Independents are among the most distrustful Americans, as new polling shows confidence in government and major institutions hovering near historic lows.
Independent candidates are multiplying, independent voters are organizing, and the two-party system is facing a challenge it thought it had buried decades ago.
A new poll shows 51% of Massachusetts voters support replacing the state's partisan primary system with a nonpartisan open primary where all candidates appear on one ballot, a change that will appear on the November ballot.
Alaska voters will decide whether to repeal their nonpartisan election system, which could allow political parties to shut out 60% of voters registered as independents from participating in primaries.
Maine’s longtime Republican survivor has built her career on independence, local results, and crossover support. In 2026, Trump’s unpopularity, tariffs, and political chaos are making that formula harder to sustain.
Alaska is testing a new election system designed to increase competition and deliver better results for voters. As opponents push for repeal, the state's 2026 races show how ranked-choice voting and open primaries are reshaping elections.
After another setback for open primaries, reformers say the real breakthrough may be the growing civic power of New York City’s 1.2 million independent voters.
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco chairs the California Assembly's Rules Committee, giving her significant power over which bills get hearings, how quickly they move, and whether laws take effect immediately.
Shawn Griffiths
John Opdycke
Matt Shinners
IVN Editorial Board
Jay Field
Election Solutions Bulletin
Carlos De Castro Pretelt
Jeremy Gruber
Cara Brown McCormick
Chad Peace