Political Party Identification

The percentage of registered voters identifying with political parties is declining. If current trends continue, half of American voters could identify as politically independent within the next decade.

This change has been influenced by an information revolution that includes 24-hour television news channels and near universal access to the Internet. Easy access to news and diverse opinions has freed voters from a reliance on parties for political education. Moreover, voters no longer need political parties to vouch for the good reputation of candidates. Voters can make judgments based on candidate media appearances and broadcast stories.

Similarly, candidates no longer rely on the party to communicate with voters or to ask for campaign contributions. Every major modern campaign includes television ads and Internet sites focused on the candidate's message and raising money.