Election Reform - Independent Voter News (Page 17)

Over 1 Million Unaffiliated Voters Left Out of NYC Primaries, CFB Report Finds

New York City has a massive voter suppression problem. A new report from the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) found that 1-in-5 voters (21.1%) in the city are registered unaffiliated and are excluded from taxpayer-funded primary elections.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 30, 2025

Over 1 Million Unaffiliated Voters Left Out of NYC Primaries, CFB Report Finds

In 3 States, Partisans Pick the Secretary of State Without Voter or Executive Input

In 47 US states, the secretary of state is a recognized statewide office, and in most of those states, voters get to decide who holds it. But in three 3 states — Maine, Tennessee, and New Hampshire — the legislature holds that power exclusively.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ April 29, 2025

In 3 States, Partisans Pick the Secretary of State Without Voter or Executive Input

Congressmen Co-Lead Effort to Prohibit Ranked Choice Voting in Federal Elections

US Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), who was elected under Alaska’s ranked choice voting (RCV) system, and US Rep. Abraham Hamadeh (R-Arizona) are co-leading an effort to prohibit the use of RCV in federal elections.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ April 29, 2025

Congressmen Co-Lead Effort to Prohibit Ranked Choice Voting in Federal Elections

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).

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 29, 2025

Charlottesville's First Use of Ranked Choice Voting is Unique -- Here's Why

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.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 28, 2025

New Report: We Already Know Who Will Win 81% of US House Races in 2026

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.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 22, 2025

Pennsylvania Voters Express Strong Support for Open Primaries

In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory

In a dramatic shift following the April 15 special mayoral election in Oakland, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has been declared the winner, pulling into a commanding lead over former Councilmember Loren Taylor, as vote counting continues.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ April 18, 2025

In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory

Analysis: Popular Oakland Ranked Choice Voting System Used to Decide City's Next Mayor

On Tuesday, Oakland, CA used ranked choice voting (RCV) in special elections for mayor and City Council District 2 – marking Oakland’s 5th mayoral election using RCV. A 2024 poll found that 77% of Oakland voters are satisfied with the election method.

By Bryan Huang

/ April 16, 2025

Analysis: Popular Oakland Ranked Choice Voting System Used to Decide City's Next Mayor

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.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 16, 2025

Forward Party Launches New Mexico Chapter after Open Primaries Success

Oakland Votes in Pivotal Mayoral Election with Ranked Choice Voting at the Center

In a critical special election, Oakland voters are casting their ballots on April 15 to replace recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. The election will be decided using ranked choice voting (RCV) and determine who leads the city through 2027, as Oakland faces mounting challenges.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ April 15, 2025

Oakland Votes in Pivotal Mayoral Election with Ranked Choice Voting at the Center

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.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 14, 2025

Most American Votes Don't Matter — New Research Highlights Crisis in Electoral Representation

Barbara Lee Embraces Ranked Choice Strategy as Oakland’s Mayoral Race Enters Final Stretch

With Oakland’s high-stakes special mayoral election coming up on April 15, former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has released a video outlining a ranked choice voting (RCV) strategy — officially urging her supporters to rank multiple names on their ballots.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ April 14, 2025

Barbara Lee Embraces Ranked Choice Strategy as Oakland’s Mayoral Race Enters Final Stretch