If you think about it, fighting for someone or something is predicated upon there already being a fight in progress, one in which to take sides. And that is one of the underlying problems in our current political environment. Our leaders, more often than not, become leaders by convincing us that they are best equipped to fight on our behalf. Yet, why does there always have to be a fight?

Editor's Note: This op-ed originally published on The Fulcrum. It was written by Henry Murray, a student at Tufts University from Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is entering his junior year and studying international relations. The piece was republished on IVN with permission from the publisher. 

The 2024 presidential election cycle is quickly approaching. Already, the Republican Party is heated and making headlines. And while voters should expect a lot of attention to be on candidates like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, a big question lingers...

New York City held primary elections on Tuesday, June 27, for city council and other municipal offices. NYC primaries are unique compared to most primary elections in the US in that they use ranked choice voting ballots and while RCV advocates tout the benefits it has on city elections -- they’re benefits only party members can enjoy...........

Arlington County, Virginia held its first ranked choice voting elections on Tuesday, June 20, during the Democratic primary for county board -- and many voters appear to approve of the new voting method. 

The Washington Post ran a headline two days ahead of the primary that read, "Virginia's first ranked choice voting election is vexing some Arlington voters." Yet, reports on election day show that the process was smooth for the majority of people. 

New Mexico elections have long been plagued by a lack of competition and unequal treatment of voters who choose not to affiliate with a political party. Yet, according to New Mexico Open Elections, the political landscape is shifting in the favor of nonpartisan reform.