70.3%

Our latest biweekly National Independent Candidate Awareness poll was just released. Two weeks ago we launched the initial poll, the 1st of its kind in the US.

The BIG news? Republican openness to a strong independent candidate jumped from 62.7% to 70.3% — a +7.6-point move, the largest change anywhere in the survey. Now 70%+ of all voters, whether they are Democrat, independent or Republican, are open to an independent candidates. More insights here on the latest poll findings.

The two-party grip is loosening in several state races. Here are the stories this week featuring independent candidates making real moves on the ballot.

1- My party is Montana | Seth Bodnar

Billings Gazette · July 12, 2026 

As an independent candidate for the United States Senate, I’m not running against Montana Democrats or Montana Republicans. I’m running against a dysfunctional, corrupt national political system that has left Montanans — of both parties — behind.

2- Independents Surge: Maps Show Where Candidates Are Rejecting Both Parties

Newsweek · July 12, 2026 

A growing number of candidates are seeking federal office without the backing of either major party, as more Americans identify as political independents heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

3 - Ballad turns in 74,000 signatures in independent secretary of state bid

WISH-TV · June 30, 2026 

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard submitted roughly 74,000 signatures — about double the ~37,000 required — to qualify as an independent candidate for Indiana Secretary of State under his newly formed Lincoln Party. County clerks must still verify the signatures. If Ballard wins at least 2% of the vote in November, the Lincoln Party would gain automatic ballot access in future elections.

4 - New Hampshire independent Senate candidate Aaron Day turns to federal court after Ballot Law Commission vote

Independent Political Report · July 3, 2026 (primary coverage: NHPR)

New Hampshire's Ballot Law Commission voted 4-1 to uphold the Secretary of State's decision blocking Aaron Day from filing as an independent U.S. Senate candidate, because he wasn't registered to vote at his current address by the filing deadline. Day is pressing a separate federal lawsuit, arguing that qualifications for U.S. Senate are set by the Constitution and a state voter-registration requirement can't be added to them.

Voting Reform & Independent Voters

1 - South Carolina GOP files suit against the state to ‘close’ the party primaries

Post and Courier · July 8, 2026 

After legislation to close the state's primaries stalled, the South Carolina Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit against the state Election Commission seeking to limit primary voting to registered Republicans only. The party argues the open-primary system violates its First Amendment right of association by letting independents and Democrats help choose GOP nominees — a legal theory also being tested in Texas.

2 - Massachusetts insiders tried to kill primary reform. Voters get the final word.

Independent Voter News (IVN) · July 8, 2026

With a last-ditch court challenge by party insiders defeated, Massachusetts voters will decide in November on an "All-Party Primary": a single first-round election open to all candidates and all voters, with the top two advancing regardless of party. Backers frame it as a fix for the nation's least competitive elections and a way to bring the state's ~65% unenrolled voters into the decisive round.

3 - Buffalo’s charter commission rejects open primaries and ranked-choice voting

Investigative Post · Reported July 2026

Buffalo's Charter Revision Commission declined to advance proposals for open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and easier ballot access to the November ballot — despite Unite NY polling showing roughly 80% of city voters wanted the chance to decide. Reform advocates cast it as entrenched resistance to giving independents a voice in a heavily one-party city where primaries usually decide the outcome.

4 - Maine Democrats are about to lock independents out of the process – again.

Independent Voter News (IVN) · July 9, 2026

After Graham Platner exited Maine's U.S. Senate race, state Democrats chose to pick his replacement through a convention of about 600 delegates rather than a public vote. The piece argues this shuts out the roughly 31.5% of Maine voters who are unenrolled — voters who could take part in June's semi-open primary and who are decisive in Maine general elections against Sen. Susan Collins.

We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.