Fact check: Which states have the highest percentage of independent voters?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, no comprehensive state-by-state ranking of independent voter percentages is available in the sources examined. However, several key findings emerge:

National trends show significant independent growth: Independent voters now represent 32% of registered voters across dozens of states and territories as of 2025, with some sources indicating independents make up 40-43% of Americans nationally ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

Specific states mentioned with notable independent populations include:

• North Carolina and West Virginia - highlighted for significant growth in registered independents and third-party members ^[1]
• Arizona - implied to have a significant number of independent voters based on their electoral impact ^[4]
• Nevada, New York, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania - mentioned in connection with open primary reform efforts, suggesting substantial independent voter populations ^[5]
• New Mexico - noted for recently passing open primary reform, implying significant independent voter numbers ^[5]

Electoral significance: Independent voters accounted for a larger share of voters in the 2024 presidential election than Democrats and were tied with Republicans ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question seeks specific percentage rankings by state, but the available data focuses primarily on national trends and growth patterns rather than precise state-by-state breakdowns ^{[1] [3] [5]}.

Alternative measurement approaches are evident in the sources:

• Some sources measure registered independents ^[1]
• Others track self-identified independents in polling ^{[3] [2]}
• Electoral turnout data provides another perspective ^[6]

Political reform organizations and advocacy groups would benefit from promoting narratives about independent voter growth, as this supports their push for open primary reforms and electoral system changes ^[5]. These organizations have financial and political incentives to emphasize independent voter numbers to justify their reform agendas.

Traditional political parties might have competing interests in either downplaying or emphasizing independent numbers depending on their strategic positioning for upcoming elections.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no inherent misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the question assumes that comprehensive, current state-by-state data on independent voter percentages is readily available, which the analyses reveal is not the case.

The lack of standardized measurement methods across sources creates potential for confusion, as some track registered party affiliation while others measure self-identification in surveys ^{[1] [3] [2]}. This methodological variation could lead to different conclusions about which states truly have the "highest percentage" of independent voters.

The question's framing implicitly treats "independent voters" as a monolithic category, when the reality may be more complex, involving various types of unaffiliated voters, third-party members, and those who lean toward major parties while maintaining independent registration ^{[1] [5]}.