IVN: “Gallup’s latest polling found that 49% of Americans self-identify as independent of the two major parties. The record-setting number shows voters’ growing dissatisfaction with the US political process and their options. Notably, Gallup analyst Jeff Jones observed that Gen X and Millennials are bucking a historical trend.  In the past it was not uncommon for young voters to say they were independent and then as they got older, they would settle on a party because the system only gives them two choices. Gen X and Millennials, however, are largely remaining independent.  Jones acknowledged that voters’ responses to the poll can be attributed to “the disillusionment with the political system, U.S. institutions and the two parties, which are seen as ineffectual, too political and too extreme.”