt Shinners

More from IVN[AlaskaAlaska Republicans Have a 'Decoy Dan' Problem of Their Own10.29.26](https://ivn.us/alaska-republicans-have-a-decoy-dan-problem-of-their-own/)[Independent CandidatesThe Working-Class Independent Is Popular in Polls. Winning Takes Two More Things10.29.26](https://ivn.us/the-working-class-independent-is-popular-in-polls-winning-takes-two-more-things/)[More on Independent Candidates →](https://ivn.us/tag/independent-candidates/)

Nebraska · US Senate

## On Election Day, Dan Osborn Is The Independent with the Best Odds of Winning

In Nebraska, independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn faces Sen. Pete Ricketts without another serious contender; the Democratic nominee withdrew in July.

The final polls disagree with each other. [NYT/Siena](https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/ricketts-leads-osborn-6-points-142027682.html?ref=ivn.us) (Oct. 23–29, 809 likely voters) has Ricketts up 49–43\. [YouGov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026%5FUnited%5FStates%5FSenate%5Felection%5Fin%5FNebraska?ref=ivn.us) (Oct. 26–29) has the race tied at 49.

A poll [sponsored by the Nebraska Democratic Party](https://onpointpolitics.substack.com/p/new-nebraska-poll-osborn-and-ricketts) shows Osborn up 1.5 points and winning nonpartisan registrants 73–23\. Almost every poll since September falls within five points.

Ricketts has been making the case that Osborn is a secret Democrat, referring to him as "Democrat Dan."

Osborn has responded by stating that he won’t caucus with either party, while focusing on Ricketts' extreme wealth and close ties to the current administration.

**Why it matters:** This is the independent movement's best chance to take a Senate seat outright, and it’s happening in a state Trump carried by 20 points.

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-15dea329-fabc-4948-af05-e9e1accc0326.jpg)](https://www.osbornforsenate.com/meet-dan?ref=ivn.us "osbornforsenate.com")Dan OsbornIndependent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-b6a8dd33-9340-45e9-91c1-527197c9074f.jpg)](https://www.petericketts.com/?ref=ivn.us "petericketts.com")Pete RickettsRepublicanIncumbent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-1b163d6b-8e93-4daa-b828-0bbac9fa886f.jpg)](https://marvinforsenate.com/?ref=ivn.us "marvinforsenate.com")Mike MarvinUnited States Marijuana Party

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Nebraska

Semi-closed primary

Unaffiliated voters can pick a party ballot. Registered members of other parties can't cross over.

Registered party members vote in their own party's primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose a party primary to participate in, but voters registered with a different party cannot cross over.

If you're registered Democrat, you vote in the Democratic primary. If you're registered Republican, you vote in the Republican primary.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Nebraska on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ne?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Nebraskaas of Nov 2026

**1,209,942** registered · **22.1%** nonpartisan

[**1,209,942** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Nebraska%3F&src=nebraska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ne&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**22.1%** nonpartisanAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Nebraska+are+registered+nonpartisan%3F&src=nebraska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ne&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ne&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Nebraska+split+by+party%3F&src=nebraska-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ne&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- National Independent Voters

Nov 2, 3:12 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 3:12 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/Cara-McCormick-IVN.png)Cara McCormick

More from IVN[CommentaryYou Can't Blame Alaska's 'Decoy Dan' On Ranked Choice Voting10.29.26](https://ivn.us/you-cant-blame-alaskas-decoy-dan-on-ranked-choice-voting/)[MidtermsWhy Trump Hates Alaska: Republican Senator Endorses Democrat for Governor10.28.26](https://ivn.us/why-trump-hates-alaska-republican-senator-endorses-democrat-for-governor/)[More on Ranked Choice Voting →](https://ivn.us/tag/ranked-choice-voting/)

Maine · US Senate

## Are Independent Voters Breaking Up with Susan Collins?

Maine’s 314,986 unenrolled voters, the state’s second-largest bloc, are breaking for Democrat Troy Jackson 53 to 46 percent over Sen. Susan Collins, according to the University of New Hampshire’s final Pine Tree State Poll. About two in three unenrolled voters in Maine disapprove of President Trump. Four in ten independents say their Senate vote in favor of Troy Jackson is specifically meant to oppose the President. Unenrolled voters in Maine had a 77 percent turnout rate in the 2024 general election. Across her career, unaffiliated voters have been an essential core of Collins’ coalition. Affordability is the top issue in the poll at 18 percent, followed by government corruption at 14 percent. Overall, Jackson leads Collins 54 to 45\. UNH surveyed 1,654 likely voters Oct. 27 to 31, with a margin of error of 2.4 points.

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-aae65b6d-fd32-44c3-b662-d281daaba763.jpg)](https://susancollins.com/?ref=ivn.us "susancollins.com")Susan CollinsRepublicanIncumbent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-b2f714d6-c76b-4a83-8036-c2a4e922d8d0.jpg)](https://jacksonformaine.com/?ref=ivn.us "jacksonformaine.com")Troy Dale JacksonDemocrat

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Maine

Semi-open primary · ranked-choice general

Party primaries open to unenrolled voters; in November voters rank the candidates and rounds continue until someone has a majority.

Voters don't have to publicly declare a party affiliation, but they must request a specific party's ballot at the polling place.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Maine on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/me?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Maineas of Nov 2026

**968,224** registered · **32.5%** unenrolled

[**968,224** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Maine%3F&src=maine-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=me&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**32.5%** unenrolledAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Maine+are+unenrolled%3F&src=maine-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=me&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=me&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Maine+split+by+party%3F&src=maine-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=me&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- National Independent Voters

Nov 2, 3:04 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 3:04 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/dJY12ln-_400x400.jpg)Shawn Griffiths

More from IVN[MidtermsCorruption Is on the Ballot: Independent Voters Will Decide Who Controls the Senate10.28.26](https://ivn.us/corruption-is-on-the-ballot-independent-voters-will-decide-who-controls-the-senate/)[Independent VotersColorado's Independent Voters Are Outpacing Both Parties in Early Ballots10.28.26](https://ivn.us/colorados-independent-voters-are-outpacing-both-parties-in-early-ballots/)[More on Independent Voters →](https://ivn.us/tag/independent-voters/)

Kansas · US Senate

## Have Independent Voters Turned Kansas Senate Race Into A Toss Up?

Decision Desk HQ posted its most recent forecast for the Kansas Senate race between Incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton.

Over the last few months, the race has gradually become more competitive and now the forecast shows a 51% probability that Adam Hamilton will win.

So 50/50 either way.

But the real story is that it is independent voters who are making this competitive.

According to [VoterCount.ai](http://votercount.ai/?ref=ivn.us), 45% of the state electorate are Republicans, 25.8% are Democrats, and 28% are independents. In other words, Hamilton needs the independent vote to win.

Does this mean he will? Only time will tell how voters cast their ballots on Tuesday.

> [](https://www.instagram.com/p/DfP4U64FCtx/?ref=ivn.us)

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-8a9bec00-fc1f-4d60-8259-e5b308c0828b.jpg)](https://kansansformarshall.com/?ref=ivn.us "kansansformarshall.com")Roger MarshallRepublicanIncumbent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-384f307b-d307-47c5-b724-39cb82eb2004.jpg)](https://hamiltonforkansas.com/?ref=ivn.us "hamiltonforkansas.com")Adam HamiltonDemocrat
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-d716e2f3-036b-4803-b465-c5ce2d6b78e8.jpg)](https://graham4senate.com/?ref=ivn.us "graham4senate.com")David C. GrahamLibertarian

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Kansas

Closed primary

Only party members can vote. Independents excluded.

Only voters registered with a political party can vote in that party's primary election. Independent and unaffiliated voters are excluded.

Voters must register with a party, often weeks or months before the election, to participate. If you're registered as independent or unaffiliated, you cannot vote in either major party's primary.

Independents **cannot** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Kansas on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ks?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Kansasas of Nov 2026

**1,888,026** registered · **28%** unaffiliated

[**1,888,026** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Kansas%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ks&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**28%** unaffiliatedAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+Kansas+are+unaffiliated%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ks&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ks&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+Kansas+split+by+party%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ks&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- California Independent Voters

Nov 2, 2:59 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 2:59 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/10/S-Chad-Peace_Headshot--1--1-1.png)Chad Peace

More from IVN[CommentaryI Grew Up Around Gangs. California's Top Two Repeal Effort Feels Familiar11.02.26](https://ivn.us/i-grew-up-around-gangs-californias-top-two-repeal-effort-feels-familiar/)[CommentaryOpinion: A Wealth Tax Would Harm California10.30.26](https://ivn.us/opinion-a-wealth-tax-would-harm-california/)[All California coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/california/)

[California](https://ivn.us/tag/california/)

## California - Independent Voters Outpacing Expected Share of Votes

Independent voters are casting ballots earlier in California’s general election than they have in recent elections, and their share of the early vote is above where it ended in the last two statewide elections.

As of the latest L2 voter file, about 5.46 million Californians had returned ballots. That is roughly 24% of the state’s 22.6 million registered voters, according to L2 voter file data.

No Party Preference (NPP) and American Independent Party voters make up 19.4% of ballots returned so far. They ended the June primary at 18.9% of ballots and the 2022 general election at 19.2%. Before Election Day in June, they were only about 15% of ballots returned.

Independent voters have already cast 62.7% of their total June primary vote. That matches Democrats (62.7%) and is ahead of Republicans (57.8%).

The gap in participation rates still exists. So far 16.2% of registered NPP voters have voted, compared with 27.5% of Democrats and 26.9% of Republicans.

Turnout is up across the board. In June, independent voters returned their ballots late, and their share grew as counting went on. If that pattern holds, their final share in November could be higher still.

California has nearly 6.2 million independent voters, more than a quarter of the electorate. How many vote the whole ballot could decide close down-ballot races and statewide measures.

![IVN_ca_independent_turnout_pace](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-a2c85b8f-2d2d-4fa7-b7ee-31b38dd99242.png)

Voting system · California

Nonpartisan top-two

One ballot, all candidates, all voters. Top two advance.

All candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party. All registered voters can participate. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

There is one primary ballot for everyone. Candidates list their party preference, but voters aren't limited by it.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[California on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ca?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Californiaas of Nov 2026

**22.6M** registered · **23%** no party preference

[**22.6M** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+California%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**23%** no party preferenceAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+California+are+No+Party+Preference%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+California+split+by+party%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- Independent Candidates

Nov 2, 2:40 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 2:40 PM PSTRighteous Media

More from IVN[AlaskaAlaska Republicans Have a 'Decoy Dan' Problem of Their Own10.29.26](https://ivn.us/alaska-republicans-have-a-decoy-dan-problem-of-their-own/)[Independent CandidatesThe Working-Class Independent Is Popular in Polls. Winning Takes Two More Things10.29.26](https://ivn.us/the-working-class-independent-is-popular-in-polls-winning-takes-two-more-things/)[More on Independent Candidates →](https://ivn.us/tag/independent-candidates/)

Mississippi · US Senate

## Ty Pinkins on Obama, Clinton, Schumer — and the Democrats who sacrifice Black voters every cycle

One day out from election day, independent U.S. Senate candidate Ty Pinkins joins Paul Rieckhoff from Vicksburg, Mississippi for a no-BS conversation about how the national Democratic Party has used Black voters in the South as sacrificial lambs for forty years, how CNN's election map literally omits his name, and why the only people who've offered him money to drop out are Democrats. Pinkins — a 21-year Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and Georgetown-trained attorney who has worked pro bono in poor Mississippi communities for six years — breaks down the ballot-access double standard, the smear campaign branding him a spoiler, and the bigger 2026 play: six independent veterans running in six states to deny either party a Senate majority and force every bill through the independent middle.

Candidates · US Senate

- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-1bd672a1-259b-49b9-b3a2-760bea9d78cb.jpg)](https://www.typinkins.com/?ref=ivn.us "typinkins.com")Ty PinkinsIndependent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-063d08c6-35f5-499a-8d5a-a0e82081fc7e.jpg)](https://cindyhydesmith.com/?ref=ivn.us "cindyhydesmith.com")Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublicanIncumbent
- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/2026/11/image-dbe15c07-55f3-4b0a-8876-f11cfea83b21.jpg)](https://scottcolom.com/?ref=ivn.us "scottcolom.com")Scott ColomDemocrat

Candidate data: [Vote USA](https://vote-usa.org/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=candidates-card)

Voting system · Mississippi

Open primary

Any voter can vote in any party's primary. No registration required.

Any registered voter can vote in any party's primary, regardless of their own party affiliation or registration status.

On election day, voters choose which party's ballot they want. They don't need to be registered with that party.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[Mississippi on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ms?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Mississippias of Nov 2026

**1,960,689** registered · no party registration

[**1,960,689** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Mississippi%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ms&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)

Mississippi does not register voters by party. About 47% of its voters show no lean toward either party in the voter file's model.

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ms&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+Mississippi%2C+and+how+does+the+model+split+them+by+party%3F&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ms&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)

- National Independent Voters

Nov 2, 2:39 PM PSTNov 2, 2026, 2:39 PM PST![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/dc/be/dcbe1ac4-146f-43be-92a6-ea84728d86a6/content/images/size/w100/2026/02/dJY12ln-_400x400.jpg)Shawn Griffiths

More from IVN[CommentaryI Grew Up Around Gangs. California's Top Two Repeal Effort Feels Familiar11.02.26](https://ivn.us/i-grew-up-around-gangs-californias-top-two-repeal-effort-feels-familiar/)[CommentaryOpinion: A Wealth Tax Would Harm California10.30.26](https://ivn.us/opinion-a-wealth-tax-would-harm-california/)[All California coverage →](https://ivn.us/tag/california/)

[California](https://ivn.us/tag/california/)

## Ballotpedia: 2026 ballot measure fundraising tops $1.2 billion, with California at $798.9 million

There are 164 statewide ballot measures in 2026\. According to Ballotpedia, campaigns for and against them have [raised more than $1.2 billion](https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot%5Fmeasure%5Fcampaign%5Ffinance,%5F2026?ref=ivn.us), which is closing in on the $1.33 billion raised during the entire 2024 presidential election cycle.

But one state is vastly outspending the rest. In fact, it has spent more than all other 49 states combined.

According to Ballotpedia’s data, ballot measure campaigns in the state raised $798.9 million. This accounts for more than two-thirds of the national total.

**[Check out the full story](https://ivn.us/california-is-spending-more-on-ballot-measures-than-the-rest-of-america-combined/)** **.**

[California Is Spending More on Ballot Measures Than the Rest of America CombinedCalifornia is spending more than two-thirds of the $1.2 billion raised nationally for 2026 ballot measure campaigns, with record signature-gathering costs making it increasingly difficult for grassroots reform groups to reach voters.![](https://ivn.outpoststaging.com/content/images/icon/ivn-square-logo-498ef3983230ebb99469aa87884ef5290e0525fa3a8495b47c23706610491b74.png)Independent Voter NewsShawn Griffiths![](https://ivn.outpoststaging.com/content/images/thumbnail/image-82e2476e-3697-43a3-ac0e-275ca4ee1729-933101ad063ef4a90a0de66fb424eab1a002862ee3d9583ec43db98bb37367eb.png)](https://ivn.us/california-is-spending-more-on-ballot-measures-than-the-rest-of-america-combined/)

Voting system · California

Nonpartisan top-two

One ballot, all candidates, all voters. Top two advance.

All candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party. All registered voters can participate. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

There is one primary ballot for everyone. Candidates list their party preference, but voters aren't limited by it.

Independents **can** vote in the primary.

[All primary systems by state →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-data/primary-elections?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-all)[California on IVP →](https://independentvoterproject.org/voter-stats/ca?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fcontent=system-state#primary)

Source: Independent Voter Project

Voters in Californiaas of Nov 2026

**22.6M** registered · **23%** no party preference

[**22.6M** registeredAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+many+registered+voters+are+there+in+California%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-registered)[**23%** no party preferenceAsk Voter Count →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=What+share+of+registered+voters+in+California+are+No+Party+Preference%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-independent)

Powered by[![Voter Count](https://ivn.us/assets/images/votercount/voter-count-lockup-signal.svg)](https://votercount.ai/?utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-logo)[Try it for yourself →](https://votercount.ai/ask?q=How+are+registered+voters+in+California+split+by+party%3F&src=california-party-registration&utm%5Fsource=ivn&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=live-election-2026&utm%5Fterm=ca&utm%5Fcontent=card-cta)