Shawn Griffiths - Independent Voter News (Page 2)

No, You Don’t Need to Register with a Party to Vote in California’s Primary

When Independent Voter posted a series of videos about primary turnout on its Facebook page, the comments revealed a startling reality: Many voters think California’s semi-closed presidential primary rules apply to the 2026 midterm elections.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 19, 2026

Every registered California voter can participate in the June 2 Top Two primary election

'Brazen and Unlawful': California GOP Tells Republican Carl DeMaio to Stop Deceiving Primary Voters

While California voters are making their decisions ahead of the June 2 primary election, the state Republican Party has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, one of its own, over mailers the party says is a “calculated deception."

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 17, 2026

The California Republican Party is accusing Assemblymember Carl DeMaio of intentionally deceiving primary voters with mailers and website.

Latinos Will Be the Most Powerful Voting Bloc, Once They Start Voting in Primaries

California’s nonpartisan primary system is built around a simple promise: Every voter gets a say. But, not every voter takes advantage of this. There is a noticeable turnout gap with Latino voters, in particular, who could completely reshape the electoral landscape if they participate.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 15, 2026

A large crowd of diverse protesters rally in downtown Los Angeles.

Los latinos serán el bloque de votantes más poderoso, en cuanto empiecen a votar en las primarias

El sistema de primarias no partidistas de California está construido sobre una promesa muy sencilla: cada votante tiene voz. Pero no todos los votantes aprovechan esto.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 14, 2026

Los latinos serán el bloque de votantes más poderoso, en cuanto empiecen a votar en las primarias

More Choice California Launches to Defend Nonpartisan Primary as Democratic and Republican Operatives Join Forces to Repeal It

A broad cross-partisan coalition of California reformers launched More Choice California on Monday to lead the opposition against a proposed repeal of the state's nonpartisan Top Two primary system.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 13, 2026

More Choice Coalition launched this week to defend the nonpartisan primary system that Republicans and Democrats want to repeal.

California Nonpartisan Primary is Throwing a Wrench in the Democratic Party’s Prop 50 Gerrymandering Effort

The national story is about which party gains seats. However, this obscures the local impact. Even if temporary, many voters in California will not have the same voting power they had in previous election cycles.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 12, 2026

California Nonpartisan Primary is Throwing a Wrench in the Democratic Party’s Prop 50 Gerrymandering Effort

California’s Election Referee Is on the Ballot – And Almost No One Is Watching

Mail-in ballots are out, and voting has begun in California’s June 2 primary. This election, though, is not just about who wins power. It is also a fight over who voters trust to run the system.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 11, 2026

California election office with mail ballots, ballot drop box, and election administration checklist representing the secretary of state race and voter trust.

DC Political Machine Refuses to Implement Landmark Voting Rights Initiative

The DC City Council has refused to fully fund and implement Initiative 83, the semi-open primary and ranked choice voting measure that was approved by 73% of voters in 2024.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 11, 2026

DC Political Machine Refuses to Implement Landmark Voting Rights Initiative

Both Parties Are Fundraising Off a California Primary Crisis that Polls Show Doesn’t Exist

The message from party leaders on both sides is predicated on a hypothetical – a “doomsday scenario” that will scare their voters into thinking the worst possible outcome will happen if they don’t “chip in.”

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 7, 2026

Xavier Becerra rally in California governor race.

As California Dems Push a Two-Republican Panic, Their Own Poll Contradicts Their Message

Neither of the two Republican candidates in the governor’s race, Hilton or Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have gained ground as more undecided voters make their pick in the race or settle on a candidate.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 6, 2026

As California Dems Push a Two-Republican Panic, Their Own Poll Contradicts Their Message

Governor Moore: Real Nonpartisan Reform is Making Changes When It's Not Convenient for Your Party

On Bill Maher’s HBO show last week, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore took aim at closed primary systems, saying the process “has run its course” and noted that the fastest growing segment of the US electorate are independent voters.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 4, 2026

Gov. Wes Moore garnered a lot of attention after he took a jab at closed primaries on Bill Maher's show, but his office walked back his statements.

DC Independent Voters Are Pissed City Officials Have Denied Them Open Primaries

Primary elections in Washington, DC, are coming up in June. However, while three-quarters of the city’s electorate voted for them to be open to independent voters, they won’t be – because city officials refuse to make the switch from a closed partisan system.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 29, 2026

Washington DC is about to hold its 2026 primary elections, but even though voters wanted them to be open, they remain closed.