Episode 946: Voters Identifying as ‘Independent’ Reaches Record High Led by Younger Americans, Says New Gallup Poll

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 14, 2026

Voters Identifying as ‘Independent’ Reaches Record High Led by Younger Americans, Says New Gallup Poll
The number of Americans identifying as independents reached a new high, at the expense of both major parties. An updated Gallup tracking poll found 45% of respondents called themselves political independents, led by younger Americans.

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Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

Gallup - New High of 45% in U.S. Identify as Political Independents
Gallup - (2024 -Previous poll results) Independent Party ID Tied for High; Democratic ID at New Low
Pew Research - Party Affiliation Fact Sheet (NPORS)
ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy - (2017) Gamechangers? Independent Voters May Rewrite the Political Playbook
Unite America - Research Brief: Significant Share of Young Voters Are Independents

Groups Taking Action:

Independent Center, Independent Voter Project, Unite America

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State

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#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #IndependentVoters #GallupPoll #Polling #2026Midterms