Story perspectives

Independents Now Largest Bloc, 90% Moderate, Seek Primary Reform

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. scientists Eveline Dowling, Nathan Micatka, and Caroline Tolbert found most independents are moderate and favor compromise.
Independents now form the largest voter bloc, 40% of voters, and are younger (25-39) with lower college-degree rates.
In 2020-22, over 90% of independents were moderate, with a 19,500-person survey finding they are willing to work across party lines.
Independents vote less in national elections, with expanded primary access proposed to raise turnout.

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Story summary

U.S. scientists Eveline Dowling, Nathan Micatka, and Caroline Tolbert found most independents are moderate and favor compromise.
Independents now form the largest voter bloc, 40% of voters, and are younger (25-39) with lower college-degree rates.
In 2020-22, over 90% of independents were moderate, with a 19,500-person survey finding they are willing to work across party lines.
Independents vote less in national elections, with expanded primary access proposed to raise turnout.