In a historic shift, self-identified independents accounted for a larger share of voters than Democrats in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election, forming the largest voter bloc along with Republicans, according to exit poll data from Edison Research.

This is the first time since Edison began conducting exit polls in 2004 that independent parties have surpassed either of the two main political parties in terms of turnout.

The latest data shows that 34% of voters consider themselves independent, compared to 34% for Republicans and 32% for Democrats.

This represents an increase of 8 percentage points from the 2020 election, when independents made up 26% of the electorate.

The rise in independent turnout reflects a growing trend of voters distancing themselves from the two-party system and signals a shift in how crucial swing states can be decided in 2024.

Independents, often seen as the key deciding factor in closely contested elections, are expected to play a major role in determining the outcome of this year’s race.

According to the latest results, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck among independent voters, with Trump gaining ground from the previous election.

Currently, Trump has scored significant victories in crucial battleground states, including Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

His swing state victories, including Fox News’ predictions of an expected victory in Pennsylvania, increased his chances of securing the needed 270 electoral votes.

Although independents have historically favored Democratic candidates, the 2024 election has seen a significant shift in Trump’s favor among this crucial voting bloc.

In the latest exit polls, 45% of independents said they voted for Trump, compared to 50% for Harris. This represents a 4 percentage point improvement for Trump over 2020, when he earned 41% of the independent vote, while Harris earned 55%.

Although Democrats maintain a slight lead overall among independents, Trump’s gains reflect his growing appeal to voters disillusioned with the current political establishment.

This shift is especially important in key swing states, where independents can determine the outcome of the election.

The increasing influence of independent voters in the 2024 elections underlines the challenges facing both parties, as neither party has a clear majority of the electorate.

For Democrats, independent voter turnout poses a significant hurdle, especially in swing states where Trump has made gains.

To secure a victory, Harris must work to consolidate support among independents while energizing core Democratic voters in urban areas and marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign will likely continue to focus on economic issues, national security and appeal to growing dissatisfaction among independent voters with the current administration.

The increase in independent voter turnout will play a crucial role in the outcome of several key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada, where the race is expected to remain tight.

In these states, independent voters could ultimately determine the direction of the election, especially in districts where Republican and Democratic bases are closely aligned.

As the 2024 elections unfold, both parties will need to adapt their strategies to address the concerns of independent voters.

The shift in voter behavior signals that the traditional two-party system is under increasing pressure, and that candidates will have to work together with a broader, more diverse electorate to secure a victory.

The continued rise of independent voters will likely shape the future of American elections, and 2024 could prove to be a pivotal moment in the continued evolution of the American political landscape.