In this interview episode (originally published in 2022), we explore how approval voting could change the political landscape in America with Aaron Hamlin, Executive Director of The Center for Election Science. Aaron shares his journey from political intrigue in grad school to advocating for a voting method that lets voters express a broader range of candidate preferences. Approval voting, a simple yet impactful system, allows people to vote for as many candidates as they approve of, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning. By tackling vote splitting and enabling voters to support multiple candidates, approval voting seeks to foster representation and discourage extremist candidates.
Aaron offers insights into the success of approval voting in Fargo, St. Louis, and upcoming initiatives in Seattle, as well as the broader potential for state and even national adoption. We discuss how this system can reduce polarization, give voters more genuine choices, and improve political continuity by enabling policies that reflect broader support.
Key Highlights:
Take Action
Listeners inspired by this episode can learn more and join local chapters to advocate for approval voting through The Center for Election Science. Visit ElectionScience.org to take action, join the community, and get updates on campaign progress across the country.
Tune in to rethink what it means to vote for a better democracy, where every vote is valued, and every voice matters!
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