Dear John,
When writing my first year-end letter to our supporters three decades ago, I was full of hope and determination. Yet I could not have imagined our circuitous path toward winning change nor how much our nation would change. Even as Americans face existential challenges, our two parties are more polarized than ever – and increasingly fearful of the other side. Winning power does not depend on most of us, but instead on a handful of voters in a scattering of states. We are increasingly far from the Congress envisioned by our founders where our leaders must listen to the people, represent our different views, and negotiate with an open mind to balance our interests with those of others.
Yet I feel more hopeful than ever before. Voters are rejecting those who would undermine our democratic norms. Leaders from a mix of states and parties are coming together to pass the reforms we’ve argued for 30 years were the best way to heal and strengthen our democracy.
FairVote has always had an impact far beyond our size – and that impact is only growing. Over the years we’ve researched what’s wrong and helped win our proposals in areas like voter registration, redistricting, and the Electoral College. Across our 30 years, we’ve never wavered in building a movement for our core goals: ranked choice voting and proportional voting.
Thanks to your support, ranked choice voting has become the fastest growing electoral reform in the nation. RCV had its best year ever in use and on the ballot - with November ballot measure wins in Nevada and seven cities and counties. FairVote backed these efforts with research and media support, and FairVote Action donated more than $700,000 to local campaigns. At the same time, more Members of Congress and state legislators went on record supporting RCV than ever before. With our policy team’s input, Congress is poised to reform the Electoral Count Act, while six states passed pro-RCV bills. And all of this happens with a rapidly growing coalition of national, state and local allies working well together.
We’re only getting started. By 2024, we seek to win RCV in 10 presidential primaries, to strengthen congressional relationships, to support reformers advancing RCV in states and more than 500 cities, and to engage with our nation’s top thought leaders and organizations as they coalesce around the need for RCV and our north star: the Fair Representation Act.
Our donors play a pivotal role in every win - and have for the past 30 years. This year we spent more than ever before - and the results speak for themselves. While heartened by so many new partners who see our impact, our progress rests upon loyal donors like you. We would be grateful if you considered a generous donation to send us into our 31st year with the wind at our backs. Our entire team thanks you - and we make a promise of unyielding commitment to a democracy grounded in government truly of, by, and for the people.
With gratitude,
Rob Richie, President and CEO
FairVote & FairVote Action
P.S. FairVote donations are fully tax-deductible. While FairVote Action donations are not, they go entirely to winning change in cities, states and Congress. If you’re able to donate to either or both groups, our hard-working, passionate team will be deeply grateful. Thank you! |
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