About Independents

The organization "Independents" broadly refers to groups and movements related to independent political actors and voters who are not formally affiliated with any major political party. These organizations and political independents play a significant role in shaping political dynamics by operating both inside and outside established party structures. Independent Political Organizations (IPOs) function by building political power through grassroots mobilization, candidate recruitment, and legislative advocacy. They strategically engage in electoral contests, often running candidates on Democratic ballots while maintaining organizational distance from party apparatuses. IPOs focus on uniting diverse community groups—labor unions, tenant associations, faith communities—to create synchronized mass actions aiming for progressive reforms and legislative victories. This dual inside-outside approach helps IPOs navigate challenges like avoiding cooptation by major parties and abstention from electoral politics, thereby strengthening independent political influence[1]. The rise of independent politicians and voters reflects a broader disillusionment with traditional party politics. Independent politicians may reject party affiliation due to ideological differences, distrust of party systems, or strategic considerations. Notable independent politicians include Bernie Sanders and Justin Amash in the U.S., and the President of Iceland typically serves as an independent[2]. Independent voters form a critical and growing segment of the electorate, often leaning toward one of the major parties on specific issues but identifying broadly as moderates who desire to "think for themselves." However, many independents are excluded from primary elections due to closed primary systems, limiting their influence on candidate selection[3][5][6]. While "Independents" as an organization per se is not a single entity, groups like the Independent Center promote political independence and reform by advocating for bipartisan cooperation and supporting common-sense solutions to strengthen democracy[7]. Meanwhile, Independent Sector, though differently focused, is a national membership organization that connects and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropic entities, emphasizing a healthy charitable sector's role in societal well-being[4]. In summary, the Independents encompass a diverse and influential force in contemporary politics, characterized by grassroots

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