Election Reform - Independent Voter News (Page 3)

Why Can't Maine Use Ranked Choice Voting in Certain Elections? Its Supreme Court Just Answered – Again

In Maine, ranked choice voting is used in primary elections, US House and Senate general elections – even in presidential elections. However, the state Supreme Court issued an opinion this week that it can’t be used to decide races for governor and the state legislature.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 9, 2026

Maine Supreme Court weighs in again on ranked choice voting in state elections.

Half of US States Are Now in Revolt Over Money in Politics

Idaho became the 25th state Wednesday to formally urge Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that allows federal and state legislative bodies to have greater authority over the flow of money in US politics.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 8, 2026

25 states have called for a constitutional amendment that allows states and Congress to regulate money in politics.

Michigan GOP Kicks Out RCV Advocates, Calls Them ‘Communists’ over Reform Republicans Use

On March 28, the ranked choice voting advocacy group, Rank MI Vote was kicked out of the Michigan Republican Party Convention. Reports say one Republican state lawmaker called volunteers “communists” and even threatened physical violence.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ April 6, 2026

Republican elephant blocking ranked choice voting advocates at a Republican Party gate while party members use ranked choice voting in the background

Democracy Reformers Admit Their Biggest Problem: They Keep Talking to Themselves

At the March 25 Democracy Network Exchange meeting, reform advocates confronting 2024 losses on ranked choice voting and other ballot measures pointed to a hard truth: insider language, weak grassroots investment, and abstract messaging are still undermining structural reform campaigns.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 31, 2026

Editorial illustration showing democracy reform advocates in a strategy meeting separated from everyday voters, symbolizing the messaging gap in election reform.

Can a Party Call Itself ‘Independent’? Judge Accuses No Labels Party of ‘Bait-and-Switch’

The No Labels Party in Arizona cannot change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. This is the decision from Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Gregory Como, who called it a “political bait-and-switch.”

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 30, 2026

Voter registration form in Arizona showing “Independent” as a party choice, illustrating voter confusion over party affiliation

Independent Voters Are Dominating the 2026 Primary Conversation

The media does not often cover the impact independent voters have in elections until after the primaries. However, in 2026, this growing segment of voters – who make up nearly half of the electorate – is harder to ignore in these critical early contests.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 25, 2026

Independent voters are turning out in record numbers in the 2026 primary elections.

Crowded Mayoral Race Exposes Why Los Angeles Needs Ranked Choice Voting

The city of Los Angeles will hold a primary election on June 2nd in which fourteen people are running for mayor, including a sitting councilmember, a sitting mayor, and a former reality television personality.

By

Cara Brown McCormick

/ March 23, 2026

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

Illinois conducted its 2026 primary elections Tuesday, and in some cases the winner advanced to November with around or less than 30% of the vote. In my congressional district, IL-7, State Representative La Shawn Ford won his primary with roughly 24% of the vote.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 18, 2026

My Next Congressman Won His Primary with 24% of the Vote

Ignored, Excluded, Rising: The Training Turning Independent Voters into a Political Force

Open Primaries’ Spokesperson Training has prepared hundreds of independents to share their stories. The next training is May 18. Here’s why it matters—and why you should apply.

By

Gwen Mandell

/ March 17, 2026

Ignored, Excluded, Rising: The Training Turning Independent Voters into a Political Force

John Fetterman Blasts Hypocrisy on Both Sides of the SAVE Act Fight

Fetterman has pointed out that voter ID is an "80-20 issue," citing an August 2025 Pew Research survey that found 83% of American voters support or are okay with requiring photo ID to vote.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 16, 2026

US Sen. John Fetterman has called out Republicans and members of his own party for their hypocrisy over the SAVE Act.

Paul Rieckhoff Tells Stephen Colbert: Voters Shouldn't Have to Pick a Party to Matter

Paul Rieckhoff wears many hats. He is a veteran of the Iraq War, founded Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, national security analyst, author, producer, podcaster, and founder of Independent Veterans of America.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 11, 2026

Paul Rieckhoff on The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert.

Did New Petition Rules Kill Oklahoma’s Open Primaries Initiative?

Last week, the Oklahoma campaign to put a nonpartisan all-voter and all-candidate nonpartisan primary initiative on the ballot was informed that it did not collect enough signatures to be certified. This means state voters won’t get a say on the matter in 2026.

By

Shawn Griffiths

/ March 10, 2026

Illustration of Oklahoma ballot initiative petitions being stamped rejected.