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The democracy reform movement is having a moment right now. There are campaigns all across the country fighting gerrymandering, corruption, voter suppression, and plurality voting. Because of this, we constantly get asked, “Who are you? And why are you advocating for approval voting instead of [insert preferred reform here]?” As a relatively new organization in the reform space, we thought it was time that we re-introduce ourselves to you. We are The Center for Election Science, and here are t

With two Democrats running for mayor of San Diego, Republican voters will likely decide who will be our next Mayor… If they decide to vote. As The San Diego Union-Tribune reported earlier this month, the mayor’s race is in a statistical dead heat heading into the Nov. 3 election.  The SurveyUSA poll showed Democrat Todd Gloria with 39%, Democrat Barbara Bry with 38%, and nearly 24% of the electorate undecided. Among registered Democrats, only 18% were undecided. However, 30% of Republicans w

VotePact is a voting strategy that advocates that people vote for their actual preferences by pairing up with someone on the other side of the Democratic-Republican divide. So people can strategically vote for the candidates they most like without fear of helping those they most fear. Instead of effectively cancelling out each other -- one for Trump and one for Biden, they can both vote Libertarian or Green or whatever they want. It is effectively DIY ranked choice voting, which allows voters t

Represent San Diego and Independent Voter Project presented a screening of Daniel Falconer’s award-winning anti-corruption documentary, "UnRepresented," to an audience of 120 democracy reform advocates and concerned citizens on Oct. 10. The screening was followed by a lively and in-depth discussion of the challenges raised by the film’s unflinching look at the current state of American democracy. "UnRepresented" is a short film with a big message: legalized political corruption is ruining our d

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on The Fulcrum and has been republished on IVN with permission from the publisher. All across the country, the consistent theme of this presidential year has been turmoil. A confusingly huge field of candidates vying to take on a norm-busting incumbent was just the start. The normally boring rules for conducting elections have been in high-profile upheaval since the coronavirus outbreak took hold in the spring, as most states grappled with how t

The US is in the midst of multiple crises, including a political crisis created by the two major parties. For many Americans, the partisan rhetoric in the media and on the campaign trail has never been more toxic, while trust in the US government and its policymakers has sunk to all-time lows. The last thing Americans want in an already tumultuous 2020 is a chaotic end to the elections. Yet, the possibility lingers thanks in no small part to the rhetoric of those in office. Legal challenges see

This is an independent opinion. Have one of your own? Email it to hoa@ivn.us The first time I met City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry was on March 3, 2019 in the Council chambers. I was immediately impressed by her. When you listen to Barbara and hear her speak, you know exactly where she stands. Barbara  is the competent, honest, independent, new, refreshingly strong voice in San Diego politics — not another career politician compromised by corrupt, incestuous relationships with longs

For the first time in San Diego history, voters will only have the option of electing a Democrat in five city races: mayor, city attorney and in Districts 1, 3 and 9. With Democrats running against each other, we asked local registered voters how they feel about the campaign mailers they are receiving, whether it’s helping them define the differences between the candidates and whether it’s influencing their vote. A few voters mentioned a mailer they received that falsely identified Barbara B

This is an independent opinion. Have one of your own? Write it! Email it to hoa@ivn.us Think fast. Can you name an idea that is supported by both Democrats and Republicans in 2020? In an era of extreme partisanship, finding common ground is increasingly hard. But there is one proposal on the November ballot that has gained support from across the political spectrum. Measure E has earned rare bipartisan endorsements from both local political parties, as well as the backing of environmental adv

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on The Fulcrum and has been republished on IVN with permission from the publisher. ‍ October is the last chance for most Americans to register if they want to vote for president this year. But 86 million eligible Americans, or one-third of the national total, can even sign up — and then proceed to cast a ballot — on Election Day. That's because they live in the 19 states (plus D.C.) that allow what's known as same-day registration. Eligible res