Indianapolis, IN (December 15, 2025) — Independent Indiana today released more results from a statewide survey of registered voters conducted October 4–7, 2025, by North Star Opinion Research.

The polling was commissioned as part of Independent Indiana’s Report on Competitive Elections in Indiana, where the full data is included in the appendix of that document. 

The survey of 604 registered voters (margin of error ±3.99%) provides a detailed snapshot of voter attitudes toward Indiana’s political climate, the two-party system, and independent candidates. 

Read the full survey presentation here.

Key Findings

A Majority Believe Indiana Is on the Wrong Track

Nearly two-thirds of voters (63%) say Indiana is headed in the wrong direction, compared to just 34% who believe the state is on the right track (see slide 10). 

This sentiment cuts across party lines and reflects broader dissatisfaction with the current political environment.

Both Major Parties Are Unpopular

Indiana voters hold unfavorable views of both major parties:

• Indiana Republican Party: 33% favorable, 45% unfavorable

• Indiana Democratic Party: 25% favorable, 43% unfavorable

In addition, a majority of voters (53%) say they are dissatisfied with the choices of candidates in Indiana elections (slide 15). 

Voters Say the Two-Party System Leaves Too Many People Out

By more than a three-to-one margin, Hoosiers believe the views of too many people are left out by the Republican and Democratic parties (69% say too many people are left out vs. 21% who say the parties do a good job representing most Hoosiers — slide 16). 

Strong Support for Independent Candidates

While a plurality of voters describe independent candidates as “spoilers” (39%), support dramatically increases when voters believe an independent can win.

• 88% say they would be likely to vote for an independent candidate they agreed with who had a chance to win — including 59% who say they would be very likely to do so (slide 20). 

• 50% of voters say they have previously voted for a non-Republican or non-Democrat candidate (slide 18). 

• 82% say it is a good idea to make it easier for independent candidates to run for state and local office (slide 24). 

Additionally, two-thirds of voters (67%) believe it is unfair that independent candidates must collect thousands of signatures to get on the ballot for Congress while Republican and Democratic candidates do not (slide 22). 

Voters Prefer Outsiders

A majority of voters (51%) say they prefer political “outsiders” who will challenge the system, even if it makes it harder to get things done, compared to 26% who prefer insiders (slide 12). 

Reform Issues Rank Highest

When asked what issues are most important in state and local elections, the top concerns included:

• Reducing government corruption and increasing transparency (88% very important)

• Keeping schools safe and preventing gun violence (84%)

• Addressing cost of living, including housing, groceries, and gas (82%)

• Improving health care access and affordability (79%)

• Improving public education and workforce training (78%)

• Strengthening the economy and supporting small business (75%)

(See slide 26.) 

About the Survey

The survey was conducted October 4–7, 2025, among 604 Indiana registered voters using a mixed-mode methodology (live cell, live landline, and text-to-web). Quotas were set to reflect geographic distribution, age, race, education, and gender consistent with Indiana’s electorate (see methodology on slide 2). 

This polling was commissioned by Independent Indiana in support of its broader analysis of competitiveness and voter choice in Indiana elections.

Conclusion

The data are clear: Hoosiers are dissatisfied with the direction of the state, frustrated with the two-party system, and overwhelmingly open to independent candidates who can offer a credible alternative.

Independent Indiana will continue working to advance competitive elections, fair ballot access, and meaningful choices for voters across the state.

Download the survey presentation.