Center for Ballot Freedom

"Fusion voting would let new parties cross-endorse candidates and build power without acting as spoilers." - @leedrutman @newamerica @PolReformNA @voxmedia vox.com/politics/48028…

Many Americans might be surprised to learn that the Empire State has a multiparty system. Third parties have shared the ballot with Democrats and Republicans since the 1930s, often cross-endorsing major-party candidates through #FusionVoting #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

We need to repeal the laws that artificially created and continue to sustain a two-party duopoly. The starting point is our own history. @DemJournal @DanCantor_ democracyjournal.org/magazine/79/fu…

"It's just third-grade math. You can vote for a candidate on one line, and on another line, and at the end of the night, you add the two votes together to get a total" - @MilesRapoport

Fusion voting was banned in most states with the introduction of the Australian ballot—secret ballots printed by the state and not by the parties. With states now controlling access to the ballot, the major parties were quick to enact ballot access qualifications and rules that effectively banned fusion, such as requiring that candidates be listed only once.

Many Americans see third-party failure as inevitable. Voters face a dilemma: support the candidate who best represents them—or risk helping the one they least prefer. But that “spoiler” problem isn’t natural. It’s built into the rules that stack the system against new parties.

A new episode of This Old Democracy features @MilesRapoport, who has four decades of democracy reform to draw on — and a lot of reasons to stay optimistic.

In states where fusion voting is legal, minor parties can remain both independent and relevant — building their own identity while helping shape outcomes through coalition politics. @DanCantor_

A Populist organizer saw it clearly: when fusion candidates were forced to run only as Democrats, supporters stayed home. “We populists will have to get on the ballot by petition.” They knew the new rules would hollow out the third-party movement—and they were right.

Fusion voting was once legal in every state — including Wisconsin. It fueled real political competition and elevated major issues, including abolition. Fusion allies met in Ripon 170 years ago to help form the anti-slavery Republican Party. Coalitions can change history. @LawForward

For slavery to become a political fight, abolitionist parties had to force the issue—because both the Whigs and Democrats were tied to the system of enslavement. Just as today, both major parties remain deeply rooted in the fossil fuel economy.

Fingers crossed. @UnitedKansas You can watch the oral argument itself at this link: youtube.com/watch?v=We3iG5…

The Kansas Court of Appeals just heard arguments on whether the state’s 100+ year ban on fusion voting should stand. Judges pressed both sides on free speech, party rights, and the state’s interest in limiting ballot labels. A major test for voter choice—likely headed to the Kansas Supreme Court.

In a fusion voting system, minor parties can either run their own candidate or cross-nominate a major party nominee. @DMorrisMichael @WorkingFamilies That second option lets voters say: “I support this candidate and these values,” by casting their ballot under the minor party’s line. More choice. More voice.

Hot off the mic! 🔥 Our brand new #ThisOldDemocracy podcast episode is ready for your ears. Hear Micah Sifry and Lisa Disch talk about our current two-party system and how to create a better multi-party democracy. centerforballotfreedom.org/this-old-democ…

The Wisconsin Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and association, a free government, and equal protection under the law. @LawForward A ban on fusion voting undermines those promises — limiting how voters and parties can organize, express their values, and build coalitions.

Prior to @MinnesotaDFL, Minnesota’s Farmer-Labor Party was the most successful labor party in US history because of #FusionVoting, challenging the two-party system. History reminds us of the power of electoral fusion or cross-nomination. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

Fusion’s power is simple: it creates meaningful new political identities. It lets voters — left, right, and center — support their values without being forced to back a party whose broader agenda they can’t accept. More choice. More voice. @DanCantor_

I wrote it about on Substack too: centerforballotfreedom.substack.com/p/watch-borgen…

Looking for a great political show? Watch Borgen on @netflix. It’s a fascinating look at how a multi-party democracy works in Denmark—with bargaining, compromise, and coalition-building to actually solve problems. A striking contrast to America’s two-party dysfunction.

The Populist Party utilized fusion voting to cross-endorse Democrats and Republicans, advocating for antitrust regulation and basic labor protections. This led to the Populist Party having a greater voice in elections and in states like Kansas, despite being a minor party.