Shawn Griffiths
Shawn is an election reform expert and National Editor of IVN.us. He studied history and philosophy at the University of North Texas. He joined the IVN team in 2012.
Articles by Shawn
IVP California Governor Poll Sparks Reddit Debate on Ranked Choice Voting
The Independent Voter Project (IVP) released a new poll this week that shows a seismic shift in the California governor’s race. But on Reddit, it also hit a nerve for many voters calling for ranked choice elections....
23 Apr, 2026
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6 min read
After Virginia Special Election, The Gerrymandering War Escalates Again
Virginia held a special election Tuesday on a referendum aimed at giving Democrats more seats in the US House. It was a close race, with “Yes” in favor of a legislative-drawn congressional map passing by a narrow 51.5% to 48.5%....
22 Apr, 2026
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5 min read
Who Funded the $100M Virginia Gerrymandering Referendum? Voters May Never Know
On Tuesday, Virginians will go to the polls and vote on a referendum that if passed will implement a temporary new congressional map that gives Democrats as much as a 10-1 advantage in House elections....
20 Apr, 2026
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10 min read
Judge Slams Door on New Attack Against California’s Top Two Primary
A group of minor parties in California challenged the state's nonpartisan Top Two primary in court and a federal judge handed them another loss, ruling in part that they can’t keep suing over arguments already rejected by other courts....
15 Apr, 2026
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4 min read
Can Buffalo Succeed Where NYC Failed on Election Reform?
The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission voted 7-2 Monday to pass a resolution that ensures it will explore open primaries, ranked choice voting (RCV), and expanded ballot access. It is not a guarantee on any reform, but it is a step closer to change....
14 Apr, 2026
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6 min read
Who Will Eric Swalwell Voters Choose Now? We Know
US Rep. Eric Swalwell has officially suspended his campaign for California governor in the midst of multiple sexual misconduct and assault allegations. He also announced Monday that he is resigning from Congress....
13 Apr, 2026
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4 min read
Why Can't Maine Use Ranked Choice Voting in Certain Elections? Its Supreme Court Just Answered – Again
In Maine, ranked choice voting is used in primary elections, US House and Senate general elections – even in presidential elections. However, the state Supreme Court issued an opinion this week that it can’t be used to decide races for governor and the state legislature....
09 Apr, 2026
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4 min read
Half of US States Are Now in Revolt Over Money in Politics
Idaho became the 25th state Wednesday to formally urge Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that allows federal and state legislative bodies to have greater authority over the flow of money in US politics. ...
08 Apr, 2026
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2 min read
10 States Where Independent Voters Will Decide the 2026 Elections
The 2026 midterm elections are already underway as states conduct their primary elections – and independent voters are expected to have a major impact on results from California to Maine and in several places in-between. ...
07 Apr, 2026
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9 min read