For more than a decade, IVN has been the preeminent open platform for independent-minded readers and authors committed to nuanced, substantive, and civil discourse based on a simple, 4-point etiquette:

• No personal attacks
• No partisan attacks
• Substantiate claims
• No self-promotion

IVN recognizes that being independent means something different to different people. It isn’t an ideology. It doesn’t require people to fall “in the center.” Being independent-minded is a mindset, and these voters can exist across the political spectrum.

Half of US adults identify as independent for a reason. These voters recognize that no party platform represents all or even most of the country -- and that finding solutions requires a more nuanced, voter-centric approach.

This does not mean that half the country doesn’t ascribe to a certain political philosophy. It means that they do not believe in that ideology so fervently that they cannot or refuse to see the merit in opposing views.

This is why IVN has published thousands of articles from independent-minded authors committed to civil discourse, including voters who identify as "conservative," "progressive," "moderate," "socialist," "libertarian," and more.

Independent-minded voters understand there is no such thing as a “perfect philosophy,” and that a political system that incentivizes party or ideological purity diminishes the individual’s capacity for empathy and understanding.

This is a contributing factor to the US’s ongoing political crisis. Those in power want voters to see the "other side" as brainwashed, idiots… or even evil. 

Those who benefit from and operate under the current two-party system try to say independent voters are a myth. They try to say that while half the country identifies as independent, they are really party members "jumping on a trend."

IVN knows better. Independent voters are not only shifting the political landscape in the US, they are becoming the dominant political force. And when asked why they are independent, they don't shy away from an answer.

IVN reader Rick  Dieguez said, "Personally, I believe in Country over Party. I’ve been an Independent Voter since the 70s."

Julie Mitchell:

I don't fit neatly into any political party. There are things I both agree with and disagree with from both main parties. I look at politicians reputations, words, and previous work in office to make voting decisions."

She added, "I'm not loyal to any party or politician. I vote for whoever I think is the best option at the time of voting."

Christy Kittredge Seavey said the answer to why they are independent is easy: "I think every politician should have to earn my vote. Being an independent allows me to be a free thinker and not just strictly go along with the agenda of either party."

IVN's readers also spoke to the ideal that being independent-minded does not mean the absence of an ideology or political leanings:

I cannot go along with any party’s complete platform. I consider myself left of center, but on certain issues I have conservative views. I vote for whoever I think will do the best job at any given time." - Jay M. Orbik

More than 600 comments were left in response to a simple question on Facebook. Not only are they proof that independent voters exist in great numbers, but they cannot be shoved into a "Team Red" or "Team Blue" box."

Check out more responses and leave your own answer here.