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Shawn Griffiths
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
Pew: Half of US Voters Would Replace Trump AND Biden on the Ballot If Given Chance
Pew: Half of US Voters Would Replace Trump AND Biden on the Ballot If Given Chance
US voters are largely unhappy with the options the two major parties have given them in the 2024 presidential election. While Hillary Clinton says these voters need to get over themselves, Pew Research has found that she is talking to most of the country.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Independent Voter Suppression in Pennsylvania
Breaking Down the Numbers: Independent Voter Suppression in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania held its primary elections Tuesday, which effectively acted as the general election in most cases. However, statewide, over a million voters had to sit on the sidelines because of the state's closed primary rules.
DNC Loses Its First Attempt to Kick RFK Jr Off the Ballot
DNC Loses Its First Attempt to Kick RFK Jr Off the Ballot
Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr will officially appear on the Hawaii ballot after a ruling Friday blocked an effort by the Democratic Party to disqualify him from ballot access. It marks the first loss by the DNC in its legal strategy to limit voters' choices on the 2024 presidential ballot.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Declares His Support for Ranked Choice Voting
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Declares His Support for Ranked Choice Voting
In a recent episode of The Purple Principle, a podcast that examines democracy and polarization from a nonpartisan lens, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said that while he was skeptical of ranked choice voting at first, he now sees it as a meaningful solution to elect candidates with the broadest appeal.
How Maine Started a Voter Revolution, And Is Now Going Backwards
How Maine Started a Voter Revolution, And Is Now Going Backwards
Election reformers have looked to Maine for several years now as a pioneer in adopting policy solutions that put voters first in elections. Maine voters have taken it upon themselves to enact better elections – and have won major victories.
Top Four Nonpartisan Primary Initiative in Idaho Surpasses 84,000 Signatures
Top Four Nonpartisan Primary Initiative in Idaho Surpasses 84,000 Signatures
An initiative that would open the taxpayer-funded electoral process in Idaho to all voters has more than 84,000 signatures, according to the group spearheading the initiative, Idahoans for Open Primaries. 
New Guide Shows You How to Vote at Home in Your State
New Guide Shows You How to Vote at Home in Your State
Many voters prefer the ease and convenience of being able to cast a ballot by mail. However, the rules that govern mail-in and absentee voting are not always well-known -- especially since they vary from state to state.
Greg Orman: The Independent Who Got 42% of the Vote Against an Incumbent in Kansas
Greg Orman: The Independent Who Got 42% of the Vote Against an Incumbent in Kansas
When I think of Mike Johnson’s position as Speaker of the House, I can’t help but think of a salmon swimming upstream to spawn - struggling against currents and avoiding the jaws of grizzly bears only to get to his final destination and die.
A Look at the Millions of Taxpayers Denied an Equal Voice in Elections
A Look at the Millions of Taxpayers Denied an Equal Voice in Elections
If there is one day out of the year that many Americans collectively dread it is April 15 -- Tax Day. But for millions of US voters, it is also a reminder that while they help foot the bill for elections, they are denied the right to an equal vote in them.
The Irony of Gov. Glenn Youngkin Vetoing a Ranked Choice Voting Bill
The Irony of Gov. Glenn Youngkin Vetoing a Ranked Choice Voting Bill
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has said no to a bill that would clarify how ranked choice voting (RCV) is supposed to work in local elections -- which is odd considering the only reason Youngkin is governor is because of a RCV nomination process at the 2021 Virginia GOP convention. 
If Trump or Biden Don't Want to Debate, Give The Stage to Someone Else
If Trump or Biden Don't Want to Debate, Give The Stage to Someone Else
Major national news outlets reportedly are drafting an open letter to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump's campaigns urging them to debate this fall. Biden has threatened not to debate at all, and Trump doesn't have a solid track record committing to debates.
The Electoral College Reform the Nation Needs is Not What Either Party Wants
The Electoral College Reform the Nation Needs is Not What Either Party Wants
Nebraska is one of only two states that has a system that awards its Electoral College votes based on the popular vote in each of its congressional districts. However, there is a contingent of state lawmakers who want to change this with the support of former President Donald Trump.
New Campaign Launches to Ease Panic over Elections that Go Into 'Overtime'
New Campaign Launches to Ease Panic over Elections that Go Into 'Overtime'
The worse political polarization gets, the more anxiety people feel over close elections. Accusations surface about rigged processes, frustration builds when results aren't called on Election Night, threats against election workers surface, and errors in reporting are made.
The Missouri Resolution Designed to Sucker Voters into Banning Ranked Choice Voting
The Missouri Resolution Designed to Sucker Voters into Banning Ranked Choice Voting
There is a resolution in the Missouri Legislature that if approved by voters would ban the use of ranked choice voting (RCV). However, RCV isn't the sole subject. There is another provision meant to trick voters into supporting it. 
Penn. Voter: Closed Primaries Are a Modern Version of 'Taxation Without Representation'
Penn. Voter: Closed Primaries Are a Modern Version of 'Taxation Without Representation'
Efforts to reform Pennsylvania's closed partisan primary system continue with groups like Ballot PA urging state lawmakers to give independent voters equal voting rights in the state's taxpayer-funded elections process.
10 Years Ago, IVN Warned CA Independents Not to be Fooled by the American Independent Party -- But the Issue Persists
10 Years Ago, IVN Warned CA Independents Not to be Fooled by the American Independent Party -- But the Issue Persists
On April 1, 2014, IVN was the first to cover a campaign that warned California independent voters not to be fooled when they registered to vote. But today, hundreds of thousands of voters are still registered with the American Independent Party by mistake.
DC Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting Ballot Measure
DC Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting Ballot Measure
The lawsuit was filed by the DC Democratic Party in August not long after the DC Board of Elections unanimously approved the reform initiative, now known as Initiative 83, to appear on the 2024 ballot. 
Green Party Leaders Say Major Parties Gutted Presidential Campaign Fund to 'Silence Opposition'
Green Party Leaders Say Major Parties Gutted Presidential Campaign Fund to 'Silence Opposition'
Tax season is here – a time of year many Americans dread. And like every year, when citizens file their taxes, they will be asked a question: "Would you be willing to give $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund?" 
John Avlon: Our Partisan-Controlled Election System Has Turned Congress into a Body of 'Spineless Cowards'
John Avlon: Our Partisan-Controlled Election System Has Turned Congress into a Body of 'Spineless Cowards'
Former CNN commentator John Avlon is running for Congress in New York's 1st Congressional District. Avlon is running in the Democratic primary, but he is no stranger to independent politics or the movements for independent reform.
The Next Big Win in Better Election Reform Could Come Where Voters Least Expect
The Next Big Win in Better Election Reform Could Come Where Voters Least Expect
Idaho isn't a state that gets much attention when people talk about politics in the US. However, this could change in 2024 if Idahoans for Open Primaries and their allies are successful with their proposed initiative.
Why Do We Accept Partisanship in Judicial Elections?
Why Do We Accept Partisanship in Judicial Elections?
The AP headline reads, "Ohio primary: Open seat on state supreme court could flip partisan control." This immediately should raise a red flag for voters, and not because of who may benefit but over a question too often ignored.
Smells Like Independent Spirit: Nirvana's Krist Novoselic and the Fight for Better Elections
Smells Like Independent Spirit: Nirvana's Krist Novoselic and the Fight for Better Elections
Former presidential candidate and co-founder of the Forward Party Andrew Yang sat down with Nirvana co-founder Krist Novoselic, who went from changing the status quo in music to bringing that independent spirit to the political arena and the fight for better elections.
TikTok Has No Place in the Two-Party Duopoly
TikTok Has No Place in the Two-Party Duopoly
The US House of Representatives voted 352-65 Wednesday in favor of a bill (HR 7521) that would ban TikTok, a social media app used by approximately 170 million Americans, if Chinese tech company ByteDance refuses to divest from it.
Report: 6-in-10 New Voters Register Unaffiliated in States that Suppress Independent Voters
Report: 6-in-10 New Voters Register Unaffiliated in States that Suppress Independent Voters
Mounting research continues to show the real truth behind independent voter suppression in several states across the US.
17% More Votes Count Under Ranked Choice Voting, Study Finds
17% More Votes Count Under Ranked Choice Voting, Study Finds
A new study analyzing all single-winner ranked choice voting (RCV) elections since 2004 reveals a significant increase in meaningful votes and representation in elections under RCV.
Two Key TX House Races Head to Expensive and Unnecessary Runoff Elections
Two Key TX House Races Head to Expensive and Unnecessary Runoff Elections
Two US House primaries in Texas are headed for runoffs in May. Voters who are already exhausted with the political process will be asked to go to the polls in elections that historically draw in half of the March primary's turnout -- which was abysmally low in 2024.
Free and Equal Foundation Hosts Debate the Parties Refuse to Offer
Free and Equal Foundation Hosts Debate the Parties Refuse to Offer
The Free and Equal Foundation hosted a presidential debate in New York City that featured third party candidates running in various states across the country. The event focused on many of the biggest issues facing the US, from immigration to criminal justice reform.
SCOTUS Ruling: States Cannot 'Protect Democracy' By Limiting Voters' Choices on the Ballot
SCOTUS Ruling: States Cannot 'Protect Democracy' By Limiting Voters' Choices on the Ballot
The Supreme Court of the United States unanimously ruled Monday that former President Donald Trump's name must remain on the Colorado Republican presidential primary ballot. The ruling, however, had much broader implications than just Trump.
LetUsVote: New Campaign Launches to End Discrimination Against Independent Voters
LetUsVote: New Campaign Launches to End Discrimination Against Independent Voters
Open Primaries, in partnership with Unite America, announced the launch of LetUsVote Wednesday, a nationwide initiative that aims to mobilize and empower independent voters, who make up the largest voting bloc in the US but are treated like second-class voters.
SC Governor Rejects Calls to Close Primaries; Squashes Claims of 'Party Raiding'
SC Governor Rejects Calls to Close Primaries; Squashes Claims of 'Party Raiding'
Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster does not support calls from within his party to close primary elections to registered party members only. He has long pushed back against claims that non-party members will infiltrate the primaries to manipulate outcomes.
Bill Designed to De-Politicize Virginia's Top Elections Job Runs into Partisan Trouble
Bill Designed to De-Politicize Virginia's Top Elections Job Runs into Partisan Trouble
A bill that would strip Virginia governors of their ability to handpick a party-loyal elections commissioner was approved with a unanimous vote in the state's House but has run into trouble in the state Senate.
Independent Voter Guide to the South Carolina GOP Presidential Primary
Independent Voter Guide to the South Carolina GOP Presidential Primary
The South Carolina Republican presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, February 24. It's an open primary, meaning any registered state voter can participate as long as they did not vote in the February 3 Democratic presidential primary.
California US Senate Race: What to Expect on March 5
California US Senate Race: What to Expect on March 5
The California primaries are coming up fast. On March 5, Super Tuesday, Californians will go to the polls, but while much of the nation's attention will be on the presidential contest, voters will participate in nonpartisan primaries for all non-presidential races in the state.
Over 23.5 Million Independent Voters Are Disenfranchised in 2024 Primaries, Study Finds
Over 23.5 Million Independent Voters Are Disenfranchised in 2024 Primaries, Study Finds
As the US kicks off the 2024 presidential election cycle, more than 23.5 million registered independent voters find themselves sidelined by closed presidential primaries in 22 states, a recent report from the Unite America Institute reveals.
If The Parties Can Ignore Primary Results, Why Not Let Everyone Vote?
If The Parties Can Ignore Primary Results, Why Not Let Everyone Vote?
Over 70,000 voters cast a ballot in the Republican primary -- and none of those votes are considered "legitimate" by the GOP.