Why don’t we have better politicians?
ABOUT US
Every year, thousands of good candidates try to run for office.
Everyday Americans, veterans, schoolteachers, nurses, small business owners, moms, and dads, are running for office to represent your community. They step up to help their neighbors, enforce the law, and represent all of us.
But if they don’t agree with the machine, they can’t run.
Thanks to crazy state laws, Republican and Democratic leaders are allowed to pick which candidates can run, while anyone outside the machine has to fight through ballot taxes, top 2 limits, and strict ballot requirements. Independent and third party candidates spend more time getting on the ballot than running for office.
We deserve better candidates.
Republicans, Democrats, and independents agree: We’ve had some of the worst candidates in history. The good news? It’s the law. And we can change the law.
WORST THREE STATES
1. GEORGIA
2. ILLINOIS
3. SOUTH CAROLINA
STATES WITH "TOP 2"
CALIFORNIA
WASHINGTON
BEST THREE STATES
1. ALASKA
2. TENNESSEE
3. HAWAII
YOUR STATE'S BALLOT TAX
How Bad Is Your State?
What does it cost just to get on the ballot in your state? Use our ballot tax calculator to find out.
*Voting Rights Foundation study of barriers to the ballot for independent congressional candidates.
LEGISLATIVE CHANGE
WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?
Your state’s ballot-access grade is below—click your state to see the solutions we’re pushing to change it.
To use our state directory, click here.
*Based off of independent research by Voting Rights Foundation.
How can you help make a difference?
USE THIS TOOL CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE BELOW.
Take the next 5 seconds to tell your representative you want more competition, better candidates, and a Congress that represents everyone. Put a physical postcard on your representative's desk and send an email to their inbox in the tool below. Sample language and script included.
