Unite America

“As I reflect on 2024, one thing is clear: our movement to put voters first has built more awareness, support, and infrastructure than ever before –– while also learning some valuable lessons. I am deeply proud of all that we’ve accomplished, particularly given the fierce opposition we faced along the way.” Nick Troiano

Every eligible voter should be able to vote for any candidate, regardless of party, in every taxpayer-funded election. Period. Open, all-candidate primaries give all voters a greater voice in who represents them, forcing politicians to listen to all of their constituents and put country over party to deliver real solutions. https://bit.ly/3Tc6b4K

“…across the 22 states with closed presidential primaries or caucuses, over 27 million voters are not registered with a major party and, therefore, lack the right to participate in taxpayer-funded major party primaries.” https://bit.ly/3BA59ux

We are excited to welcome Erika Arthun to the team! As Unite America’s Head of Program, Erika will leverage philanthropic venture capital, state and national partnerships, and our program team to drive policy victories that foster a more representative and functional government. https://lnkd.in/eK94tVji

The Independent Voters Poll conducted by Change Research explored the political attitudes of young independent voters finding that young independents felt that their vote does not matter and that parties do not care about them. 57% of independents aged 18-34 have never been registered Republicans or Democrats. Electoral reforms, including establishing open, all-candidate primaries, offer the opportunity for independent voters to secure their full rights as citizens — and taxpayers. Read Unite America Institute’s analysis: https://bit.ly/3OwAdOt

Open Primaries can help underrepresented candidates and voters overcome barriers. Underrepresented groups, including first-time, young, female, BIPOC, and/or low-income candidates and voters, benefit from IRV elections. Open primaries allow for diverse voices to be heard. https://bit.ly/4b6oC1w

Independents make up a growing part of the electorate. More Americans identify as independents (40%) than as Democrats (29%) or Republicans (30%), according to Gallup. Despite their numbers, millions of independents are excluded from primary elections across the 15 states with closed congressional primaries and the 22 with closed presidential primaries. How can these excluded voters be included? Implement open, all-candidate primaries. https://lnkd.in/eYXagj9r

“If you're a candidate, the advantage is you're no longer only having to appeal to one side. You can talk to all the voters, and then all the voters can vote for whomever they want," Nick Troiano said. Read more of Unite America Executive Director Nick Troiano’s interview with ABC News. https://bit.ly/4eVDi5v

ICYMI Alaska voters recommitted to open primaries and rejected the repeal effort. Since its implementation in 2022, Alaska’s election system increased “meaningful voter participation” and electoral competition, while also improving representation along both ideological and demographic lines. https://bit.ly/4eRhZlJ

Young people deserve a voice in deciding which candidates move to the general election. Around 5 million Independent voters under 34 are excluded from voting in primaries in 15 states. Young Independent voters believe their exclusion from primary elections is a violation of their rights. They broadly support election reform to include them. https://bit.ly/3OwAdOt