An Anne Arundel County judge in Maryland tossed new congressional maps passed by the state’s General Assembly Friday, ruling that they violate the state’s constitution. The judge further ordered that new maps be drawn and approved by the legislative body.

“The 2021 Congressional Plan is unconstitutional and subverts the will of those governed,” writes Judge Lynne Battaglia. 

The Oregon secretary of state has verified the initial sponsorship signatures for a proposed ballot measure that would guarantee all voters and candidates have the right to participate in the state’s publicly-funded primary elections.

In the past, primary reform in Oregon has hit multiple roadblocks – particularly pushback from the two major parties. However, Oregon Open Primaries has introduced a unique initiative that would force the state to adopt a more equitable primary process.

It doesn’t seem like there is much these days that can unite Republicans and Democrats. However, one thing both parties have consistently agreed on is that nothing should threaten their grip on power.

The current electoral process is designed to serve the interests of the dominant two parties and their members. If there is a reform that threatens to upset the apple cart, it will encounter resistance from those who have the most to lose from a fairer, more equitable process.

This will include leaders and members in both parties.

For a long time, pollsters, political pundits, candidates, and the media have ignored the rise of independent voters. They have called independents “closet partisans” or “leaners,” and they justify this by how the media twists the narrative.

Gallup has consistently found that around 4-in-10 Americans self-identify as independent. However, instead of asking why these voters choose not to identify with a political party, pollsters then ask, “Well, which of the two major parties do you lean more toward?”

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on The Fulcrum and has been republished in its entirety on IVN with permission from the publisher.

President Biden gave Ukraine top billing and said fighting inflation is the “top priority” during his State of the Union address Tuesday. But he also spoke at length about building a unity agenda and — very briefly — called for passage of election reform legislation.