Gallup Poll Finds 62% Americans Support Third Party but Low Voting Commitment

A majority of Americans—around 62%—believe a third major political party is needed in the U.S., reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the two-party system. However, commitment to supporting third-party candidates in elections remains weak, with only about 15% saying they are very likely to vote for one, and many admitting they would switch their vote if their preferred third-party candidate seemed unlikely to win. Concerns are significant, as nearly 60% of voters worry that voting for a third-party candidate could waste their vote or inadvertently help elect their least preferred major party candidate. Support for a third party is particularly strong among younger voters, independents, and those who view both the Democratic and Republican parties unfavorably. Despite this, many Americans still view the two main parties as adequately representing the public to some extent. The polls, conducted in September 2025, highlight a persistent tension between the desire for political alternatives and the strategic hesitations that keep many voters anchored to the two-party system.