The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May 30, 2024

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Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

A poll by Gallup finds majority support for a major third party option among almost every segment of voters, ticking up to 63%  last fall.  This includes increases among Republicans and independents.

Gallup asked this question:  “In your view, do the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people, or do they do such a poor job that a third major party is needed?”

Among those who answered, “No, a third party is needed,” 58% identified as Republicans, 75% as independents and 46% as Democrats.  As to household income, 63% of voters with incomes less than $50,000 dollars thought a third party was needed. Incomes of $50 to $100,000 were 58%, and over $100,000, 70%. 

Since 2013, support for a major third party hovers at plus or minus 60%, and hasn’t dropped below 40% since the poll’s inception in 2003.    

Third parties have been viewed as spoilers in American elections, such as Ralph Nader and the Green Party in 2000, or independent Ross Perot in 1992.  But Democracy reform advocates argue single ballot open primaries offer more choices, and ranked choice voting allows voters to vote with their heart for a third party candidate, while still choosing a major party candidate as a second choice.  

We’ve linked to the Gallup poll and more AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
Gallup Organization – Support for Third U.S. Political Party Up to 63%
Gallup Organization – Poll Details – PDF Download
U.S. Department of State – Election Briefing Series: The Role of Third Parties in U.S. Elections

ABC News –  Why these voters are considering third-party options in the 2024 presidential race
Politico – ‘It Will Be a Nail Biter’: A Third-Party Scholar on the 2024 Election

Groups Taking Action:
FairVote, Represent.Us, Open Primaries

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #ThirdParty #GallupPoll #RCV #OpenPrimaries

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