As Karine Jean-Pierre leaves the Democratic Party and registers as an independent voter, she'll face the same frustrating reality as millions of other Americans: in many states, she won't be able to vote in the primary elections that often determine who represents her.
The former White House press secretary's decision to leave the Democratic Party highlights a growing problem with our election system — it's failing to keep up with voters' desire for political independence.
Jean-Pierre announced this week that she's joining what she calls "the growing percentage of our fractured electorate that is Independent" in her forthcoming book, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines. She's absolutely right about that trend.
More Americans now identify as independents than as Democrats or Republicans. In 2024, self-identified independents accounted for 34% of voters nationwide — a remarkable surge that reflects Americans' growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system.
Jean-Pierre isn't the only high-profile figure making this shift. Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent, and last year, former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced his decision to make the shift as well. These moves underscore a broader frustration with partisan politics that resonates across the political spectrum.
But here's the problem: while Americans are increasingly embracing political independence, our election system hasn't caught up. In 15 states with closed primaries, more than 17.6 million registered voters lack the right to participate in taxpayer-funded primary elections. These voters — including Jean-Pierre and millions like her — are effectively shut out of the elections that often matter most.
When independents can't vote in primaries, they lose their voice in choosing who represents them. This is particularly troubling for young Americans, where voters aged 18-34 are more likely to register as independents than as Republicans or Democrats.
The solution is clear: open primaries. By allowing all voters — regardless of party affiliation — to participate in every taxpayer-funded election, we can ensure that politicians are accountable to all their constituents, not just the most partisan voices.
Jean-Pierre's decision reflects a growing desire among Americans to think beyond rigid party lines. Our election system should support that independence, not punish it.
When we give all voters a voice in every election, we strengthen democracy for everyone.
