One of the nation’s most contentious battleground states has an opportunity to open its primaries to 1.2 million voters registered independent. A new bill in Pennsylvania recognizes that these citizens have a right to vote in the most important stage of the electoral process. 

Gallup's latest polling found that 49% of Americans self-identify as independent of the two major parties. The record-setting number shows voters’ growing dissatisfaction with the US political process and their options.

Notably, Gallup analyst Jeff Jones observed that Gen X and Millennials are bucking a historical trend. 

A new report from the McKinley Research Group (MRG) finds that Alaskans are generally satisfied with their new nonpartisan voting system. Not only is it simple, but they also have more confidence in their choices and that their votes matter more than in previous years.

It is no coincidence that as the nation witnesses an explosion in pro-voter reform successes, partisan state lawmakers across the country are trying to undermine citizen initiatives, and block nonpartisan primary reform and new voting methods designed to give people more choice.

Editor's Note: The following op-ed was authored by Kevin Johnson and Alexander Vanderklipp.

The New York Libertarian (LPNY) and Green Parties (GPNY) have petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear their case challenging state election rules designed by the major parties to knock third parties off the ballot. The scheme was so successful that every third party that doesn't nominate major party candidates lost their ballot access status statewide.

For a state that claims to lead the nation in voter rights, California’s presidential primary rules are a study in hypocrisy.

The California Constitution requires that all elections for partisan office be conducted in open nonpartisan primaries with the top two vote getters advancing to the general election. California’s presidential primary rules, however, are different. This is because, unlike races for governor, the legislature, and Congress, presidential primary voters are not selecting actual nominees.

The Independent Voter Project continues to foster conversations and exchanges with the Politic Deli podcast. Dan Howle continues his heralded public service career with honest and open conversations with policy makers past and present. Politic Deli provides a bridge to the partisan communication gap by re-establishing civil exchange.

Open Primaries hosted a virtual discussion with civil rights leader, businessman, educator, and author Dr. Benjamin Chavis, who recently was appointed co-chair of the No Labels, a group that has attempted to bring together Republicans and Democrats under shared principles.