John --
It’s our last Forwardist newsletter for 2022. Let’s take a look back at how democracy has fared over the past year. From our point of view, it’s looking a whole lot better than it did just a year ago.
First and foremost, the Forward Party <[link removed]> grew by leaps and bounds. Three unique organizations merged five months ago to prove that we can work past differences to come together around our country. We continue to show how uniting around shared priorities can serve as a model for a new kind of political party.
Eight Forward-endorsed candidates were elected or reelected, and eight out of 10 Forward-supported election-reform ballot initiatives were passed in November; close to 30,000 volunteers have signed up; and 140 state leads are operating in 45 states. And we’re just getting started.
More broadly, U.S. voters said no to election denial <[link removed]> and extremism at the ballot box, and young people turned out in record numbers <[link removed]> to vote. These are extremely encouraging trends for both the immediate and long-term fate of American democracy. Additionally, Americans repelled by intense polarization are increasingly fleeing the two major political parties <[link removed]>. And while many challenges remain, two out of three Americans (64%) are hopeful that 2023 will be a better year than 2022, according to an annual Ipsos survey <[link removed]>.
Globally, the health of democracy in 2022 was a mixed bag. Inflation, war in Europe, a lingering pandemic, and growing political violence all led to a difficult and often tragic year. But as Doyle McManus notes in the Baker City Herald <[link removed]>, “Some of the world's democracies appear to have found a second wind. Extreme parties lost in France and Germany, although they won in Italy and Sweden. Brazil's autocratic President Jair Bolsonaro lost his job in a well-conducted national election; he challenged the result in court and lost again.” Further, Ukraine has put up a valiant fight against Vladimir Putin’s Russia, and protests in, of all places, Iran and China have led to real policy changes.
There’s a lot of work ahead, but the energy is on the side of democracy. From our local communities to our states to our nation at large, Forwardists can feel proud that their efforts are a vital contribution to this larger movement.
- Democracy struck back against authoritarianism in 2022 —Foreign Policy <[link removed]>
- <[link removed]>2023 will be the year when we see an autocratic recession —Forbes <[link removed]>
- <[link removed]>Sinema won’t find it easy to disrupt American politics —Renew Democracy Initiative <[link removed]>
- <[link removed]>Liz Theoharis: True democracy doesn’t focus only on elections but on the real needs of people —Truthout <[link removed]>
- <[link removed]>Bob Swenson: This holiday season, I’m thankful for democracy —Anchorage Daily News <[link removed]>
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OTHER NEWS & VIEWS
‘He is unfit for any office’
The House select committee asked federal prosecutors on Monday to charge former President Donald Trump with four crimes for his role in sparking the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The request marked the first time in history that Congress has referred a former president for criminal prosecution. It does not compel federal prosecutors to act, but comes as a special counsel is overseeing two federal probes of Trump. The specific charges recommended by the panel are: obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress, conspiracy to defraud the United States, making false statements, and aiding or inciting an insurrection. They are all felonies. —Reuters <[link removed]>
This week in ranked-choice voting
Virginia: The Arlington County Board has officially approved a trial run of ranked-choice voting in a local primary election next year, becoming the first locality in Virginia to adopt the voting method. The new election system will be in place for the primary elections for local county board seats in June. It will not yet apply to any other election contests, though county officials have also considered plans for potentially implementing it again in next year’s general election in November. The Board approved the measure unanimously, following a public hearing in November where members indicated that they would endorse the plan. —The DCist <[link removed]>
Wyoming: In the upcoming legislative session, Wyoming state lawmakers will take up a slate of bills that aim to reform the state’s elections. One of the bills would give Wyoming a taste of what ranked-choice elections are like. If signed into law, the bill would create a ranked-choice voting pilot program for nonpartisan municipal races. Municipalities don’t have to take part, but could opt into the program. —Buffalo Bulletin <[link removed]>
Mayanja: Young people can save democracy—with our support
“For centuries, politics and economics have largely been the purview of elite aging men and a few women. These elites have often assumed young people are nonpolitical and incapable of civic and political engagement. But youth are fighting for democracy around the world… Many youth lack political experience and knowledge. They need to be guided and empowered with civic and political education. But we must also listen to them.” —Evelyn Namakula Mayanja in The Conversation <[link removed]>
Searby: Rethinking and rebuilding tribal politics
“These are precarious times for our nation. We desperately need a new force that rejects the chaos, battle metaphors, endless trolling, cynical gamesmanship, and go-nowhere politics. The Forward Party is that force. We are committed to bringing people together to get big things done, and we invite you to join us. If we’re not for you, that’s okay too. Tribes don’t have to be at war. In fact, as our politics take a different shape, we look forward to forming positive alliances with others to advance the causes that best serve our first and most important civic tribe—the American people. Millions of Americans are ready for a new way of conducting our politics but have felt ‘politically homeless’ for years. Or perhaps more accurately, ‘tribeless.’ If that’s you, welcome home.” —Joel Searby in The Topline <[link removed]>
The U.S., despite its troubles, remains a beacon of hope to much of the world. Forward is boldly taking on that mantle in a whole new way. What we’re working toward together—free people, thriving communities, and a vibrant democracy—is bigger than all of us, and will make America’s light continue to shine brightly. The past year was an amazing step forward for democracy. We’re ready for even bigger things in 2023. We’re glad you’re with us!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
All the best,
The Forward Party Team
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