Pt. 6) From Grassroots to Capital Hill
In the bustling towns and tranquil neighborhoods that comprise our nation, amid the daily hustle of American life, it's all too easy to underestimate the profound influence that ordinary individuals can wield over the highest corridors of power. Throughout American history, we've witnessed how change often ignites from the spark of a single voice, a lone idea that gathers momentum and evolves into a formidable force. This force transcends mere politics; it embodies the resilience of community, the strength of solidarity, and the remarkable capacity of ordinary citizens uniting to carve out the path of history. It's the tales of unsung heroes who dared to take a stand, who fervently championed their beliefs, and who ultimately demonstrated that the mantle of change isn't reserved solely for the wealthy—it's the intrinsic birthright of every American who dares to envision a brighter future.
“The reason the party doesn’t like it is because it takes the decision about who the candidates are away from the party and gives it back to voters”
Driven by the unwavering passion and resilience of ordinary individuals, these grassroots movements possess a remarkable capacity to create waves that extend far beyond the confines of local communities, ultimately making their mark within the halls of Congress. Yet, for Independents, the realization of this future hinges upon shattering the barriers erected by election laws, which have been meticulously crafted by the two-party system to consolidate their grip on power, stifling alternative voices in the process. At the forefront of this crusade stand organizations advocating for propositions to implement ranked-choice voting—a transformative system poised to redefine the landscape of electoral politics, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but truly counts in shaping the destiny of our nation.
As Americans who believe in transcending partisan divides in pursuit of a more united and prosperous nation, we must first recognize that without our support these organizations stand alone against two giants. Small battles are being fought all over the country with victories coming in the form of both local and statewide elections. Maine became the first state to adopt RCV for all statewide elections, including primary and general elections for governor, Congress, and the Legislature. In 2018, a statewide grassroots effort successfully overrode the state legislatures effort to repeal the use of RCV, enshrining it into the election mechanics of today.
Ashtabula, Ohio were the first to adopt a RCV system in 1915, and it has been widely used in local elections since. However, implementing it statewide and on a national scale has the challenge of facing off directly against the ruling parties dominance. Alaska voters approved their own version of RCV in 2020 but has received criticism from the parties when Sarah Palin lost a special house election to Mary Peltola.
Robert Dillon, a consultant who previously worked for Sen Lisa Murkowski said “The reason the party doesn’t like it is because it takes the decision about who the candidates are away from the party and gives it back to voters.” He continued, “The parties naturally, you know, find that threatening, but voters don’t.”
There are a arguments from both political parties regarding the support or opposition too RCV as a step forward in American politics. Education emerges as a crucial component to overcome this endeavor. Many Americans are unfamiliar with the option of rank choice voting and its potential benefits, making it essential to raise awareness and foster understanding within our communities. Grassroots movements possess the unique ability to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens and hold elected officials accountable to a larger portion of their constituents. By mobilizing grassroots support through petitions, rallies, and direct outreach, advocates can demonstrate the widespread demand for electoral reform and compel lawmakers to take action.
As momentum for rank choice voting continues to build across the nation, the time has come for concerted action at the federal level. While implementing such a significant reform may require legislative amendments or even a constitutional amendment, the power of grassroots advocacy cannot be underestimated. By harnessing the collective power of our voices, we can pave the way for a future where every vote is truly heard and every voice truly counts.
These movements aren't driven by special interests or partisan agendas; they're fueled by the unwavering belief that democracy belongs to the people, and it's time to reclaim it. From coast to coast, ordinary citizens are rising up, demanding a better way forward—a way that empowers voters, promotes civility, and ensures that every voice, no matter how small, has their vote counted.
