Fair Elections for All: Implementing Ranked-Choice Voting and Proportional Representation

Objective:
To implement ranked-choice voting (RCV) and explore proportional representation as pathways to ensure every vote counts, increase voter choice, and reduce political polarization.
Introduction:
America’s winner-take-all electoral system discourages competition, suppresses third-party voices, and fuels polarization. In most races, especially primaries, candidates win without majority support. Meanwhile, voters feel their voices are wasted or forced into lesser-of-two-evils choices.
Key Problems:
- Vote-splitting often punishes candidates who reflect popular opinion but lack early support.
- Independents and third parties are marginalized.
- Candidates often win with less than 50% support.
Proposed Solutions:
1. Nationwide Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV):
- Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
- Ensures majority winners while reducing attack-based campaigning.
2. Proportional Representation for Congress:
- Implement multi-member districts with proportional seat allocation.
- Reflects true voter distribution in legislative outcomes.
3. State and Local Pilots:
- Encourage RCV in state and municipal elections as models.
Implementation:
- Support federal RCV bills like the Fair Representation Act.
- Encourage states to adopt RCV and independent commissions.
- Fund public awareness campaigns about RCV and proportional systems.

Let the People Choose: Ending Partisan Gerrymandering through Independent Redistricting

Objective:
To eliminate partisan gerrymandering by mandating the use of independent redistricting commissions nationwide.
Introduction:
Partisan gerrymandering undermines democracy by letting politicians pick their voters instead of voters picking their leaders. Both parties have used gerrymandering to entrench power, dilute minority votes, and reduce competition.
Key Problems:
- Politicians draw safe districts that discourage voter participation.
- Communities of interest are split to serve partisan goals.
- Legal challenges are inconsistent and slow.
Proposed Solutions:
1. Constitutional Amendment or Federal Law:
- Require states to adopt independent redistricting commissions.
- Prohibit partisan or racial gerrymandering in map drawing.
2. Transparency and Public Input:
- Ensure map-making is open, with community input and data transparency.
3. National Redistricting Standards:
- Enforce compactness, contiguity, and respect for communities of interest.
Implementation:
- Promote the Redistricting Reform Act or similar federal legislation.
- Mobilize local coalitions for ballot initiatives in states without reform.
- Educate voters on how gerrymandering suppresses turnout and choice.