Fact Check: "32% of registered voters in the U.S. are unaffiliated with major parties."
What We Know
The claim that "32% of registered voters in the U.S. are unaffiliated with major parties" suggests a significant portion of the electorate does not align with the traditional Democratic or Republican parties. While various surveys and studies have indicated a growing trend of voters identifying as independent or unaffiliated, the specific figure of 32% requires verification against reliable data sources.
According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, approximately 40% of registered voters identified as independents, which includes those who do not affiliate with either major party. However, the percentage of voters who are officially registered as unaffiliated varies by state and can be lower than the overall independent identification figure. For example, some states allow voters to register as unaffiliated, while others do not have such a category.
Analysis
The claim's accuracy hinges on the definition of "unaffiliated." If "unaffiliated" refers strictly to those who are registered as independents or without party affiliation, the figure of 32% could be plausible in certain contexts, but it is not universally applicable across all states. The National Association of Secretaries of State provides insights into voter registration statistics, indicating that the percentage of unaffiliated voters can differ significantly from state to state.
Moreover, the source of the claim, Jitsi Meet, does not provide any data or context to support the assertion. The lack of a credible source or detailed statistical backing raises concerns about the reliability of the claim. Without specific data from a reputable polling organization or electoral authority, the assertion remains unverified.
Additionally, while the Pew Research Center's findings indicate a trend towards independence in voter identification, the exact percentage of registered voters who are unaffiliated is not consistently reported at 32%. This discrepancy suggests that the claim may be an oversimplification or misrepresentation of broader trends in voter registration.
Conclusion
The claim that "32% of registered voters in the U.S. are unaffiliated with major parties" is currently Unverified. While there is evidence of a growing number of voters identifying as independent, the specific figure lacks credible support and varies based on state registration practices and definitions of affiliation. The absence of a reliable source to substantiate the claim further complicates its verification.
