SWING THE VOTE
4 Bold Moves for Independent Impact
THE POWER OF INDEPENDENT VOTERS
“Throughout our nation's history, it’s always been a new, independent
coalition that comes together to move our nation forward.”
- John Opdycke, Founder and President of Open Primaries
Image used under license from Shutterstock.com.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
independent voters are rising to heal our fractured nation
The Bridge to a Stronger Future
America is fracturing under partisan extremism. Independent Voters, now the largest voting bloc, are the bridge to a more united future.
From Passive to Purposeful Action
Following the news is essential, but turning complex information into a confident vote and meaningful civic engagement is a separate challenge. At Independent Times, our mission is to provide the resources to bridge this gap.
The Power of the Independent Voice
We amplify the Independent Voice so elected officials see us, hear us, and represent us, and not just party loyalists. We demand that both parties set aside partisan wins and forge bipartisan solutions to our nation’s crises. End the fighting. Stop the name-calling. Restore civil discourse and honest debate so that leaders serve the American people, not their party machines.
Our Promise: Clarity & Tools for Impact
We deliver clarity, not spin. Each season tackles one critical issue in a serial format, distilling exactly how the parties differ so that you can vote and petition with confidence.
Join the Movement
Together, we’ll move from passively following the news to confidently casting your vote. We will amplify the Independent voice, demand accountable leadership, and build a safer, stronger, more perfect union for all.
Democracy is Rare
The United States’ Freedom Status
The United States, which invented modern democracy with its 1776 Declaration of Independence and 1787 Constitution, was long rated "Highly Free" in Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report. Yet its aggregate score has declined steadily over the past decade. By 2015, this erosion had pushed it into the lower end of the "Moderately Free" category. The decline stems from deepening political polarization, partisan interference in elections, disparities in the criminal justice system, and rising economic inequality. To see the nation that pioneered modern democratic governance fall from its historic role is a reminder that defending freedom requires ongoing work from all of us.
HIGHLY FREE
The world's most robust democracies.
38
Countries/Territories
Citizens enjoy the fullest range of political rights and civil liberties, backed by strong institutions, rule of law, and transparent governance.
MODERATELY FREE
Firmly democratic, but with ongoing challenges.
46
Countries/Territories
While meeting basic democratic standards, these countries may face issues like political polarization, corruption, or uneven application of the rule of law.
PARTLY FREE
States with limited respect for freedom.
57
Countries/Territories
Citizens in these states face a mix of restrictive and open practices, with corruption, weak rule of law, and restricted civil liberties.
NOT FREE
Severe deprivation of basic rights.
54
Countries/Territories
Political rights and civil liberties are denied by the state, often involving severe suppression of dissent, media censorship, and lack of democratic processes.
43
Full Democracies
Robust elections, strong civil liberties, and high political participation (score 8.01–10). This total includes classified microstates.
FREEDOM FOR SOME
“The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”
— Nelson Mandela, Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary
and Former President of South Africa
The Global Political Landscape
(193 UN Member States)
54
Flawed Democracies
Fair elections exist, but face significant issues with political culture, governmental efficiency, or erosion of civil liberties (score 6.01–8.00).
36
Hybrid Regimes
These systems mix democratic elements with authoritarian rule, featuring compromised elections, high corruption, and a weak rule of law (score 4.01–6.00).
60
Authoritarian Regimes
Dictatorships where political pluralism is nonexistent, freedoms are suppressed, and the media is strictly state-controlled (score 0–4.00).
45%
Live in a Democracy
The percentage of the world’s population living under either a full or flawed democratic system.
(EIU 2024)
23%
Full Freedom of Speech
The percentage of people who can freely express political opinions, organize protests, and petition the government without fear.
(V-Dem)
8%
Access to Free Press
The percentage of the world’s population living in countries where the media is considered truly free.
(Freedom House)
20%
Reproductive Autonomy
The percentage of women of reproductive age living in countries with broad, secure access to full reproductive freedom and choice.
(UNFPA)
freedom for some
The Guide for Independent Voters
Our guide gives you the foundational steps: secure your registration, master the election calendar, and learn to protect your freedoms to defend the bedrock of our democracy.
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ImageCredit:: Shutterstock.com
02
Upcoming Elections
Ready to make your voice heard? In the U.S., your chance to shape the future comes around often.
Midterms:
Every two years, all 435 House members and about one-third of the Senate are up for election.
Presidential:
Every four years, you choose the President.
Local:
State and local elections (governors, city leaders, etc.) happen every couple of years, too.
Your vote has immense power. Just look at the 2000 presidential election, where only 537 votes in Florida determined the winner between George W. Bush and Al Gore.
In a democracy, one vote isn't just a number; it's a vital thread in the fabric of freedom.
Stay informed, stay registered, and stay ready. Your opportunity to vote is always just around the corner.
Image used under license from Shutterstock.com.
03
Challenges for Independents
The Power and Challenges of Independents:
As America’s largest and fastest-growing voting bloc, independent voters face structural and informational barriers at the polls. Overcoming these ensures your vote reflects your values, free from party influence
The Primary Exclusion Hurdle:
Independent voters are often excluded from choosing candidates in primary elections:
-
In 16 states, closed primaries bar independents from congressional races.
-
In 22 states, closed presidential primaries or caucuses in 2024 excluded over 27 million non-major-party voters.
Navigating Polarized Media:
Without party affiliation, independents face a polarized media landscape that obscures unbiased information. To stay informed:
-
Check media bias with Ad Fontes.
-
Compare headlines across left, center, and right outlets on Ground News.
Beyond Candidate Appeal:
Candidates’ personal stories or promises can mask their likely actions in office, which typically align with their party’s platform. In the 118th Congress (2023), Democrats supported President Biden’s agenda 99% of the time, while Republicans did so only 19%.
Empower your vote with these strategies:
Review Republican and Democratic platforms to predict candidate behavior.
-
Use non-partisan resources like Ballotpedia, Vote411.org, and VoteSmart for factual candidate and policy data.
-
Research non-profits or advocacy groups tied to your top issues (e.g., environment, healthcare, fiscal policy) to see how they rate candidates.
-
Focus on local elections (city council, school boards, judges) and ballot initiatives, where independents’ votes often have a greater impact.
-
Pew Research Center can often provide insights on party platforms and political trends.
-
AllSides offers various analyses on policy issues and party platforms.
Image used under license from Shutterstock.com.
The Guide for Independent Voters
Secure your registration, mark your calendar for your elections, and learn to protect your freedoms to defend the bedrock of our democracy.
01
Register to Vote
Democracy in Action:
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to express your beliefs and hopes for the future. It is your opportunity to shape your community and country.
Power in Action:
Voting is how we hold elected officials accountable and stay engaged in the decisions that shape our future. Participation is power.
Impact on Policy:
Your vote influences local, state, and federal policies, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and social justice. Elections drive real change.
The Struggle:
Generations before us fought tirelessly for the right to vote, from women’s suffrage to the Civil Rights Movement. Voting honors that legacy and protects those hard-earned rights.
Your Vote Matters:
Every vote counts. Just a few ballots can decide elections. Your voice makes a difference.
States Control Voting:
Before you can cast your vote, you must register, and in the U.S., that process depends entirely on where you live. Deadlines, ID requirements, and registration methods vary by state.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
02
Upcoming Elections
Ready to make your voice heard?
In the U.S., your chance to shape the future comes around often.
Midterms:
Every two years, all 435 House members and about one-third of the Senate are up for election.
Presidential:
Every four years, you choose the President.
Local:
State and local elections for governors, and city leaders happen every couple of years.
Your vote has immense power.
Just look at the 2000 presidential election, where only 537 votes in Florida determined the winner between George W. Bush and Al Gore. In a democracy, one vote isn't just a number; it's a vital thread in the fabric of freedom.
Stay informed, stay registered, and stay ready.
Your opportunity to vote is always just around the corner.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
03
Challenges for IndependentS
The Power and The Challenge:
As America’s largest and fastest-growing voting bloc, independent voters face structural and informational barriers at the polls. Overcoming these ensures your vote reflects your values, free from party influence
The Primary Exclusion Hurdle:
Independent voters are often excluded from choosing candidates in primary elections. In 16 states, closed primaries bar independents from congressional races. In 22 states, closed presidential primaries or caucuses in 2024 excluded over 27 million non-major-party voters.
Navigating Polarized Media:
Without party affiliation, independents face a polarized media landscape that obscures unbiased information.
Beyond Candidate Appeal:
Candidates’ personal stories or promises can mask their likely actions in office, which typically align with their party’s platform. In the 118th Congress (2023), Democrats supported President Biden’s agenda 99% of the time, while Republicans did so only 19%.
To stay informed:
-
Check media bias with Ad Fontes.
-
Compare headlines across outlets on Ground News.
Empower your vote with these strategies:
-
Republican and Democratic platforms to predict candidate behavior.
-
Use non-partisan resources like Ballotpedia, Vote411.org, and VoteSmart for factual candidate and policy data.
-
Research non-profits or advocacy groups tied to your top issues to see how they rate candidates.
-
Focus on local elections for city council, school boards, judges, and ballot initiatives, where independents’ votes often have a greater impact.
-
Pew Research Center can often provide insights on party platforms and political trends.
-
AllSides offers various analyses on policy issues and party platforms.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
Our Independent Champions
Celebrate the trailblazers fighting for independent voters' rights.
Open Primaries, Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV), Non-Partisan News, and Electoral Reforms.
Join The Independent Times Community:
News, strategy, and action for the voters who decide elections.
Independent Insights
Host: Lisa Singer
Lisa is the host and producer of Independent Times. Fueled by a lifelong passion for history and politics and an appreciation for America's brilliant but fragile democracy, Lisa brings a crucial non-partisan perspective. Her commitment to analysis began with an information-rich childhood and was cemented by a Political Science degree from Loyola University. She was driven to create the podcast after witnessing both political parties alienate the moderate majority. Drawing on her barrier-breaking success as the founder and director of the nation’s first 100% woman-owned Managed Service Provider (MSP), she recognized the urgent need for a new platform to bring Independent Voters together. Her 27 years in IT, an industry built on logic, identifying flawed systems, and delivering unvarnished facts, became the blueprint for Independent Times. This background ensures a fact-based, systematic approach to reporting that respects the values and power of the nation's largest voting bloc. Inspired by historical figures like FDR and his Fireside Chats, her goal is simple: clarity through informed conversation, bridging divides with honest, balanced, and unbiased reporting.
Co-Host: Leyla Gulen
Leyla is an award-winning journalist with nearly two decades of broadcast news experience in top markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Leyla has worn every hat in the newsroom, including her roles as Host, Executive Producer, and Creator of FOX24 News Now. Her passion for storytelling and journalistic credibility is the foundation of her work. Beyond the news desk, Leyla currently serves as a Public & Congressional Affairs Professional and FEMA reservist. In this capacity, she is experienced in bridging communication between emergency operations, elected officials, and the public during critical moments. This background ensures she always connects the dots, turning complex information into clear, actionable understanding for the audience of Independent Times.
Co-Host: Bryan Galo
Bryan is an Emmy Award-winning news host, producer, and media personality who brings two decades of experience connecting with diverse audiences. After a successful early career as a choreographer and dancer, Bryan transitioned his passion for entertaining to hosting, quickly becoming an awarded personality in the Los Angeles and Pasadena markets. His media career flourished on the local NBC affiliate (KMIR), where he served as a weather forecaster and host of the local lifestyle show Desert Living. He earned his first Emmy and was named the Coachella Valley’s Best News Personality two years in a row. Bryan's natural ability to comfort guests, inform viewers, and connect people to a message is the driving force behind his systematic approach to delivering unbiased news on Independent Times.
