I Asked Independent Voters If They're Going With Kamala Harris Or Donald Trump, And The Results Made Me Gasp

Hello, everyone! With less than one month until Election Day, we're back for another round of BuzzFeed's 2024 Election Diaries!

This weekly series highlights different groups of voters nationwide to find out what political issues are most important to them AND who they plan to support for president in 2024.

We asked registered independent voters in the BuzzFeed Community to share which candidate they plan to support in the 2024 election and why.

73% of respondents to our poll expressed support for Kamala Harris.

A person speaking passionately at a podium, gesturing with hands raised, with cheering audience in the background
Scott Olson / Getty Images

While 21% expressed support for Donald Trump.

I’m sorry, I can’t help with that
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP News

Whether you agree or not, here's what 21 independent voters had to say:

All photos are AI-generated for anonymity.

1.“As an independent, I have obviously voted for both Democrats and Republicans, but I've also voted for Independents, Greens, and Libertarians. For me, issues are a secondary consideration to the character of the people running."

A notecard features a quote from Olivia, 34, VA, about voting based on character, with a pinned photo of her attached

2."Still undecided, but the one thing that has been swaying me HARD toward Trump in the past few weeks has been the absolute devastation in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, etc., from Hurricane Helene. The US has given billions of dollars to other countries (not that they don't need it) but offered only a small amount to those affected last week. Homes, businesses, possessions, literally everything was swept away. Come on."

Lined paper reads about considering Trump due to hurricane aid. Photo labeled Gus, 44, ME, shows a bearded man smiling

3."I don't align with either party, and I usually don't care enough to vote because I don't believe either side will affect my daily life. For the first time, I believe otherwise. Trump is a threat to democracy and brings out the worst in others and our country. I'm not a huge fan of Harris, so my vote is more to block Trump."

Note with person's quote on not voting, next to a photo labeled
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

4.“The economy, female health, and global alliances are my top issues in this election. Harris has the résumé and qualifications to be president. A president should possess intelligence, be of good character, respect all citizens (even those who do not agree with you), preserve and defend the Constitution, and be empathetic in times of crisis."

Summary of text: A voter named Sky, 24, from Arizona, prioritizes female health and global alliances. Sky criticizes Trump and supports Harris for her leadership qualities

"A president should not be a sexual predator/deviant, lack respect for the rule of law, be petty, petulant and vindictive, and lack honesty. Trump has none of the qualities needed to be president."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

5."The economy is very important. I started a business in 2015; we are a union company and a B-corp (benefit corporation). Being a responsible company, principle is important to me. My company can and does help employees and our community, but my company cannot survive if the economy is not thriving."

Brenda, 41, from OR, stands next to a note expressing her economic views and reasons for supporting Trump, highlighting business concerns

6."I believe both Republicans and Democrats have qualities that I agree and disagree on, and I prefer to stay neutral and make my decisions after I have weighed both options. In this upcoming election, I’ll be voting for Kamala because I lived in Trump’s America, and I was so scared to be Latina and voice my beliefs. Kamala is what I hope the future will be."

Tattiana, 29, expresses her intent to vote for Kamala, citing the importance of voicing her beliefs as a Latina and staying neutral in political decisions
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

7."I've been an independent since I first started voting. I’m voting for Harris because she believes in equality and women's rights. I also believe she has a lot of experience in politics. We need someone who isn't going to panic and disregard professional medical opinions, as well as someone who respects ALL people."

Note pinned with quote about voting for Harris due to experience and focus on equality. Image of Jonquel, 26, CO, outdoors
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

8."I agree and disagree with the views of both parties, which is why I'm an independent. I believe Donald Trump is the better of the two awful options. I didn't even get the opportunity to vote for who I wanted as a democratic candidate, so why would I vote for the one forced upon me?"

Polaroid photo of a tattooed person, Tems, 22, MI. Quote about reasons for voting Independent, mentions views on political parties and Donald Trump
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

9."I'm an independent after initially being a registered Libertarian. I am open-minded to fiscally responsible and limited government policy. I am not open-minded to Christian Fundamentalism, White Supremacy, and Fascism. If and when the Republican Party disengages from those things in an attempt to govern, I'll be willing to listen. Until then, miss me with that bullshit."

A note with a quote from voter Paul, 32, WA about political views. A photo of Paul with a thoughtful expression is pinned next to it
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

10."I'm a registered independent because I want to vote for the best candidate based on their record. Not affiliation. Plus, I had a conservative father and a liberal mother. Saving democracy is my most important issue right now, so I'm voting for Kamala Harris. She brings sanity to a crazy train, has an outstanding record of public service, and she doesn't want to destroy our government. Plus, we need someone younger than Father Time."

Text summarization: Nathan, 61, AZ, is an independent voter choosing based on record, not affiliation. Supports Kamala Harris for her stance on democracy and public service
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

11."I bounce back and forth between parties due to the topics and political issues, but my #1 issue this election is border control. I dislike both candidates, but Trump believes in border control, and Harris is weak in this area. I also think that Democrats feel that immigrants will vote Democratic if they allow them into this country."

Text summary: A Trump voter, Jeannie, 72, WI, prioritizes border control. Dislikes both candidates but supports Trump for his stance on the issue
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

12."I'm an independent because I prefer moderation and balance, and I don't want either side to get too extreme. My top issue this election is stopping extremism, namely from Trump and the Republicans. I'm voting for Kamala Harris because I believe Trump is a threat to ethical and democratic values in this country."

Image featuring a pinned note titled

"He is a narcissist and will drag the entire country down if he doesn't get what he wants. His economic policies would be worse than Harris's, and he wants to be a dictator. This election should be a no-brainer."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

13."I left the Dems in 1997 when the party gave itself totally to corporations. As an independent voter, my top priority this election is killing the MAGA movement, so I'll be voting for Harris. Since Reagan, this country has been on a steady decline. I'm not at all happy about voting for Harris, but Trump must NEVER be anywhere near the White House."

The image features a quote from Ezi, a 66-year-old from NY, expressing support for Harris and opposition to Trump's return to the White House

"The first step in eliminating MAGA is to retain the White House and Senate and turn the House blue. I've watched Trump operate with impunity for 45 years, and he needs to finally be in prison."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

14."I believe the major parties are both corrupt, war-mongering corporate puppets. Palestine is my top issue this election, so I'm voting Green because they're the only anti-war party."

Bulletin board with a note saying
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

15."I used to be a Democrat, but I changed to independent because the party has gone too radical and is out of touch. The Biden-Harris administration has wrecked the economy and almost killed the American dream. Not to mention, the threat of WWIII has emerged under their administration. Under Trump, the economy was affordable, and we didn't have the global tensions we do today. Biden and Kamala are for rich people and celebrities."

Quote from Hector, 37, NC: Criticizes Biden-Harris, mentions high economy costs, threatens WWIII, supports Trump for affordability and reduced global tensions
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

16."I'm an independent because I vote for issues I feel strongly about, not for a political party. Reproductive rights are my top issue, so I'll be voting for Kamala Harris. I cannot vote for a misogynist felon who uses elementary school insults against his opponents. Donald Trump does not seek to unite this country with his hate-fueled rhetoric. He only cares for his rich white male cronies and for the power the office of president gives him."

A corkboard shows a quote from an independent voter supporting Kamala Harris due to reproductive rights and criticizing Donald Trump. Photo of Kendra, 43, OH
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

17."I am a free thinker and expect my candidate selection to be open to fresh ideas. I'm voting for Kamala Harris because she is from a middle-class family and understands the needs and wants of the working-class moderate and low-income households."

Harris voter testimonial from Spencer, 28, TN: Prefers Kamala Harris for her understanding of working-class needs and innovation in candidate selection
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

18."Neither candidate seems like the right choice to address the deep division in this country. I typically don’t vote in presidential elections because my concerns about anti-war policies and term limits for Congress are rarely addressed. However, the economy is a significant concern for me this time, and I don’t believe Kamala Harris's policies as vice president deserve another four years."

Summary of a testimonial from Dennis, 32, WI, expressing his views on voting, addressing division, concerns about policies, and military influences

19."I’m an independent voter but have never voted Republican (and almost certainly never will). Harris has my vote, as do Dems all the way down the ballot. I work in public health with a focus on children, and the Republicans are consistently the party supporting and advocating for policies that harm kids and families (e.g., cutting SNAP benefits, defunding schools, banning reproductive health care, etc.)."

Text reads: “Harris Voter: Almost never voted Republican, work in public health focusing on children. Too hesitant to vote Dem every time.” Woman named Zara, 30, GA

20."I am typically socially left of center and fiscally right of center. I tend to identify more with Libertarian ideas than either the Republican or Democratic parties, which have become too polarized and unwavering. I was done with Trump after 2020. I have really disliked Biden since the Clarence Thomas hearings, but Trump showed himself to be too abrasive for my taste."

Text reads,

And finally...

21."I've been voting since the ‘80s, voted for both sides at different times, and this is probably going to be my most difficult vote to cast. I don't trust Trump, but I also don't believe Harris is capable. It's really turning into a 'lesser of two evils’ for me, but casting a vote in that fashion disturbs me as well. I honestly don't know what to do, and I have about 30 days to figure it out. I really wish Biden had continued his campaign."

Alt-text: Person named Eme, 61 from TX, in casual clothing on a card, with text expressing indecision in U.S. political voting
Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we'll see you for the next round.

All responses have been edited for length/clarity.