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
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
Michigan GOP Kicks Out RCV Advocates, Calls Them ‘Communists’ over Reform Republicans Use
On March 28, the ranked choice voting advocacy group, Rank MI Vote was kicked out of the Michigan Republican Party Convention. Reports say one Republican state lawmaker called volunteers “communists” and even threatened physical violence....
06 Apr, 2026
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14 min read
Democracy Reformers Admit Their Biggest Problem: They Keep Talking to Themselves
At the March 25 Democracy Network Exchange meeting, reform advocates confronting 2024 losses on ranked choice voting and other ballot measures pointed to a hard truth: insider language, weak grassroots investment, and abstract messaging are still undermining structural reform campaigns. ...
31 Mar, 2026
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5 min read
Can a Party Call Itself ‘Independent’? Judge Accuses No Labels Party of ‘Bait-and-Switch’
The No Labels Party in Arizona cannot change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. This is the decision from Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Gregory Como, who called it a “political bait-and-switch.” ...
30 Mar, 2026
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12 min read