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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
Can A Special Forces Veteran Win as an Independent in North Carolina?
Can A Special Forces Veteran Win as an Independent in North Carolina?
In his latest podcast, former presidential candidate and Forward Party Co-Founder Andrew Yang sat down with Shelane Etchison, a Special Forces veteran running for Congress in North Carolina.
RFK Jr Defeats DNC Challenge in North Carolina to Appear on Ballot
RFK Jr Defeats DNC Challenge in North Carolina to Appear on Ballot
The North Carolina Board of Elections reversed an initial decision not to give independent candidate Robert F Kennedy's 'We the People' party ballot access in November.
Report: More States Banned Ranked Choice Voting in 2024 Than Any Other Year
Report: More States Banned Ranked Choice Voting in 2024 Than Any Other Year
Ballotpedia released a report on the increased efforts in various states across the US to ban ranked choice voting, a popular nonpartisan reform that continues to gain momentum.
Trump's Chance to Temper the Hyperbolic Rhetoric
Trump's Chance to Temper the Hyperbolic Rhetoric
In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, leaders on both sides of the aisle publicly called for unity and the tempering of extreme and hyperbolic language. But those calls have been better in theory, than practice.
Ranked Choice Poll: VP Harris Is the Favorite to Replace Biden
Ranked Choice Poll: VP Harris Is the Favorite to Replace Biden
A new ranked choice voting poll shows that if Democrats were to replace President Joe Biden on the party’s presidential ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris is the strong favorite. However, the numbers show she does not poll as well as Biden against former President Donald Trump.
Disagree Better: Group of Governors Have Worked to Cool Down the Political Rhetoric
Disagree Better: Group of Governors Have Worked to Cool Down the Political Rhetoric
Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, leaders of both major political parties have called for unity and for a change to the venomous rhetoric in US politics. 
Idaho Top 4 Initiative with Ranked Choice Voting Certified for November Ballot
Idaho Top 4 Initiative with Ranked Choice Voting Certified for November Ballot
The Idaho secretary of state announced this week that Idahoans for Open Primaries turned in enough signatures for its ballot initiative to end the state's closed primary system.
Richmond, Calif. Will Vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November
Richmond, Calif. Will Vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November
The Richmond City Council unanimously approved a ballot measure for November in a 5-0 vote that authorizes the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) for mayor and city council elections. 
Kennedy's Campaign Says It Has Gathered Signatures Needed for 27 States
Kennedy's Campaign Says It Has Gathered Signatures Needed for 27 States
The last couple of weeks have been eventful for independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, who may not have been invited to the CNN presidential debate but continues to rack up ballot access victories across the US.
The Partisan Perspective: Your Choice in November is Between Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
The Partisan Perspective: Your Choice in November is Between Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
In a system that was designed to perpetuate a zero-sum contest between two sides, the stakes get higher each election cycle to convince people they have to cast their ballot a certain way “or else.”
Gallup: Majority of Voters Declare Their Political Independence
Gallup: Majority of Voters Declare Their Political Independence
Gallup generally finds that independent voter ID falls between 40 to 50 percent of the electorate. However, 4 months out from November, the latest numbers show 51% of Americans now identify as independent of the two major parties. 
New Documentary Asks: What If Party Bosses Didn't Control How We Vote?
New Documentary Asks: What If Party Bosses Didn't Control How We Vote?
In 2022, Alaska voters used a new election system that changed the way state voters thought about elections.
Can A DC Campaign Bring Political Accountability and Inclusion to A One-Party Town?
Can A DC Campaign Bring Political Accountability and Inclusion to A One-Party Town?
It goes without saying that the District of Columbia is a one-party town. Out of the 13 seats that compose the DC City Council, 11 are held by Democrats, and the other two are held by officials registered as independent.
Voters Agree CNN Debate Was a Trainwreck... And It Is a Reflection of US Elections
Voters Agree CNN Debate Was a Trainwreck... And It Is a Reflection of US Elections
"It was a sad day for the country." Many voters have shared this exact sentiment in the days following the June 27 CNN presidential debate.
DC Campaign to Submit Over 40K Signatures for Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting
DC Campaign to Submit Over 40K Signatures for Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting
A DC campaign has collected more than 40,000 signatures to put an initiative on the city’s ballot that would open primary elections to independent voters and implement ranked choice voting in all District elections.
Virtual Discussion: Who Are Independent Voters?
Virtual Discussion: Who Are Independent Voters?
By the end of 2023, the average percentage of Americans that self-identified as independent was at 43%, which tied a record high set in 2017. However, even in an election year, this percentage isn't dropping.
Ahead of CNN Debate, 71% of Voters Are Not Happy
Ahead of CNN Debate, 71% of Voters Are Not Happy
A Harvard CAPS / Harris poll in May found that 71% of Americans want an independent or third-party candidate on the presidential debate stage. Yet, the rules for CNN's June 27 debate were set up to never allow more than two.
Bloomberg Editor Frank Barry: 'We've Designed a Government for Dysfunction, Polarization, and Extremism'
Bloomberg Editor Frank Barry: 'We've Designed a Government for Dysfunction, Polarization, and Extremism'
Bloomberg editor and author Frank Barry bought an RV and drove across the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway to connect the coasts, to explore the diverse landscape and people of the United States. 
Kennedy: My Exclusion from CNN Debate is ‘Undemocratic, Un-American, and Cowardly’
Kennedy: My Exclusion from CNN Debate is ‘Undemocratic, Un-American, and Cowardly’
US voters awoke Thursday to the news that the June 27 CNN presidential debate stage had been set. The network had its promotions ready for two candidates -- and only two candidates.
'Democracy' or 'Republic': The Debate Distracts from A Much Larger Problem
'Democracy' or 'Republic': The Debate Distracts from A Much Larger Problem
Once again, the US finds itself having a familiar discussion. Some people will use the term “democracy” to refer to the US, and then there will inevitably be some who respond with, “We’re not a democracy; we’re a republic.”
Gov. Lamont: Growing Consensus of Conn. Voters Favor Ranked Choice Voting
Gov. Lamont: Growing Consensus of Conn. Voters Favor Ranked Choice Voting
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont formed a task force this month to come up with a comprehensive legislative proposal by the end of the year that would enable state municipalities and parties to use ranked choice voting (RCV).
New Poll Shows Kennedy Tied with Biden in Utah; Will Appear in First Debate?
New Poll Shows Kennedy Tied with Biden in Utah; Will Appear in First Debate?
For the first time in decades, an independent presidential candidate has caught up to one of the two establishment parties in a statewide poll.
Poll Shows Strong Support for 'Top Two' Measure in South Dakota
Poll Shows Strong Support for 'Top Two' Measure in South Dakota
A recent poll shows that 55% of South Dakota voters support Amendment H, which if approved in November will implement a nonpartisan, top-two primary in the state similar to systems used in California and Washington.
Arizona Initiative: Parties Can Either Accept Open Primaries or Pay for Them
Arizona Initiative: Parties Can Either Accept Open Primaries or Pay for Them
Arizona is ground zero for a novel approach to voting reform that is not getting any attention from the national press, but could have tremendous implications for future elections and provide a fairer process for all voters -- regardless of their political affiliation. 
Governor Polis Signs Bill That Suppresses the Voice of Colorado Voters
Governor Polis Signs Bill That Suppresses the Voice of Colorado Voters
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an elections bill Thursday that will make it harder for voters to create an electoral system that offers more choice to voters, regardless of their political affiliation.
Yang Speaks With FairVote's CEO About the Future of Ranked Choice Voting
Yang Speaks With FairVote's CEO About the Future of Ranked Choice Voting
It goes without saying that most voters are dissatisfied with the state of US politics. Hyper-polarization and division are at their worst levels in modern history and nothing is getting done to actually help the American people.
Congress' 'Mr. No' Thomas Massie to Moderate Free and Equal Presidential Debate
Congress' 'Mr. No' Thomas Massie to Moderate Free and Equal Presidential Debate
The Free and Equal Election Foundation is slated to host its second presidential debate of 2024 on July 12, and it will be co-moderated by a member of Congress who is no stranger to challenging the status quo.
Santa Clara Could Be First CA County to Adopt Ranked Choice Voting
Santa Clara Could Be First CA County to Adopt Ranked Choice Voting
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors may consider implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) for county elections in August. If it moves forward with the change, Santa Clara would be the 9th jurisdiction to approve its use – and would be the first to approve it for county elections.
As the 2024 Election Draws Closer, Independent Voters Defy Partisan Expectations
As the 2024 Election Draws Closer, Independent Voters Defy Partisan Expectations
Gallup has found that even as the US gets closer to November, the percentage of Americans that identify as independent has remained unchanged – at around 45%
Amendments Snuck Into Co. Elections Bill to Thwart the Will of Voters
Amendments Snuck Into Co. Elections Bill to Thwart the Will of Voters
A bill is currently on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ desk that if signed into law would place barriers on the will of the people being carried out should they approve nonpartisan primaries and a ranked voting method in November. 
RFK to FEC: CNN Illegally Colluded with Biden, Trump Campaigns
RFK to FEC: CNN Illegally Colluded with Biden, Trump Campaigns
Robert F. Kennedy Jr filed a complaint with the FEC this week, alleging that CNN has illegally colluded with the Trump and Biden campaigns to ensure presidential debates favor the two major parties -- and only the two major parties.
Texas GOP Approves Party Rule Change to Close Primary Elections
Texas GOP Approves Party Rule Change to Close Primary Elections
For anyone who thinks party rules are not put above state law or the will of voters -- look no further than Texas. 
Montana Initiatives Add to Growing Demand for Fairer Primaries, More Choice in Elections
Montana Initiatives Add to Growing Demand for Fairer Primaries, More Choice in Elections
Montana may be on the verge of joining a growing movement across the country to give voters a fairer elections process that offers more choice and greater accountability. 
RFK Jr Still Sees Path to First Presidential Debate
RFK Jr Still Sees Path to First Presidential Debate
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s campaign announced Friday that Kennedy has cleared 3 of 4 polls he needs to be at 15% in order to qualify for CNN’s debate stage on June 27 -- a debate that will solely be sponsored by the cable news network. 
South Dakota Voters Will Vote on 'Top Two' Primary in November
South Dakota Voters Will Vote on 'Top Two' Primary in November
A proposed amendment to the South Dakota Constitution to require a nonpartisan primary system in which all voters and candidates participate on a single ballot has been certified for the November ballot.
Good Party: A Free Resource to Help Independents Take on the Two-Party Duopoly
Good Party: A Free Resource to Help Independents Take on the Two-Party Duopoly
In his most recent podcast, former presidential candidate and Forward Party Co-Founder Andrew Yang sat down with Farhad Mohit, the founder of Good Party, a suite of tools offered to independent candidates attempting to overcome the two-party duopoly.
Funding Problems Plague Oakland's New 'Democracy Dollars' Program
Funding Problems Plague Oakland's New 'Democracy Dollars' Program
Nearly three-quarters of Oakland voters (74%) approved an initiative in 2022 that took a comprehensive approach to campaign finance solutions in the city. However, one of its historic changes is in need of funding if it is going to be implemented by 2026; namely, its "democracy dollars" public finance system.
Did the Major Party Campaigns Just End the Commission on Presidential Debates?
Did the Major Party Campaigns Just End the Commission on Presidential Debates?
President Joe Biden’s campaign issued a challenge to former President Donald Trump Wednesday to two debates: One in June and one in September. The debates have to be hosted by a news outlet and will not be conducted in front of a crowd.
Only 7% of Voters Have Returned Ballots in Oregon's Closed Primaries
Only 7% of Voters Have Returned Ballots in Oregon's Closed Primaries
Imagine being part of the largest segment of the registered voting population and being denied the right to an equal vote in elections. Well, millions of voters across the US don't have to imagine this because it is a reality for them in every election cycle. 
POLL: Nearly Two-Thirds of Chula Vista Voters Want to Change the Way They Vote
POLL: Nearly Two-Thirds of Chula Vista Voters Want to Change the Way They Vote
A recent poll conducted by Competitive Edge research with funding by More Choice San Diego found that 62% of voters in Chula Vista -- if given the opportunity -- would support a measure that would advance five candidates to a general election that uses ranked ballots.
Democrat-Led Lawsuit Kills Independent Redistricting Initiatives in Nevada
Democrat-Led Lawsuit Kills Independent Redistricting Initiatives in Nevada
The Nevada Supreme Court on Friday upheld the ruling of a lower district court that two identical ballot questions that would create an independent redistricting commission were invalid because sponsors did not add a revenue source to either initiative.
Independent Voters Are Many Things -- A Myth Isn't One of Them
Independent Voters Are Many Things -- A Myth Isn't One of Them
Open Primaries continued its ongoing virtual discussion series Tuesday with a conversation on independent voters, who they are, and why we have a system that actively suppresses their voices at every level of elections and government.
RFK Jr Challenges Trump to Debate; Calls Out 'Fake Polls'
RFK Jr Challenges Trump to Debate; Calls Out 'Fake Polls'
Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy extended a challenge Tuesday to former President Donald Trump to debate him at the Libertarian National Convention at the end of May.
South Dakota Open Primaries Submits 47K Signatures to Get Nonpartisan Primary Reform on the Ballot
South Dakota Open Primaries Submits 47K Signatures to Get Nonpartisan Primary Reform on the Ballot
One week after the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition submitted roughly 30,000 more signatures than they needed to get a nonpartisan top-four primary system on the ballot, South Dakota Open Primaries met the required number of signatures in their own state to put a top-two system before voters.
FairVote's David Daley Responds to RFK Jr's 'No Spoiler Pledge': There's A Better Way
FairVote's David Daley Responds to RFK Jr's 'No Spoiler Pledge': There's A Better Way
David Daley, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan better elections group FairVote, released a statement Wednesday on Robert F Kennedy Jr's "no spoiler pledge," calling it "weird" and "unproven."
RFK Jr Says True Spoiler in 2024 Election Should Drop Out -- But It's Not Him
RFK Jr Says True Spoiler in 2024 Election Should Drop Out -- But It's Not Him
Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr made an unprecedented announcement Wednesday: He challenged President Biden to take a "no spoiler pledge," which he will also take with one major stipulation.
Top Maine Lawmaker Advocates Electoral Change Solely to Spite the 'Other Side'
Top Maine Lawmaker Advocates Electoral Change Solely to Spite the 'Other Side'
In April, Maine Gov. Janet Mills gave the OK for her state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This is a proposal that garners mixed reactions from the public, and support or opposition can largely fall on party lines.