NYT/Siena Poll Finds 43% of Voters Reject Both Major Parties
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 29
NYT/Siena Poll Finds 43% of Voters Reject Both Major Parties
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Forty-three percent of voters said they are dissatisfied with both major parties in a new New York Times/Siena poll, underscoring broad political discontent ahead of the midterms and next presidential race.
Just 26% said they were satisfied with the Democratic Party and 33% with the Republican Party, pointing to weakness for both sides even as an unpopular Republican president retains loyal backing.
Nearly two-thirds of voters under 30 said they were dissatisfied with both parties, reflecting especially sharp alienation among younger Americans who are increasingly identifying as independents.
The findings land amid a longer erosion in civic confidence: it has been nearly 25 years since a majority of voters thought the country was on the right track, while trust in government remains near historic lows.
With a record number of voters identifying as independent, is the traditional two-party system becoming obsolete?
As trust in institutions hits historic lows, what systemic reforms could restore public confidence in democratic governance?
American Political Discontent Peaks as Independent Identification Hits All-Time High Ahead of 2026 Elections
Overview
As of May 2026, the American political landscape is marked by deep discontent and a sharp decline in public trust toward established institutions and parties. This dissatisfaction is especially strong among younger voters, with nearly two-thirds under 30 expressing disillusionment with both major parties. As a result, more Americans—particularly the young—are identifying as independents, a trend that has reached a three-decade high. This shift is happening alongside growing ideological polarization within the two main parties, leaving moderates feeling unrepresented and fueling a broader sense of political alienation across the electorate.