The American people have spoken – 66% want an independent to run.

WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 23, 2012 - As uncertainty reigns in the presidential selection process, one trend is consistently emerging – more than ever before, American voters want the option of electing a third candidate. They have made it clear – they are not ready to settle for the current field of candidates.

New polling from Americans Elect shows Americans evenly divided between voting for a Democrat, a Republican, and an independent-minded presidential candidate. This polling is consistent with other national polls that demonstrate the need for a new way to pick a president.

According to the Americans Elect poll, about two­?thirds of voters (66 percent) believe it is important for an independent to run for president in 2012. A solid majority is favorable towards an independent running against the Democratic and Republican nominees.  About one?quarter (26 percent) say they are absolutely certain or very likely to vote for an independent presidential candidate. When those who say “possibly” are included, that number jumps to 64 percent.

“These numbers show unprecedented support for an independent candidate taking on the established two party system.  With a solid 66 percent of the voters believing it is important for an independent to run for president in 2012, Americans Elect’s credibility and importance in this election cycle cannot be argued against,” said Douglas Schoen, former pollster for Bill Clinton and senior advisor to Americans Elect.

The poll further indicated that voters are split almost evenly when presented with a choice of a generic Democratic ticket, a generic Republican ticket, and a unity ticket with a Democratic and Republican as President and Vice President. Twenty-six percent say they would vote for the generic Democratic ticket, 26 percent say they would vote for the generic Republican ticket and 24 percent say they would vote for the unity ticket.

“The American people have spoken and Americans Elect is listening. We always knew that this would be a three-horse race. Now with these latest poll numbers we are certain it will be a three-way race giving the American people more choice,” said Elliot Ackerman, Americans Elect Chief Operating Officer.  “With 50 state ballot access, and a dissatisfied and unsettled American public, Americans Elect is the serious third choice on the ballot. Not only will it offer more choices, but it will open the process up, creating a renewal in our democratic system that allows greater participation.”

Let’s Make History!

Americans Elect