5 Political Myths That Won’t Die

Published on May 18, 2025

by Eva Rust

Politics is full of slogans, assumptions, and half-truths that get repeated so often they start to feel like facts. But just because something is widely believed doesn’t make it true. In fact, some of the most persistent political ideas are based on outdated or misleading narratives.

This article unpacks five political myths that continue to shape debate and policy, even though they’ve been debunked by data, history, or logic. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: Most Voters Are Moderates in the Middle

It’s a comforting idea that most voters are centrists who reject partisan extremes. But research shows that many voters hold a mix of liberal and conservative views—not because they’re centrists, but because they’re inconsistent or issue-driven.

In practice, many self-identified ‘moderates’ are disengaged or non-ideological. The assumption of a stable center misrepresents voter behavior.

Here are some key realities behind this myth:

Moderate labels often reflect political disengagement, not balanced ideology.
Issue-based variation is common—voters may be economically conservative but socially liberal, or vice versa.
Parties targeting the middle may fail to energize their base or address core voter concerns.

Myth #2: High Turnout Always Favors One Party

It’s commonly believed that high voter turnout benefits Democrats and low turnout favors Republicans. While this might hold in some scenarios, it’s not a fixed rule.

Turnout effects depend on who is mobilized and why—not just how many show up. Assuming one party always benefits oversimplifies complex dynamics.

Consider the following factors:

Conservative voters can be just as energized by turnout drives, especially around cultural issues.
Demographics like age, education, and location influence turnout trends more than raw numbers.
Turnout spikes in 2020 benefited both parties in different regions and races.

Myth #3: Independents Decide Every Election

Independents are often portrayed as swing voters, holding the keys to electoral outcomes. But many independents consistently lean toward one party—they simply reject the label.

The idea that most independents are persuadable swing voters is largely exaggerated.

Here’s why the myth doesn’t hold up:

Leaning independents vote predictably for one party in most races.
True swing voters are a small subset of the electorate—often less engaged and less likely to vote.
Mobilization of partisans usually matters more than persuading independents.

Myth #4: The U.S. Has Low Voter Turnout Because of Apathy

It’s easy to blame low turnout on laziness or indifference. But in reality, many people face systemic and logistical barriers to voting that have nothing to do with apathy.

Understanding these barriers reveals the deeper issues behind participation rates.

Voter registration rules vary by state and often create confusion or inaccessibility.
Work schedules and transportation make voting difficult for many, especially on weekdays.
Polling place closures disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities.
Voter ID laws and purges can discourage or prevent eligible voters from casting ballots.

Myth #5: Politics Is More Polarized Than Ever

There’s no doubt that partisan hostility has grown in recent decades. But historical perspective shows that the U.S. has experienced deep political divisions before—sometimes even more intense than today.

What feels different now is the amplification of polarization, not necessarily its depth.

Here are some contributors to that perception:

Media echo chambers intensify ideological bubbles and outrage.
Party sorting means liberals and conservatives are more consistently aligned by party than in past eras.
Gerrymandering and primary systems reward extreme positions over broad appeal.
Historical episodes like the 1960s and 1860s featured equally sharp divisions and political violence.

Why These Myths Persist

Political myths endure because they offer easy narratives and reinforce existing beliefs. They thrive in soundbite-driven media and get repeated by politicians with incentives to simplify complex realities.

Media shortcuts often trade accuracy for clarity, and politicians benefit from portraying themselves as centrist or popular. Myths create emotional certainty, which facts sometimes disrupt. Educational gaps leave voters vulnerable to repeated misinformation. This combination creates an environment where oversimplified or false narratives can flourish and become embedded in public discourse.

Furthermore, myths persist because they provide psychological comfort. They help individuals navigate complex and overwhelming political landscapes by offering digestible explanations. People are more likely to accept ideas that confirm their worldview or align with their social group, and once myths take hold, they’re difficult to dislodge—even in the face of contradictory evidence.

How to Challenge Political Myths

Debunking myths takes more than facts. It requires reframing narratives, encouraging curiosity, and building media literacy among citizens.

Effective myth-busting begins with asking better questions and challenging the assumptions behind widely held beliefs. Promoting primary sources and placing statistics in proper context help counteract misinformation. Public discourse benefits when individuals model nuance and avoid black-and-white thinking. Supporting independent media that prioritizes investigative rigor and diverse perspectives can also push back against simplistic narratives that dominate mainstream channels.

Takeaway

Political myths endure because they’re simple and satisfying. But in a world that desperately needs nuance, letting go of convenient falsehoods is a powerful act of citizenship.

By questioning the stories we take for granted, we become more engaged, more informed, and more ready to shape a system that reflects reality—not just rhetoric.