Beyond the Echo Chamber: A Roundup of Nonpartisan Election News -- November 10, 2015

Published: 10 Nov, 2015
1 min read

The latest headlines on nonpartisan voting rights from across the nation. Enjoy.

What Impact Could An Independent Run By Jim Webb Have on 2016?

Source:  Austin Plier, FairVote

My Take: An interesting piece exploring angles not often explored, including a role in the electoral vote outcome of a number of swing states--especially his native Virginia.

 

Unheard Voices: Why Aren’t More Californians Voting?

Source:  Caitlin Maple, PublicCEO

My Take:  While the article touches on the fact that large segments of the population are underrepresented at the polls and there is a seemingly endless discussion about this, one does wonder what is really being done to deal with it.

 

Top-Two Primaries, Third Parties, and the Rights of Individual Voters

Source: Chad Peace, San Diego City Beat

My Take: A good discussion of the institutional barriers placed on voter rights by the political parties--without an argument for less party involvement.

IVP Donate

 

Nonpartisan Primaries Put Power In The Hands Of The People

Source:  Tiani X.Coleman, The Monitor (Concord, NH)

My Take:  With 43% of New Hampshire voters having no party affiliation, the author, tired of the partisan fighting, is calling out for her state to join a growing movement.

 

What If The Parties Didn’t Run Primaries?

Source:  Russell Berman, The Atlantic

My Take:  An extensive look not only at Nebraska, which has a top-two primary for state legislative races, but the nationwide movement toward such reform, including in Congress.

 

How About A Debate Between Ds And Rs on Parties’ Beliefs?

Source: Bob Mercer, Black Hills (SD) Pioneer

Let Us Vote : Sign Now!

My Take:  It’s a look at voter frustration and how voters really no longer know what the parties actually stand for. From there, the article moves to remedies currently under discussion, including a nonpartisan primary. SOMETHING to make voters pay attention.

You Might Also Like

“Cartoon illustration of Americans facing the U.S. Capitol as light pierces through red and blue partisan cracks, representing independent voters and hope for political reform.”
New Poll: Voters Want New Leadership – and They’re Turning to Independents
A new poll from the Independent Center highlights a clear message from the public: Americans are fed up with the current political leadership, and they’re ready for change....
12 Nov, 2025
-
2 min read
Massachusetts voters.
Ranked Choice Voting Momentum Surges in Massachusetts as Cities Push for Local Control
Ranked choice voting (RCV) continues to see a surge in momentum across the U.S. However, the state that has seen the largest reform growth in the last 5 years -- Massachusetts -- has received little attention. This is because the 10 cities that have approved RCV have not been able to implement it due to state law....
14 Nov, 2025
-
5 min read
Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read