Search query: independent voter project

We do not get our right to vote because we are white, black, gay, straight, male, female, conservative, liberal, a member of a private organization or any other criteria other than what makes us American: citizenship.Often, when talking to my conservative friends about “democracy,” they are quick to point out that the United States is a “constitutional republic,” and to “stop saying that America is a democracy!” And so I stop and read the first three words of the preamble of the Constitution. “

It’s the 21st century; we may not have flying cars, yet, but the technological advances we have made over the past 25 years are astonishing. Where were you 25 years ago, and did you ever think you would have everything you ever wanted to know at your fingertips? It wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always perfect, but we have more education, communication, and entertainment than ever before. I have worked in politics for a number of years now, and in my time I’ve enjoyed watching the progression

That our political system is dysfunctional does not need to be overstated. The latest implosion over the Trans-Pacific Partnership demonstrates that enough, and a litany of polls and statistics reinforce the failures of Congress and the shared responsibility of both parties.Yet when Americans decide to vote their minds and break from expectations, they are derided as crazy and denounced for refusing to conform to one side. We have a different opinion. In a political system aching for change, it

Dear Governor Brown, My name is Caitlan, and I have an 11-month-old daughter, Maggie. Prior to my career as a stay at home Mom, I worked in the financial sector for over ten years. I am the type of person that eats as much organic and unprocessed food as I can, I do yoga and Pilates every day, and I lean toward acupuncture and herbs for non-medical emergencies. I moved toward this “natural” lifestyle in my late 20s when I was having trouble sleeping. I went to my General Practitioner who propo

Since the release of the book, Clinton Cash, by Peter Schweizer, a conservative scholar and Republican consultant, Hillary Clinton has faced scrutiny over whether contributions to the Clintons and their charitable initiatives influenced her behavior while secretary of state. Schweizer’s discussion of the book itself generated a donation-related micro-scandal. Shortly after his appearance on ABC’s This Week, where the host George Stephanopolous declared that ABC News had found “no proof” that an

On Tuesday, the independent senator from Vermont and Democratic candidate for president, Bernie Sanders, took to the popular social media platform, Reddit, to answer questions in the first AMA in the 2016 presidential election. Sen. Sanders has gained a foothold in the grassroots domain, best evidenced by his early fundraising strength among small-time donors (under $200). Likewise, the self-proclaimed socialist is possibly the most popular 2016 candidate online. The question and answer sessi

On May 7, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the NSA's bulk collection of phone records was illegal, putting Congress in a difficult position. However, legislation in Congress may dilute attempts to reform surveillance practices. The USA Freedom Act was once hailed by privacy advocates as a step toward reining in the controversial practices leaked to the public by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. Various versions of the bill have been introduced in the House of Representatives,

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will officially announce his presidential candidacy, becoming the first candidate to challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Cognizant of the dissatisfaction Americans feel toward both major political parties, and aware of many progressives’ disillusionment with the Democratic Party, Sanders has long been reluctant to formally un-declare his political independence. Yet before a crowd in Iowa in October 2014, he admitted

CALIFORNIA -- On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court refused to hear the case, Rubin v. Padilla, a third-party challenge to the state's nonpartisan, top-two open primary. Third parties claim that the new primary system violates their right to be on the general election ballot. On January 29, the California Court of Appeal in San Francisco affirmed a lower court's decision to dismiss the case, acknowledging that the right third parties have to fair and equal treatment in the election process

CALIFORNIA -- The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) hit record numbers after the 2014 midterm elections, expanding its membership to twelve. The caucus is now in a better position to push major items on its agenda, and some members say recent changes to the state's electoral system are partly responsible. Established in 1967, the CLBC is a champion for the rights and representation of African-Americans in California. Before November, the number of members never passed nine legislators.