independent

As Americans head to the polls on Tuesday in the much-anticipated midterms, the record number of voters identifying as independent could prove decisive for control of the US Congress and state legislatures.

Nearly half of US voters – as many as 117 million adults – now identify as politically independent, with the two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, jockeying for their votes.

At the same time, independent or third-party candidates win few federal or state seats. The Democratic and Republican parties have dominated US politics, from state legislatures to the US Congress and the presidency, for generations.

“The whole [electoral] system is built to frustrate the independence of voters,” says Rick Bennett, the former Republican Party chair in Maine, where he is running to become only the third independent governor in the state’s history.

Bennett’s candidacy runs headlong into one of the most stubborn contradictions in US politics: While millions of eligible voters reject Republican and Democratic labels, far fewer will cast their ballots for independent candidates.

“For decades, candidates outside the Democratic and Republican parties have struggled to achieve [a high] level of support,” political scientist AJ Simmons said. “[But] 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest election cycles for independent candidates in recent memory.”

Who are independents and how will they vote?

According to the Pew Research Center’s annual National Public Opinion Reference Survey, 44 percent of US adults identify as politically independent. This is in contrast to 29 percent who identify as Democrat and 28 percent as Republican.

But there is a caveat: Most self-described independents still gravitate towards one of the major parties. Independents who express absolutely no partisan leaning make up only about 7-10 percent of the total electorate.

These “true” independents are sought after by candidates because they are persuadable, the core of the coveted so-called swing vote in a deeply divided and partisan electorate and political system.

In the 2026 midterm elections, 52 percent of likely independent voters are supporting Democrats, while 39 percent back Republicans, polling firm Marist suggests.

Frustration with President Donald Trump is permeating the midterm electoral landscape, with independent respondents more than three times as likely to say their vote is mainly against the president, and 28 percent saying they are voting for “change”.

Why does the US have a two-party system?

The US does not legally restrict elections to two parties, and many local officials are not party-affiliated.

But for more powerful federal and statewide seats like Tuesday’s House of Representatives and Senate races, the winner-take-all electoral system and single-member congressional districts work against outsiders and can discourage voters from backing them.

Even substantial support for a minor party is rarely concentrated enough in one district to win a congressional seat.

Voters, too, can unknowingly reinforce the system.

Polling trends and data further suggest that voters who identify as or prefer an independent will often instead back a Republican or Democrat they see as more politically viable. Voters are also reluctant to support “spoilers”, who may peel away votes from one of the two major-party candidates.

Why do third parties struggle to win US elections?

Bernard Tamas, a political scientist at Valdosta State University who studies third parties, said that although laws are often blamed for keeping third-party candidates off the ballot, “there is very little evidence that legal barriers are undermining these candidates”.

The real barrier, he says, is money.

A total of $14.8bn was spent on federal elections during the 2024 presidential cycle, and the 2026 midterms are projected to surpass that, reaching up to $11.6bn in political advertisement spending alone.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC), which heads the Democratic Party, raised nearly $252.3m during the 2026 midterm campaign cycle while the Republican National Committee (RNC) took in about $341m.

Unlike other democracies, the US “offers virtually no public support” or funding to political parties and does not set limits on campaign spending”, Tamas said. Independent candidates “raise very little money” and are less well known by voters.

Why don’t more Americans vote independent?

Lesley Shedd, a Republican strategist, told Al Jazeera that the surge in voters identifying as independents obscures their support for one of the two major parties.

“When somebody says they are independent, they really are a Republican or Democrat but they maybe don’t agree with the party on absolutely every issue,” Shedd said. “Or they [just] don’t want to feel as though they are part of the culture of the swamp of [Washington] DC.”

The real test for independent candidates is persuading Americans to vote for them, not just a “protest vote” against the system. And voters are reluctant to cast a “wasted” ballot, Simmons said, given the most competitive candidates are Democrats or Republicans.

There are efforts to support independent candidates. The Independent Leadership Council, launched in July by former Democrat-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin, provides donors and campaign resources for independent congressional candidates. The project has raised more than $10m.

But the longer-term test, analysts maintain, is whether independent candidates can be viable across multiple races and election cycles.

Will third-party candidates influence the 2026 midterms?

There is currently one independent in the US House and two in the US Senate. None holds a state governor seat.

Bennett, the independent Maine candidate, is one of just 11 independent or third-party candidates vying for gubernatorial or US Senate seats whom Simmons expects to surpass the 5 percent vote threshold often used to gauge electoral viability.

Additionally, Simmons sees several ways independent congressional hopefuls could throw the midterm map into disarray, mainly in two key states: Nebraska and Montana.

He identified Nebraska’s independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn, a 51-year-old Navy veteran, as the “most likely alternative candidate to win” across the country, given the race has been deemed a toss-up by RealClearPolling, an election analysis website.

The Nebraska Democratic Party chose not to field a replacement nominee after its candidate withdrew, leaving Osborn as the principal challenger to Republican Pete Ricketts.

In Montana, Simmons sees another opening for an independent, though the race is complicated by the possibility of an unpredictable “spoiler” effect.

Seth Bodnar, a former University of Montana president and Army veteran, is running against Republican Kurt Alme for the US Senate seat. He is being backed by the Independent Leadership Council, which is also supporting California Congressman Kevin Kiley, who left the Republican Party to seek re-election as an independent.

Democratic US Senate candidate Alani Bankhead could siphon off support from the same centre-left and anti-Republican pool of voters that Bodnar draws from, risking a three-way vote and potentially leaving the Republican to collect the spoils.

“Montana is the second most likely,” Simmons said, adding that “if that were to happen, the Republican Party would be having an extraordinarily bad night”.

In Idaho and South Dakota, independent candidates are not forecast to win, but they are expected to make Republicans pay for treating those seats as safe, diverting money, campaign time and attention to races Republicans may have otherwise taken for granted.

The greatest impact of independents may be the pressure they have historically brought to bear on the major parties to “implement a new policy or govern more effectively”, Simmons said.

The European destination might be best known for its luxury watches and expensive reputation, but this city break has far more to offer than meets the eye

Geneva may be most famous for its high-end timepieces, global standing and eye-wateringly costly way of life, but there’s far more to this Swiss city than first appears. Nestled on the banks of Lake Geneva, with the Alps forming a stunning backdrop, it offers a blend of historic streets, independent chocolatiers, and picturesque lakeside strolls.

In contrast to Zurich, Geneva has a calmer and more unhurried feel, making it an attractive option for a city escape without the crowds of a larger destination. It’s also easy to explore over a weekend, with many of its sights within easy reach of each other.

I travelled there to uncover what makes Geneva worthy of a visit and discovered a quiet, historic city, while staying at one of the most legendary hotels. The journey also took just over an hour from London to Geneva, making it incredibly convenient and swift to reach.

Following a trip to Zurich last year and becoming enchanted with Switzerland overall, I set myself the goal of discovering some of the less-visited destinations.

This led me to Geneva, which proved to be unlike what I’d anticipated. While it has a rich history, it didn’t feel overly crowded, and there’s a more relaxed rhythm to wandering its streets and along its waterside walkways.

The city is positioned where the Rhône River flows out of Lake Geneva, with the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain shooting spectacularly from the water. It’s one of the most instantly recognisable sights in the city, propelling a towering column of water skyward and creating a stunning backdrop for photos.

Strolling along the waterfront is perhaps the simplest way to soak up the scenery, with boats gliding across the lake and views stretching out towards the mountains on a clear day.

What makes this city particularly attractive is that you don’t need a jam-packed schedule to make the most of it. You can happily spend time meandering around the lake, popping into a café, browsing the shops and admiring the architecture without feeling the need to dash between sights.

Old town

No trip to Geneva would feel truly complete without a wander through its Old Town, known locally as La Vieille Ville. Perched on a hill above the city centre, this historic quarter is brimming with cobbled streets, charming squares, independent boutiques and cafés nestled within older buildings.

It’s a delightful area to explore on foot, especially if you enjoy uncovering hidden alleyways and one-of-a-kind shops.

The standout landmark here is St Pierre Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and towers prominently over the Old Town. Visitors are welcome to explore inside and, where access permits, scale the towers for sweeping panoramic views across the rooftops and out towards the lake.

It’s also home to the world’s longest wooden bench, measuring 120 metres. Constructed in 1767, it’s certainly worth seeing.

Another attraction worth discovering is Geneva’s celebrated Flower Clock, located at the entrance to the Jardin Anglais alongside the lake. Established in 1955 as a homage to the city’s distinguished watchmaking heritage, the clock merges Swiss precision with botanical craftsmanship, featuring thousands of plants and flowers to form its vibrant face.

Chocolate shops

Switzerland and chocolate are inseparable, so naturally, sampling some local chocolate was a priority during my visit to Geneva. The city boasts a rich chocolate-making heritage, with established chocolatiers and independent boutiques offering everything from bars to truffles to pralines.

Some notable names include Favanger, as well as other specialist chocolate shops scattered throughout the city. Each provides a slightly different experience, whether you’re after traditional Swiss chocolate, more intricate handcrafted delights or something special to bring back.

The Lindt shop located in the city centre is also worth popping into.

Cheese fondue

Chocolate aside, fondue is another Swiss staple worth carving out time for. Traditionally prepared with melted cheese served in a communal pot, it’s a comforting dish that feels wonderfully warming after a chilly day of sightseeing.

I chose to eat at Restaurant Les Armures in the heart of the Old Town and savoured a traditional fondue accompanied by crunchy bread and potatoes. Menus and recipes differ, but the dish is typically prepared with a blend of cheeses, white wine, and seasonings.

Hotels

Geneva boasts plenty of luxury hotels, but the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues stands as one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Established in 1834, it possesses a rich heritage overlooking Lake Geneva and combines the splendour of a historic hotel with the amenities and service expected of a modern five-star establishment.

The hotel sits in a prime city centre location, making it an ideal base for discovering Geneva on foot. The lakefront lies just beyond its doors, while the Old Town and upmarket shopping districts are easily accessible.

It’s the kind of spot that lets you spend the day touring before retreating to somewhere that feels detached from the city’s rhythm.

The hotel ranked among the most remarkable I’ve experienced, from its refined surroundings to the complete package. It brought another layer to my journey and afforded me the opportunity to witness Geneva’s most opulent side directly.

Rather than seeming like somewhere to merely rest between excursions, it felt like a destination in itself. The interiors strike a balance between timeless elegance and modern elements, fostering an ambience that feels sophisticated while preserving the building’s historic charm.

Its guest rooms and suites showcase unique design features and overlook the city, courtyard, and lake. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and Spa Mont Blanc, providing numerous opportunities to relax after a day of sightseeing.

While the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are celebrated for their opulence, it’s not actually the priciest hotel in Geneva.

The most expensive hotel in Geneva is the Hotel President Wilson, a Luxury Collection Hotel, renowned for housing the world’s most expensive hotel suite. It’s a well-known luxury destination for diplomats, heads of state and international travellers.

Restaurants

Unlike expansive culinary centres such as Paris, London or Tokyo, Geneva is comparatively compact, which can make it challenging to locate restaurants. Fortunately, the Four Seasons houses several restaurants and bars, offering guests choices without needing to leave the hotel each evening.

It’s also incredibly popular with passers-by, too.

Amongst its dining venues are II Lago, which specialises in Italian cuisine, and Izumi, which serves Japanese-inspired cuisine. The hotel’s selection of restaurants and bars enhances its appeal to travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the complete experience, rather than merely a place to sleep at night.

Naturally, the Four Seasons is positioned at the premium end of the spectrum, so it won’t be within everyone’s price range. However, for a memorable occasion like my visit, or a getaway where the accommodation is meant to be a centrepiece in itself, it’s a remarkable choice to bear in mind.

Nearby destinations

One of the highlights of my journey was a day excursion to Annecy, a charming town just over the French frontier. I got there by FlixBus from Geneva, which proved a convenient way to discover somewhere new without needing to rent a vehicle.

Renowned for its meandering waterways, vibrant historic structures, and a stunning lake encircled by peaks, Annecy felt like entering a storybook.

With delightful lanes to explore, independent boutiques to peruse and numerous spots to pause for a crêpe or coffee, it provided a wonderful alternative to Geneva and was certainly worth dedicating a day to.

This charming seaside village is just as beautiful in autumn as it is in summer

Summer may be behind us, but that’s no reason to abandon a trip to the seaside. While taking a dip in the sea might not be on the cards, the British coast still has a great deal to offer.

There’s one spot in particular that locals affectionately call ‘God’s pocket’, owing to its mild microclimate that brings warmer, sunnier weather than the surrounding towns. And even if it’s simply too chilly for a swim, this gorgeous location boasts a bustling high street brimming with independent shops, cafés and pubs.

That magical place is East Wittering, tucked away along the shores of the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex.

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While it draws the crowds during summer, it’s equally as charming during the cooler months. Take a stroll along the pebbled beach and, at low tide, wander out across the exposed stretches of soft golden sand.

After soaking up the ocean views and breathing in the fresh sea air, head into town for a spot of exploring. Kick off your morning with a coffee from Ground, just a stone’s throw from the beach on Shore Street, before making your way to The Boulevard for a proper sit-down breakfast.

With a full stomach, you can throw yourself into some serious retail therapy. One of East Wittering’s greatest draws is its remarkable array of independent shops.

From vintage clothing and fashion at Let’s Go Back, to locally handcrafted art and jewellery at The Artisan Shoppe, there truly is something to suit every taste.

For those who love the great outdoors, there’s Wittering Surf Shop, while art enthusiasts can head to V. A Design Studios.

The latter is operated by local artist Victoria and stocks everything from large-scale paintings to hand-drawn cards.

Naturally, no weekend browse would be complete without a swift pint before heading home – and East Wittering has plenty of those too.

The Shore Inn is a firm favourite, tucked right beside the main beach entrance. It’s bustling, dog friendly and boasts outdoor seating if you fancy soaking up some of the early autumn sunshine.

There’s also regularly live music to enjoy while you sip on your drink.

Slightly further afield in West Wittering (roughly a 10 minute drive away) sits The Lamb Inn – an 18th century country pub brimming with character and featuring a gorgeous beer garden.

This gorgeous town is tucked inside one of the country’s most beautiful regions.

One of the great pleasures of being on holiday is browsing the shops of wherever you happen to find yourself. Unearthing hidden gems or tasty local treats to take back home is one of the finest parts of any trip away.

Nestled in a stunning corner of the UK is a town boasting a market brimming with treasures that has been running for hundreds of years. The charming town of Keswick sits within the Lake District and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery – and naturally, its market.

Before the market as it exists today came into being, churchgoers would hold unofficial ones in the nearby church.

In order to regulate trading, the town was granted a Royal Market Charter in 1276 that gave it the legal right to hold a weekly Saturday market and an annual five day fair.

Today, the market continues to flourish and can be visited every Thursday and Saturday. There are roughly 60 different stalls to browse, selling everything from locally produced food and drink to vintage clothing and artisan gifts.

It’s not solely the market that makes Keswick such a wonderful destination. The town is also packed with stunning lakeside walks that burst into glorious shades of gold and orange throughout the autumn months.

As the leaves begin to turn, now is arguably the ideal time to pay Keswick a visit.

The market town sits in the northern section of the Lake District National Park, and ranks among the nation’s most stunning locations.

There’s an abundance of remarkable walks that highlight the area’s natural splendour. If you’re seeking panoramic vistas, then the Latrigg path is essential, winding up the hillside for three miles.

Upon reaching the top, you’re treated to sweeping views across Keswick and the neighbouring Derwentwater.

Another essential walk is the Castlerigg Stone Circle route which guides you along the former railway path, then up the lane towards the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

The stone circle occupies a natural plateau, and stands as one of Britain’s oldest stone circles stretching back to the Neolithic era.

Some of the 38 stones within the circle tower up to 10 feet high.

This town has gorgeous coastal walks as well as plenty to explore

Summer has drawn to a close and autumn has arrived. While summer is a wonderful season for getting away, there’s no reason the enjoyment has to end when temperatures drop.

Indeed, autumn ranks among the most spectacular times of year across the UK.

The foliage transforms into golden hues, tourist numbers dwindle and settling into a welcoming pub following a lengthy ramble epitomises the perfect autumn pursuit.

If you’re seeking a UK destination that truly comes alive during autumn, there’s a delightful seaside town in Cornwall that might tick all the boxes.

According to research conducted by credit card firm Zable, Fowey in Cornwall emerges as the best value location for an autumn staycation. It’s not merely affordable though – it’s also a charming harbour town brimming with things to discover.

The town sits proudly on the banks of the river Fowey and traces its roots back to medieval times.

Its naturally deep water harbour established it as a significant historical port and commercial hub throughout the centuries, while the streets showcase magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

The region surrounding Fowey also holds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.

If you fancy exploring the town’s surrounding landscape, then the creeks and coves walk is absolutely essential. This four-mile circular route incorporates two ferry crossings and highlights the magnificent woodlands and coastal pathways that cradle the town.

The walk requires two to three hours including ferry journeys and looks absolutely stunning at this time of year. However, if you’d prefer to remain in the town itself then you certainly won’t be short of things to do.

Fowey boasts a thriving high street brimming with independent shops and boutiques that are ideal for an afternoon of browsing.

Fore Street serves as the town’s main high street and its twisting alleyways offer a wonderful way to while away an afternoon.

Make sure to pop into Jo Downes Handmade Glass for locally blown glass artworks, or Heather Jane and Co., which features art from 180 local makers.

Round off your day at a quintessential Cornish pub, the Ship Inn on Trafalgar Square. This historic establishment was built in 1570 and features a huge open fire ideal for a relaxing autumn pint.

WASHINGTON — With the midterm elections just over three weeks away, the fight for control of the U.S. Senate is intensifying in battleground states, as Democrats push into red regions and Republicans pour money into key contests.

Campaigns are entering a crucial stretch for persuading the independent voters who will probably determine outcomes in swing races. Nearly all of the most competitive Senate races are in states with significant swaths of people unaffiliated with either major party — the “kingmakers” in these high-stakes midterms, said Jeremy Gruber, an independent-voting expert.

“Independent voters are going to be deciding this election in every respect,” said Gruber, senior vice president of Open Primaries, an organization that advocates for states to open primary elections to unaffiliated voters.

The urgency around courting nonaligned voters has been on display at recent debates, in ads flooding the airwaves and in the campaign money pouring into key states. For Republicans, it has become an effort to put distance between themselves and President Trump; for Democrats, it’s often a rhetorical shift toward the center and away from the far left.

In Iowa, Republican Ashley Hinson used a Wednesday night debate to emphasize her willingness to break with Trump. In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton is circulating a video in which he describes himself as both liberal and conservative. In Alaska, a GOP-backed ad blitz launched last week aims to persuade voters that Democrat Mary Peltola isn’t independent-minded.

Mary Peltola, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat in Alaska, addresses supporters at an election watch party on Aug. 18 in Anchorage.

(Mark Thiessen / Associated Press)

Though many unaffiliated voters have made up their minds, those who remain undecided will begin making decisions soon, as mail ballots go out and early voting begins in some states.

“For Republicans who are running behind and are looking at a potentially devastating midterm election performance, what they really need to do is target the independents who lean Republican,” said Karen Kedrowski, an Iowa State University political scientist. “For Democrats in some place like Iowa … what they need to do is make it seem safe [to independents] to vote for a Democratic candidate.”

Unaffiliated constituents have long been key to victory in swing states, particularly where races are traditionally decided by small margins. They have been viewed as particularly persuadable this year, as public dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic policies puts the votes of swing voters who backed him in 2024 up for grabs.

Forecasters predict that Democrats are on track for the House majority and could hold a majority of gubernatorial seats for the first time since 2010. Though Senate control remains a toss-up, Democrats’ chances are viewed by forecasters to have significantly improved since the summer.

A set of New York Times/Siena polls reported last week showed Democratic candidates for the Senate ahead in Texas, Michigan, Alaska and Ohio and neck-and-neck in Kansas and Iowa — all states Trump carried in 2024. Republicans, meanwhile, are feeling increasingly bullish about their chances in Maine, New Hampshire and Minnesota, all states that went blue in the last presidential election.

Republicans hold a significant fundraising advantage, however, and party donors are pouring money into key races, hoping the spending can cut into the Democrats’ edge. By September’s end, GOP advertisers had more than doubled their spending compared with August, outstripping Democrats, according to tracker AdImpact. Among the nine Senate races considered the tightest by forecasters, Republicans have outspent Democrats in all, AdImpact reported.

But on Friday, the Cook Political Report, a leading election forecaster, moved 18 House races in Democrats’ direction, saying that heavy ad spending by Republicans has not begun to move the needle in their favor.

Democrats view themselves as in their “strongest position yet” to win the majority, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement last week.

“In this final stretch of the election, Democrats will continue to vigorously campaign and fight for every vote across the expanded map,” Gillibrand said.

Republicans are confident about their ability to persuade voters in key states, said Bernadette Breslin, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“Republicans will defend the Senate majority across key battlegrounds that have trended reliably red,” Breslin said, “with candidates like Mike Rogers [in Michigan] and Roger Marshall [in Kansas] winning over independents by exposing their Democratic opponents’ radical, unaffordable agendas.”

Along with the decisions of independent and swing voters, the midterm outcomes could also hinge on the level of turnout within each party, analysts say. If a portion of the party faithful stay home in a given place — for instance, disillusioned conservatives in Kansas or frustrated Black Democrats in Michigan — that could swing individual races, analysts said.

The number of independent voters reached a record high this year, with 45% of American adults identifying as political independents in Gallup polling. Equal shares identified as Republicans and Democrats, 27% for each party. The trend is partly driven by majorities of millennial and Gen Z voters choosing to be unaffiliated with either party, according to Gallup research.

Such voters make up a majority in Alaska and between 30% and 40% of all registered voters in Maine, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio. They account for about 29% in Kansas and about 16% in Texas and Michigan, according to state data compiled by the Independent Voter Project.

Across recent polls, independent voters have favored Democrats and expressed dissatisfaction with Trump. In a late September poll from Emerson College Polling, 66% of independents said Trump has done worse than expected during his second term in office.

State Rep. James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, listens at a food drive at the Frederick Douglass Human Services and Justice Center on Sept. 9 in Dallas.

(Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Associated Press)

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico led Republican Ken Paxton among independents by 32 points in a September poll by Texas Public Opinion Research. The Democratic candidate in Ohio, Sherrod Brown, led Republican Sen. Jon Husted by 27 points among independents in a CNN poll released Thursday.

In Kansas, where the Senate race has become unexpectedly close amid economic-driven anger with Trump, disapproval of the president’s performance among independents appears to be rubbing off on incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, the Republican seeking reelection.

Fifty-two percent felt unfavorably toward Marshall and 62% disapproved of Trump’s performance, according to a recent Emerson College/Nexstar poll.

In those battleground red states, that creates a tough fight for both parties, analysts said. With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, candidates are duking it out in fundraising and on the campaign trail to win every last vote.

“Both campaigns are raking in ridiculous amounts of money … and they’re spending every penny because [they] have to,” said Wichita State University political science professor Alexandra Middlewood, referring to the Kansas Senate race. “We see that they’re really going to have to fight it out all the way to the end.”

Debates are another tool for candidates to reach independent voters, said Corwin Smidt, a political science professor at Michigan State University.

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Republican Mike Rogers meet in a Michigan Senate debate Thursday night in Grand Rapids.

(Paul Sancya / Pool Photo)

In Michigan, where the Senate candidates sparred in their first debate Thursday evening, Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate nominee, has distanced himself from Trump twice in recent weeks, first calling for an end to the war in Iran and then releasing an ad last week denouncing the tariffs against Canada. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, meanwhile, announced a rally with former President Obama, an appeal to mainstream voters.

“They’ve got to try to both win over people who have been paying attention, but also introduce themselves to the ones who haven’t been paying attention,” Smidt said.

Winning unaffiliated voters can require a tightrope walk for candidates who are faced with the dual tasks of appealing to their party base while persuading independent constituents.

In the final stretch of the campaign, candidates seeking independent votes should telegraph a willingness to admit their party’s flaws and an understanding that voters are turned off by partisan rhetoric, said Chad Peace, legal strategist at the Independent Voter Project, which advocates for open primaries.

“They have to communicate to those folks and try to meet them where they’re at,” Peace said. “[Independents] want the campaigns of persuasion, they don’t want to hear you tell me how bad the other candidate is.”

And, Gruber said, they want to be engaged with, not ignored.

“Independent voters,” he said, “are going to be responding to those candidates and parties that actually talk to them.”

Syrian authorities questioned why search and rescue operations were called off before the fate of 10 sailors was known.

Syria has called for an “independent and transparent” investigation into the sinking of a cargo ship in the Black Sea, demanding answers over the fate of the ship’s 10 crew members, including nine Syrians and an Egyptian, who remain unaccounted for.

The Togolese-flagged Alfa Watan, went down in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone early on Tuesday, amid a rising number of drone strikes hitting Black Sea shipping during the Russia-Ukraine war.

It is unclear who carried out the attack.

Mazen Aloush, from the Syria’s port authority asked the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Bulgarian authorities to find out why a search and rescue mission was called off, before the missing sailors were found.

“Their fate is still unknown” said Aloush, adding that “the reasons that led to the suspension of search and rescue operations” had to be established.

The attack on Tuesday also hit the Palau-flagged Able, setting it ablaze. Eighteen Turkish and Indian crew members were rescued from the burning vessel, while the Alfa Watan sank.

Both commercial ships were managed by Turkey-based companies, according to the Equasis merchant shipping database.

The Syrian sailors’ union said contact with the ship’s crew had been lost and no survivors had been found after search operations were halted.

Aloush condemned the targeting of a civilian commercial vessel saying it was a serious breach of maritime security and a threat to sailors.

He said Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs was closely monitoring the incident.

He urged ⁠authorities to use all available technical means to locate and inspect the wreckage to help establish what caused the ship to sink.

He called for international and maritime bodies to strengthen measures to help commercial shipping as attacks in the Black Sea rise.