Fact Check: "There are more registered independent voters in the USA than any other political party."
What We Know
The claim that there are more registered independent voters in the USA than any other political party is misleading. Recent data indicates that while the number of individuals identifying as independents has increased, they do not outnumber registered Democrats or Republicans. According to a Pew Research report, as of 2024, the partisan identification among registered voters is nearly evenly split, with 49% identifying as Democrats or leaning Democratic and 48% identifying as Republicans or leaning Republican. Furthermore, only about 35% of registered voters identify as independents or something else, which includes those who do not declare a party affiliation.
Additionally, a report from USAFacts states that there are approximately 32.1 million voters registered as independents, undeclared, or with no affiliation. In contrast, there are 45.1 million registered Democrats and 36 million registered Republicans. This data clearly shows that independents do not constitute the largest group among registered voters.
Analysis
While it is true that the number of voters identifying as independents has been rising—currently about 49% of Americans identify as unaffiliated with any political party according to a Gallup poll—this figure includes all adults, not just registered voters. The distinction is crucial because registered voters are the ones who can participate in elections, and their affiliations are tracked differently.
The claim also overlooks the fact that many self-identified independents often lean toward one of the two major parties. As noted by political analysts in a Dornsife Dialogue, while independents are growing in number, a significant portion (about 80-85%) of those who identify as independents still tend to vote for either Democrats or Republicans. This suggests that many independents are not truly independent in their voting behavior.
The sources used to assess this claim vary in reliability. Pew Research and USAFacts are reputable organizations known for their data-driven analysis, while the Dornsife Dialogue provides insights from political experts but may reflect subjective interpretations of trends. Overall, the evidence from these sources indicates that the claim is not supported by the actual registration data.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The assertion that there are more registered independent voters in the USA than any other political party is incorrect. Current data shows that registered Democrats and Republicans together account for a larger share of the electorate than independents. While the trend of increasing independent identification is notable, it does not translate into a majority among registered voters.
Sources
- As 2024 elections approach, experts discuss the rising tide of independent voters sweeping the nation
- Party affiliation and ideology of US registered voters | Pew Research
- How many voters have a party affiliation? - USAFacts
- Independent Party ID Tied for High; Democratic ID at New Low
- More Americans Now Identify As 'Independent' Than Democrat Or Republican
- Party Affiliation | Gallup Historical Trends
- Partisan affiliations of registered voters - Ballotpedia
- Research Brief: Growing Cohort of Independent Voters Becomes Critical Segment of Electorate