Young independents grapple with frustration over the two-party system

NBC News reports on young voters - who are increasingly frustrated with both major political parties.

Though a record-breaking share of independent voters participated in the 2024 presidential election, independents can’t participate in every election in all 50 states, since many have closed party primaries. Failed presidential campaigns from third-party or independent candidates have also contributed to skepticism about the feasibility of a third-party candidate winning at the national level.

Nagel said he believes the solution lies in a new generation of elected officials and is focused on getting more independents to run and vote at the local level.

“The deck is stacked against independents, there’s no doubt about that. But what we’re doing at the local level to advance candidates that are people-powered, independent, anti-corruption is going to pave the way for reform at the state level and hopefully ultimately at the federal level,” Nagel said.