Frequently asked questions

How do I register to vote as an independent?

To register as an independent, you must go to your state website. Find your state election website by choosing your state in the dropdown toggle on vote.gov. Fill out the voter registration form and look for an option like “No Party Preference,” “Unaffiliated,” or “Independent.” In some states, you may need to select “Other” and write in “Independent.”

Do I need to register as an independent, or can I just leave my party affiliation blank?

This varies by state. In some states, leaving the party affiliation blank automatically classifies you as an independent. In others, you need to actively choose an option like “No Party Preference” or “Independent.” Check your state’s specific requirements.

Can I vote in primary elections as an independent?

This depends on your state’s rules. Some states have open primaries where all voters can participate regardless of affiliation. Others have closed primaries where only registered party members can vote. Some states allow independents to choose one party’s primary to vote in. Check your state’s election website for specific rules.

Does registering as an independent affect my ability to vote in the general election?

No, registering as an independent does not affect your ability to vote in general elections. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in general elections.

How can I verify my voter registration status?

You can verify your registration status on your state’s election website. Most states offer an online voter registration lookup tool where you can enter your name, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number to check your status.

What deadlines should I be aware of for registering or changing my registration as an independent voter?

Registration deadlines vary by state, but they typically fall 15 to 30 days before an election. Some states offer same-day registration. For changing party affiliation, deadlines can be different and may occur well before primary elections. Always check your state’s election website for specific deadlines, as they can change and may be different for primaries and general elections.

How do I get more involved with the Independent Center?

Engage more deeply with the Independent Center by subscribing to our newsletter. This will keep you informed about our latest initiatives, including our voter interview series featuring perspectives from Independent voters.

By staying connected, you’ll have opportunities to participate in surveys, share your voice, and contribute to shaping the Independent Center movement. Join the movement by signing up here.

How does the Independent Center do its polling?

The Independent Center works exclusively with the Bullfinch Group, a specialist non partisan polling company. We strive to ensure polling data is accurate and is conducted without the bias of viewing voters through the Democrat or Republican lens. We work to uncover different angles and ways to understand the independent voter to better inform the public and the media on this large, and growing, proportion of the voting population.

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