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
Charlottesville's First Use of Ranked Choice Voting is Unique -- Here's Why
Primary elections are scheduled in Charlottesville, Virginia, on June 17. However, there is something different about this election: It is the first time the city will use ranked choice voting (RCV).
New Report: We Already Know Who Will Win 81% of US House Races in 2026
New analysis from the nonpartisan better elections group FairVote reveals a grim picture of American democracy: Congressional elections are becoming even less competitive and easier to predict -- with the vast majority of House seats effectively decided long before voters cast their ballots.
Progressive-Backed Primary Threats Rattle Democratic Incumbents in Congress
There is perhaps no better example of how critical primary elections are in deciding elections than what is happening within the Democratic Party to oust incumbents that progressives view as establishment figures.
Lawmakers' Budget Strategy: Tax Cuts Today, Fiscal Tricks Tomorrow?
Remember when President Donald Trump promised no tax on tips, overtime pay, and social security? Not much has been said about it in recent months. So, is it still happening? The short answer is maybe, but voters may not get the complete story on what impact this will have on the federal deficit and debt.
Pennsylvania Voters Express Strong Support for Open Primaries
Pennsylvania Voters First, a project of Unite America, announced new poll data that found strong majorities among Pennsylvanians that believe the state's 1.4 million independent voters should have access to taxpayer-funded primary elections.
Americans Support Checks on Presidential Power Despite Low Trust in Government, Survey Finds
Despite broad public distrust of the federal government, most Americans still believe in the foundational principles on which the US political system was built —especially the importance of checks and balances.
Is Bernie Passing the Torch to AOC for the 2028 Presidential Election?
US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) continues to make waves in US politics. She is co-headlining rallies across the country with US Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," which has drawn large crowds even in GOP strongholds.
Forward Party Launches New Mexico Chapter after Open Primaries Success
A new party launched Tuesday in New Mexico following the passage of open primaries legislation in the state. The Forward Party, which advocates for reforms like open primaries, is seeking 3,500 signatures to gain minor party status.
Gallup: Americans More Likely to Rank Government Leadership as No. 1 Problem
The latest polling data from Gallup shows that the number one problem facing the US for most voters now is not the economy, it is not cost of living or inflation -- it is poor leadership in the government.
Most American Votes Don't Matter — New Research Highlights Crisis in Electoral Representation
A new report from the Unite America Institute reveals a sobering truth about American democracy: in most elections, the vast majority of votes cast have zero influence on the outcome.