Down with the Electoral College, Voting Alternatives Rise Up
Aug 15, 2024
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Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen and co-founder of FairVote, joins the conversation to tackle the Electoral College's inequities. She discusses how ranked choice voting could transform voter engagement and empowerment. The duo highlights the historical context of voting rights while analyzing how reforms in other countries can serve as models. They also explore how these changes may uplift marginalized voices and cater to the growing number of independent voters, making the democratic process more inclusive.
The podcast highlights the detrimental impact of the Electoral College on voter disenfranchisement and advocates for ranked-choice voting as a solution.
Community engagement and individual political participation are emphasized as essential for fostering meaningful change and enhancing democracy.
Deep dives
Embracing Community Solutions
In the face of chaos and societal challenges, the need for community engagement is highlighted. The podcast discusses how individuals can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of issues but emphasizes that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change. By coming together to strategize and share solutions, communities can address significant problems, even when they appear insurmountable. The central message focuses on the idea that while not every issue can be resolved immediately, every individual can take small steps toward improvement.
Encouraging Political Activation
Motivating individuals to engage politically is essential, especially in a post-COVID context where many feel exhausted and apathetic. The discussion revolves around the notion that people's feelings of disengagement often stem from not knowing how to get involved rather than a lack of care. By fostering awareness that others share their concerns, individuals can find motivation to act, and realize that change is possible through collective action. The podcast encourages listeners to believe in their capacity for influence, reinforcing that everyone has the right to thrive and participate in democracy.
The Need for Electoral Reform
The podcast delves into the challenges posed by the Electoral College, arguing that it leads to voter disenfranchisement and an unequal power dynamic in elections. It highlights the disconnect between electoral outcomes and the will of the majority, as many voters feel their choices do not matter within this system. Advocacy for ranked-choice voting and national popular voting is presented as a way to empower voters by ensuring that every vote counts and enhances voter participation. This conversation emphasizes the potential for systemic change to allow for more representative and equitable elections.
Fostering Active Citizenship
Engaging with the democratic process is framed as a vital responsibility, with a call to action for listeners to participate in elections. The podcast encourages activities such as volunteering as poll workers, which can provide firsthand experience of the electoral process and its challenges. By actively participating in local politics, individuals contribute to a healthier democracy and empower their communities. This actionable advice aims to inspire listeners to recognize their role in shaping the political landscape and fostering a culture of civic engagement.
In the debut episode of Assembly Required, Stacey takes on one of the most intractable problems in American politics: the unequal distribution of power created by the Electoral College. Could ranked choice voting help give all Americans a more meaningful vote? Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen and co-founder of FairVote, joins Stacey to make the case.
We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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