The Independent Center view: young people’s independence stems from a clear-eyed response to partisan paralysis.
The Big Picture
Today’s young voters are broadly hopeful about democracy—but deeply skeptical that it’s working for them. According to CIRCLE, while the majority of young people “believe in the core principles and values of democracy, they don’t see American democracy today living up to those ideals, especially in a way that works well for young people”. Only 16% of 18‑ to 29-year-olds believe democracy is functioning effectively for youth, signaling a disconnect between values and lived experience.
Zooming In
- Trust is selective: Young people place most trust in their peers (74%), nonprofits (65%), and local governments (60%). But major institutions—especially social media giants, Congress, and the Republican Party—are deeply mistrusted.
- Dissatisfaction rooted in representation: Many young people who doubt government’s effectiveness highlight “a lack of representation of young people in political institutions, a lack of trust in the electoral system, or discontent with political parties and government policies”.
- Issues matter: Youth feel their concerns—housing affordability, inflation, federal debt, climate—aren’t being addressed effectively. This fuels their move away from traditional party structures and toward independence, because the government isn’t broken; our two parties are broken.
Key Facts
Trust is positively correlated with civic participation: young people who voted in 2024 are significantly more likely to trust peers, nonprofits, and local government
Independent Lens
The Independent Center view: young people’s independence stems from a clear-eyed response to partisan paralysis. They believe in democracy’s ideals but reject a system that fails to deliver on their needs. The consistent mistrust of national parties and institutions—contrasted with trust in local, community-oriented actors—shows that the solution isn’t government failure, but party failure.
If America can empower youth through independent pathways—ones that are community-rooted, pragmatic, and responsive—we can mobilize a generation passionate about real solutions. Moving outside the binary could unlock our nation’s greatest potential.
Final Word
Young people are not disengaged—they’re discerning. They trust institutions that work, not the partisan machinery that doesn’t. As trust in the two parties erodes, independence rises. This is both a warning and an opportunity: rebuild trust by delivering results—not rhetoric—and America’s next generation is ready to lead.
