The Chokehold Strangling Our Democratic Republic

Closed or Partisan Primary Elections. Most Americans have no idea how important the primary elections are to our democratic process. In a country where over 80% of congressional races are "safe" (i.e., the district leans so far to the left or right that the other party doesn't stand a chance), most of the time, the Primary Election is the only election that matters. It is the "gatekeeper" for our electoral process and ultimately, our government.

[If you have more time, please check out the Executive Summary in this fantastic new report from The Unite America Institute: "The Primary Problem."]

In too many states, if you are an independent / unaffiliated voter, like me, and you refuse to register with a private political party then you don't get to participate in the publicly funded primary election. This is taxation without the ability for me to choose my preferred representation! Even worse, our closed primary systems means we have veterans---some of whom helped administer elections in foreign countries---who can't even participate in the most important election here at home. This is not only undemocratic, it's unconscionable!

When we ask, why is our government so dysfunctional? Why does barely any substantive legislation get passed with bi-partisan support any more? Closed, partisan primary elections are one of the main reasons.

Closed primaries are the single biggest act of voter suppression in our democracy. Even worse, they fuel extremism and lead to partisan dysfunction. Most politicians live in fear of being "primaried" by someone more extreme than them. This creates a perverse system where politicians who work for a more moderate compromise get penalized. When the choice is between making a common sense, bi-partisan compromise, or getting re-elected, guess which option most politicians choose? The result, partisan stalemates and never-ending dysfunction.

Here's the GOOD NEWS: "we the people" can change the system through wise, powerful reforms such as OPEN, NONpartisan (single ballot) primary elections. As an unaffiliated / independent voter, open, single ballot primary elections (where every single candidate competes on one ballot, regardless of party affiliation) are the most important reform for us to fight for. I want to see open, nonpartisan (single ballot) primary elections in every single state by 2028, and I'm actively building a national organization to achieve this goal. This is not pie in the sky thinking.

Alaska gives us hope. Last November, Alaska voters passed "Final-Four Voting" for all of their federal congressional elections. Under this new, innovative voting system, all candidates will compete on a single ballot in the primary election, with the top four candidates advancing to the general election where ranked-choice voting (RCV, a/k/a "instant runoff") is used to pick a winner.

The new Final-Four voting system in Alaska allows independent or minor party candidates to compete on a level playing field. It also incentivizes more collaborative campaigning. With a single ballot primary, and ranked-choice voting in the general election, you can't win by demonizing your opponents. Candidates who run on extreme, divisive and fear-based rhetoric will no longer have the upper-hand. Perhaps best of all: this outstanding political innovation prevents elected officials (such as Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski) from having to govern out of fear; the fear of being "primaried" by someone more extreme than them!

There is a growing movement to implement "Final-Five Voting" in states across the country (same system as Alaska, but one more candidate makes it to the general election, which is even better because more competition means better results). If you are interested in learning more, and how the fiercely cross-partisan, national reform community I'm actively building intends to support these reforms, please contact me today!