Rank the Vote’s Post

Having built a third party in Massachusetts from 2013-16, I can tell you: it doesn't work. Some business models just aren't viable. Here are three lessons I learned. 1. Voters don't like political parties and don't want to join one. They want to be independent. 2. Voters don't believe third parties can win, so they don't vote for their candidates. Since they can't win, these candidates skew the outcome of close elections. 3. Political parties have an unfair advantage in ballot access, fundraising, organizational strength and public perception. It's just reality. If you want to change the system - and I do - the best ways are to join a party and work to change it from within, and work on voting reforms that open up the system to new voices. There are no quick fixes. Don't waste time, money, and energy on foolhardy business models that don't work.

One of the biggest hurdles we face in our pursuit of democracy is Citizens United―the 14-year-old` Supreme Court decision that equated the free speech rights of individuals to corporations, opening the door to unlimited spending in elections. This terrible ruling has allowed the rich and powerful to essentially buy our elections by pouring in unlimited amounts of anonymous money, undermining the voices and votes of U.S. voters. In the 2022 midterm elections, $1 out of every $9 in political donations came from fewer than 500 billionaires. In fact, billionaires spent more than $1 billion in the midterm elections―mainly donating to far-right candidates who push to limit voting rights and cut funding to essential human needs programs.1 The rise of dark, untraceable money in our elections further erodes holding policymakers accountable to put the needs of communities first. Congress must fix this by passing legislation that overturns Citizens United now. The 2024 election cycle is on pace to be the most expensive election in history. Outside groups have spent $318 million on presidential and congressional campaigns as of January 14th―more than six times the amount spent at this point in 2020.2 Overall spending on ads across TV, online, radio, satellite, and digital are projected to reach $10.2 billion, with $2.7 billion just for the presidential race.3 Why are billionaires and ultra-wealthy donors spending so much on political campaigns? Because it pays off for them. According to political scientists Jeffrey Winters and Benjamin Page, “each of the top 400 or so richest Americans [has] on average about 22,000 times the political power of the average member of the bottom 90 percent, and each of the top 100 or so [has] nearly 60,000 times as much.”4 It’s unconscionable for the wealthy to have this much power and influence over elected officials who are supposed to work for the common good of the general public. With our system this skewed, it’s not surprising that tax breaks for the rich and corporations have a much easier time passing than housing, nutrition, health and education assistance, or environmental protections serving many millions of us. The only way to right this wrong and have a fair political process is for Congress to overturn Citizens United. Call your Members of Congress and Senators to demand that they restore faith in our democratic institutions. Thank you for all you do, Deborah Weinstein Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs 1 Press Release: Billionaire Spending Topped $1 Billion for the First Time in 2022 Elections 2 Outside spending on 2024 elections tops $318 million 3 2023/2024 Projections 4 Oligarchy in the United States? Perspectives on Politics

🌟 Considering a run for office in Florida as an independent? Check out our latest article highlighting key reasons why it might be the perfect time to make your mark! Here are some key takeaways: 🗳️ Upcoming Elections: From Miami-Dade County to Fort Lauderdale, several crucial positions are up for grabs, including county executives, city mayors, and city councils. Mark your calendars for these important dates: Miami-Dade County: August 20 & November 5, 2024 Fort Lauderdale: November 5, 2024 Palm Coast: August 20, 2024 Sanford: August 20, 2024 📅 Candidate Filing Period: Don't miss your chance! The filing period for judicial and court offices is from April 22 - 26, 2024, while most other candidates have until June 14, 2024, to file. 📊 Florida's Political Landscape: Despite its reputation as a conservative stronghold, Florida boasts a diverse political ecosystem. With 12 recognized minor parties and a significant portion of voters identifying as independent, there's ample opportunity to make an impact. In fact, nearly 4 million Florida voters—27.2% of the population—are unaffiliated with either establishment party. Ready to lead with independence and vision? Learn more about the power of running as an independent in Florida and how you can be a force for positive change. Read our article now! #FloridaPolitics #IndependentCandidates #Election2024 https://lnkd.in/ehxWcpdF

January 11, 2024 Hi Andy,   2024 is the Year of New York, and it's off to a fast start. I'm all in & 1000% committed to supporting our Indivisible movement here in New York to achieve our big goals together.  With our eyes on New York taking back the House, it's time to make the first domino fall! No matter where you live in the state, each of us can help flip NY03 with the February 13th special election. We're encouraging activists and groups participate in the actions organized by the Battleground NY coalition, of which Indivisible is an anchor partner. If you live in or near NY03 Canvasses every Saturday at 10am starting on Jan 13th. It would be great to have those who are closest to or live in NY03 to knock on doors at least one Saturday in January as well as attend the Feb 10th GOTV canvass. Sign up here. Open to everyone Phone banks using Hubdialer will be every Thursday from 6-8pm. Use this link to choose your shifts. First one is tonight!    Indivisible texting party on Tuesday, February 6th starting at 6:30pm. Register here. We use the TextOut platform, which requires a computer or tablet--no phones Coming soon for those who live in NY03 will be the opportunity to sign up for Indivisible's Neighbor2Neighbor program that will give you 10 addresses of progressives who live within walking distance of your own home so you can talk to them about voting in the special election. Materials will be available, and those who sign up will talk to their neighbors once early voting starts.  Why flipping NY03 matters When we flip NY03 blue on February 13th, it will create a shockwave of dread for the MAGA freshmen here in NY but also to the vulnerable Republicans in other states. They will be scared at their re-election chances because they know that this win will fuel us to win some more. Sounds like a dream come true scenario to me.   Let's go! Sarah Reeske Sarah Reeske Indivisible Organizing Manager - NYS Pronouns: She/Her sarahr@indivisible.org The Indivisible Project is a registered 501(c)(4). Indivisible Action is a Hybrid Political Action Committee fueled by the grassroots movement to win elections and build local, independent progressive power nationwide.   Indivisible Project P.O. Box 43884 Washington, DC 20010

California could go from having two female senators in Washington to having two men representing the US state with the biggest population in November. Just one reason why I think, it's interesting to watch what's going on on the West Coast during this election year. Another one - who gives money to whom and why? #elections #california #ussenate #barbaralee #katieporter #adamshiff #stevegarvey #moneymakestheusgoaround https://lnkd.in/g4QcQJRS

Want to be an Influcer? Western Cape Voters go out and vote. I attended a function in Cape Town where our president showed some love in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Does not get more real than this Kaapstad! There are several important reasons why voters in the Western Cape, as well as voters across South Africa, should go out and vote in the general election in May 2024: 1. Civic responsibility: Voting is a fundamental right and a way for individuals to have a say in the future of their country. By voting, people can contribute to shaping the direction of their nation and holding their elected representatives accountable. 2. Influence policies: By participating in the election process, voters can help influence the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives. Voting is a way to voice opinions and preferences on issues such as healthcare, education, the economy, and social services. 3. Representation: Voting allows individuals to choose the candidates and political parties that reflect their values and priorities. It is a way to ensure that their voices are heard and that their interests are represented in government. 4. Democracy: Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, and voting is a key way for citizens to participate in the democratic process. By voting, people can help uphold and strengthen democratic principles and ensure that the government is truly representative of the people. 5. Effecting change: Voting can be a catalyst for change. By participating in the election, voters can help bring about positive reforms, address challenges, and work towards building a better future for themselves and their communities. Overall, voting in the general election is a crucial way for voters in the Western Cape, and throughout South Africa, to have a say in the governance of their country and to contribute to the democratic process. Kom ons gaan huis toe Kaapstad, en vote!

About 80% of elected seats are decided in the #primary. When turnout for the primary election is in the garbage can for many states, including #NewMexico, it is of utmost importance that we empower people to exercise their civic duty to our country and our #democracy. One way of doing this is to open the #closedprimary system in NM so that over 300,000 New Mexicans have #equitable access to #voting in primary elections their tax payer dollars fund. When voters don't have a voice in primary elections, they are less likely to participate in the general election. If we are to uphold the values this country was founded on, we must let people vote. #letusvote #nmpol #nmleg

Exploring the Democrats' struggle to maintain their political base, this editorial discusses the party's failure to engage rural and Hispanic voters, leading to a shift in political landscapes in states like Iowa and Florida. The piece highlights the increasing importance of the Black vote for future elections. #editorial #Democrats #ruralvoters

Dear Friends in the SWING STATE of New Jersey, Remember: New Jersey is this year's Georgia and could be the unexpected flip on election night. Consider the latest polls from Cygnal of only 600 likely voters: Harris is up +12%, however... Top issues: -inflation and the economy -illegal immigration and border security -threats to democracy These are 3 issues where Trump regularly wins nationally given Biden/Harris's failed economic policies, disastrous homeland security, and their authoritarian censorship and mandate regimes. And New Jerseyans have not forgotten how our state royally dropped the ball and infringed on our constitutionally protected rights during Covid! Some interesting points: -Undecided NJ senate voters is lingering around 15% -The supporting materials notes how "18% of NJ voters are persuadable" -Nearly half of New Jerseyans believe the country is on the wrong track Keep in mind: down-ballot single party voting was around 78-83% per 2020 data Remember that defiant bearded gym owner who was on national news for months during Covid for refusing to close his gym and follow King Murphy's orders (see comments)? He's a proud New Jerseyan who stuck it to the autocrats and won his 80+ legal cases! You're not the only one who thinks it's weird that NJ keeps voting blue! Consider this: one of the latest polls out of NJ is an ActiVote poll of only 400 likely voters in NJ. The poll disproportionately polled more high earning college graduates who live in the suburbs (i.e. Manhattan liberals who moved west). This poll has a margin of error of 5%, and Pew has recommended that high stakes polls should be 1-3% to provide confidence in representing voter option accurately. FYI: The New Jersey Globe reported on October 26 that Statewide turnout of early voting is about even between Democrats and Republicans. DO NOT let the manufactured polls keep you from getting out to VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Lastly, if you experience any voting machine issues, polls closing early, or suspicious activity, contact our Secretary of State Tahesha Way immediately! Department of State P.O. Box 300 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: 609-777-2581 Website: https://www.nj.gov/state/ Report ANY shenanigans you witness! 1) Take video and post it everywhere. 2) Send it to your elected representative: https://lnkd.in/gWp5xc4c 3) Send it to Swamp the Vote USA and the RNC: https://lnkd.in/g_dwgRTY LET'S GO! 200 Million votes for Trump/Vance! #toobigtorig