In a world where the political environment feels more polarized than ever, how do those who feel caught in the middle fare? When a box you check on the ballot becomes a large factor in the lens through which others view your character, how does this change the population’s political alignment? 

As tension mounts on both sides of the two-party system, many voters have begun to question its effectiveness. Seeking to step away from deeply rooted political conflict and the weight of extreme policies, many have turned away from major parties altogether in favor of non-partisan voting. 

According to the Independent Voter Project, those identifying with the Independent party or opting to be non-partisan make up the largest voting population in 18 states throughout the U.S. 

While California is not included, it also boasts higher non-partisan numbers, nearly even with the percentage of registered Republican voters. An overall trend toward independent voting is also confirmed by Gallup, which, as of 2025, reported that 45% of voters are non-partisan. This surpassed Democrat and Republican numbers, both standing at 27%.

Yet, how does society’s newest generation of voters stack up? When young adult students approach the ballots, do they mirror the general population’s desire to break away from major parties and move toward the middle of the political road?

When Cuestonian readers were anonymously polled and asked to share their political status, responses were diverse, presenting an interesting contrast to the broader population of voters. Around  35.7% of respondents stated they were either registered as independent voters or not registered at all, while the greater majority, at 62.5%, was registered with one of the major parties. 

However, amid the variety of opinions, one common paradox emerged. Students repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction with the nation’s current political system, even while demonstrating a tendency to identify with one of its two most prominent parties. 

So, why are respondents still registering with major parties if they dislike them? “Because the system rewards it,” Cuesta political science professor Zachary Gass said. “The U.S. uses mostly winner-take-all, single-member district elections. That structure strongly encourages a two-party system, often called Duverger’s Law. Voters may not love the two parties, but those are the main vehicles for primaries, candidates, campaigns, and governing.” 

Other responses echoed these thoughts, arguing that identifying as anything other than a Democrat or Republican is often not beneficial to the voter. “I understand that third parties are an expression of voting for what you believe in, yet I also know that due to the math of first-past-the-post voting, we will always end up in a two-party system,” one Cuesta respondent anonymously stated. “Until we change the basic voting system we have, I will vote with a major party, because compromising with one party is better than having a party I don’t agree with at all win.” 

Most other poll respondents agreed – describing the common conflict of wanting to be separated from the polarized major parties, but simultaneously recognizing a system that won’t reward stepping off the beaten path. “In a country that is so heavily split in two, voting outside of the two major parties almost seems to not count at all,” another respondent wrote.

Julie Rodewald, former county clerk-recorder for San Luis Obispo County and representative of the League of Women Voters, also said there is a struggle for third-party voters. “There isn’t much room. You never see third-party candidates such as the Green Party or Libertarian… It’s very, very rare for any of them to get elected,” she said. “You might see them at a local level, but definitely not at the statewide or congressional level.” 

Despite this, independent and non-partisan voting still has a significant influence on the student population. “Sometimes I agree with one side on an issue, and other times I agree with the other side, and I’m okay with that. I don’t believe one party can solve every problem in this country,” one respondent, reporting to be registered as an independent voter, said. “But being independent helps me keep an open mind and be willing to change my opinion if I find a better idea. It also means candidates have to earn my support, not just get my vote because of their party.” 

While many Cuesta students still call themselves Republican or Democrat, it is clear they also believe non-partisan or third-party voting offers political autonomy and greater opportunity for free thinking. 

Even in a two-party system working against independent voting, Gass argues that its value still exists. “Third parties can matter… they can raise neglected issues, signal public frustration, influence major-party platforms, and sometimes reshape coalitions,” he said. “Sometimes it is thoughtful. Sometimes it is a protest. Sometimes it is confusion. Sometimes it is a voter saying, ‘I refuse to join either of these two weird clubs, thank you very much.’”

In a political world that leaves citizens unsure about how to vote or whom to identify with, Rodewald urges students not to get caught up in the confusion parties create.  Above all, she advises that voters should examine which values are most important to them. “You’re just trying to pick the best choice that comes closest to what you believe in… don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good,” she said. 

“Don’t look for somebody that is absolutely aligned with you on every single thing. Pick out what’s important and choose who’s aligned with those things,” Rodewald said. “Then get out and vote!”