Independent voters

Definition

Independent voters are individuals who do not align themselves with any specific political party and often make their voting decisions based on the candidates and issues rather than party affiliation. This group has gained increasing prominence in U.S. elections, particularly during the 1992 election when the presence of independent candidates highlighted their influence on the political landscape and the shifting allegiances of American voters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 1992 election, independent voters accounted for nearly 20% of the total electorate, significantly impacting the election results.
2. Ross Perot's candidacy appealed to many independent voters due to his focus on economic issues and dissatisfaction with traditional party politics.
3. Independent voters tend to be younger and more educated compared to those who strictly identify with the major political parties.
4. The rise of independent voters has been associated with increasing voter discontent with the two-party system and a desire for alternative choices in elections.
5. Polling data from the 1992 election indicated that Perot was able to attract support from both Democrats and Republicans, showcasing the fluidity of independent voter preferences.

Review Questions

• How did independent voters influence the outcome of the 1992 presidential election?
  • Independent voters played a crucial role in the 1992 presidential election by making up a significant portion of the electorate, approximately 20%. Their support for Ross Perot, an independent candidate, demonstrated a shift away from traditional party loyalties. This influence not only affected Perot's strong showing in the election but also altered how both major parties approached campaigning and policy discussions, leading them to pay closer attention to issues that resonated with these voters.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the growing number of independent voters in U.S. elections since 1992.
  • The increase in independent voters since 1992 can be attributed to several factors, including widespread disillusionment with both major political parties and a desire for more diverse political representation. Many voters have become frustrated with partisanship and gridlock, prompting them to seek alternatives that align more closely with their individual beliefs and values. Additionally, demographic shifts, such as changes in education levels and attitudes among younger voters, have contributed to this trend toward independence in political affiliation.
• Synthesize how Ross Perot's campaign strategies appealed to independent voters and what this means for future elections.
  • Ross Perot's campaign strategies, which focused on key issues like fiscal responsibility and government reform, resonated deeply with independent voters seeking change from traditional political norms. His ability to articulate concerns about economic management attracted attention from disaffected supporters of both major parties. This phenomenon suggests that future candidates aiming for success in elections must understand and address the motivations and concerns of independent voters, potentially reshaping campaign strategies to appeal beyond party lines and engage a broader electorate.

Related terms

Ross Perot:

A successful independent candidate in the 1992 presidential election who campaigned on issues like fiscal responsibility and government reform, attracting a significant portion of independent voters.

Third Party: Political parties other than the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) in the United States, which often seek to represent specific interests and can attract independent voters.

Swing Voters: Voters who can be persuaded to vote for candidates from either major party, often reflecting the characteristics of independent voters by not being firmly loyal to one party.