Too often, our political system leaves voters feeling unheard and divided. Unite America works to ensure every voter has a voice — and that elected leaders are rewarded for solving problems that matter to all of us, not just their party base. Here’s what people most often ask about how we’re strengthening our democracy through election reform.
Because they decide most of our elections — but very few voters can participate. In 2024, just 7% of Americans effectively chose 87% of Congress. Closed primaries shut out millions of voters, forcing leaders to focus on partisan bases instead of the broader public.
When candidates only need to appeal to a small slice of their party’s voters to keep their jobs, compromising across party lines becomes a political risk. That’s why even issues with wide public support can stall in Congress.
It’s a single primary ballot where every voter — Democrat, Republican, or independent — can vote for any candidate. The top finishers advance to the general election, where a majority winner is guaranteed.
Not at all. In fact, when states switch to open primaries and majority-winner systems, participation goes up and voter satisfaction improves. Voters appreciate choice and simplicity — one ballot, open to all.
No. These reforms are party-neutral. They simply ensure every voter has an equal say and that leaders are accountable to a true majority — not just their party’s most active base.
Ranked choice voting is one way to ensure elections produce a true majority winner — so leaders are accountable to more voters, not just a narrow base.
At Unite America, we support instant runoffs in elections with more than two candidates to ensure a majority winner. In some states, that means using RCV in the general election after an open, all-candidate primary.
States that have reformed their primaries — like Alaska — see higher participation, more collaboration among lawmakers, and broader representation. Leaders can focus on solving problems instead of surviving primary threats. Read more in the Unite America Institute’s Solution Series.
Open primaries can help make government more functional by changing the incentives. When leaders are accountable to everyone, not just party insiders, cooperation becomes a winning strategy again. It’s not about left or right — it’s about moving forward together.
We’re a venture fund for democracy — we invest in campaigns and advocacy partners to help states win reforms that make our government work for all voters.
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