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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 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 and extremism at the
ballot box, and young people turned out in record
numbers 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. 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.
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, “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.
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
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
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
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
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
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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