I have important news for you on the condition of my life-partner, Sally.
As you know, I suspended my walk late last year to attend to her deteriorating health. It’s been a difficult road for her in the last few months, and we have remained hopeful that her health would turn around. But in consultation with her family and her doctors, Sally has decided to enter hospice.
At my Walking to Fix Our Democracy site, I have a post about Sally’s fight of the last few months, and a message from the both of us. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it.
I’ve returned to Sally’s side in Vermont, have been helping her navigate our health care system, and am catching up the household chores I neglected while I was gone. We’re managing, but we have some challenging times ahead, not unlike our country.
Before I left Arizona, I wrote the script for a podcast, which I’ve just recorded. It’s not really a podcast; it’s more of a letter to our newly-elected representatives, admonishing them to not follow the legislate-as-usual pattern, but instead, start a real conversation on democracy reforms like open primaries, ranked choice voting, and small-donor funded elections.
For the first time earlier this year, we heard our allies in Washington talk about the Freedom to Vote Act. Voters of all persuasions want reform, so this conversation MUST continue in 2023 and our elected representatives MUST speak out supporting reform to their colleagues and to the press.
More podcasts will be coming in the next few weeks, so make sure you bookmark podcasting page at SimpleCast, and sign up for the RSS feed if you wish.
Celebrating Alaska’s Statewide Open Primary & RCV Debuts
One of the states which has moved forward with reform is Alaska, which implemented single ballot open primaries and ranked choice voting after a 2020 referendum. Like many states, voters are out in front of their elected representatives, and beginning with a special election in August 2022, Alaska used a “top four” format and statewide ranked choice voting for the first time. And guess what: After political party leaders said it wouldn’t work, not only was it successful, but voters liked it, too.
The Alaska Beacon reports that for the August special election, the state and advocacy groups did an excellent job in educating voters on how to vote using RCV, with 95% of voters having received instructions, and 85% indicating it was easy to vote by RCV. State election official said only 295 “overvotes” statewide did not count toward one of the candidates in the special election.
Now fast forward to November, where RCV was used for its first general election, which included Democrat Mary Pertola, Republicans Sarah Palin & Nick Begich, and Libertarian, Chris Bye. Again, there were only 496 overvotes for the entire state. Pertola was the top vote-getter, but at 48.66%, failed to reach the 50% threshold to win outright. Two additional RCV rounds eliminated the candidates with the lowest totals, Begich & Bye, and after recalculating, Pertola was declared the winner over Palin, 54.96% to 45.04%. (See the official details of each round HERE)
“After weeks of collecting ballots from across the Last Frontier, Alaska is set to send Republican Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Mary Peltola back to Congress. This November marked the first general election using Alaska’s “top four” format, and it’s already making good on its promise to create a healthier political culture. Candidates on both sides recognized the need to look beyond their base for support, and the winners for federal office succeeded by mobilizing the broadest coalitions.” — The Dispatch
A national party figure made outlandish claims about the RCV election, but PolitiFact noted that Alaska’s system worked as advertised. Alaska voters showed that these reforms are not only good for the voters, they’re good for our democracy: First, the single ballot open primary system makes it harder for extremists to make it to the general election because candidates must appeal to a wider spectrum of voters, instead of having to only appeal to the 10% of party zealots who show up at a typical primary. Second, it insures that whomever wins – no matter what party or how many candidates are running – has a majority. Third, it builds coalitions between candidates; if your party wants to win, your candidates need to be nicer to one another – you may need their support later.
Since I announced the indefinite pause of my walk, many of you have written or called with your words of encouragement for Sally and me. It means the world to us, and I want to say thank you for everything. And thanks for doing everything you can to advance our reforms in the upcoming year!
Organize Walks To Fix Our Democracy in Your Own Community – Dates, Guidelines and Resources for National Walks in Communities Across the U.S. are at: https://www.fixourdemocracy.us/national-walks
It is with great anguish that I write to you today. I’m sorry to have to tell you that I am suspending my Walk to Fix Our Democracy until further notice, due to a serious health setback for my life partner, Sally.
Effective immediately, I’ll be returning to Vermont to be with her and attend to her needs for the foreseeable future. As you know, Sally has been very patient and supportive of me in my mission to fix our Democracy. It’s now my turn to show that same love and support to her.
I am storing the RV in Arizona with the expectation that I’ll return to Gallup, New Mexico to resume my walk. When that will be, I’m not certain. But what is certain is that I’m still committed to pushing forward reforms to get our elected representatives to represent we the people, not special interests or party agendas.
In the meantime, I’m asking YOU to pick up the mantle of reform. Join with one of my supporting groups, Declaration for American Democracy, Common Cause, Represent.Us, Public Citizen, or one of the many state partners to support those in Congress willing to pass national standards, including the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, DC Statehood, and a Constitutional Amendment to transform our political system.
Help pass ranked choice voting and single ballot open primaries in your state. Work to stop the scourge of Dark Money which casts its shadow on our republic. Join in walks & parades with signs to Fix Our Democracy and bring the message to the people.
Remember, these reforms are not about me, they’re about US, and we ALL need to take to the streets and do our part!
So, friends, for now, you’ll need to take my place until we can walk together again on the road to a truly representative democracy.
I had a quiet Thanksgiving outside of Phoenix, but grateful to get caught up on some of my writing and emails. I really missed being with Sally, but like me, she’s committed to fixing democracy, even if it means missing a couple of holidays together. I’m very grateful for Sally’s support. ❤️
Despite the personal challenges of the last two weeks, I’m also grateful for the support voters showed for our Democracy. It has taken some hits over the past two years, but has shown resilience, thanks to tireless supporters of Democracy like you.
My Speech on Ranked Choice Voting in Phoenix November 13
My friend Kazz Fernandez has been working here with Voter Choice Arizona, laying the groundwork for a ballot initiative on Ranked Choice Voting in an upcoming election. I mentioned in my last letter about Nevada’s success with open primaries and RCV, so I’m thrilled that Arizona will attempt to implement RCV. In my speech in Phoenix on Nov. 13th, I laid out WHY we need these reforms, including how the present primary process divides us, produces ever more extreme candidates for both parties, and does not reflect the majority of citizens. Alaska just completed its first election cycle with its Top 4/RCV system for Congress, and it ran smoothly, with less party control, and with more candidates competing. We’ll be watching the next two years carefully! We’ll talk more about that in a future letter.
Other Important Ballot Initiative Updates in Arizona
Three important ballot initiatives were decided on November 8th here in Arizona, and it is exciting to see doing what their own legislators won’t! Voters resoundingly approved Arizona Proposition 211, which adds dark money disclosure requirements for any group spending $50,000 or more on statewide races to disclose any contributor who gave $5,000 or more. Dark money comes from limited liability corporations and certain types of non-profits which previously have not been required to disclose donors.
Arizona voters voted down Proposition 309, which would have required a government-issued voter ID number in addition to photo ID when voting by mail, was defeated by less than 1% of the vote. Arizona’s elder population and Native citizens sometimes do not have the IDs required, possibly disenfranchising some voters.
The ballot initiative process itself was on the ballot in Arizona. Legislators made an attempt in Proposition 132 to make any ballot initiative requiring changes in taxes to require a 60% majority, not just a simple majority. But voters made it clear they didn’t want politicians stifling their voice and voted it down.
A Lack of a Logistic Volunteer is Hampering My Campaign
I’m trying hard to keep to my schedule and communications, but have fallen behind in the last few weeks because without a driving volunteer, I’m having to handle logistics, too. Would you be able to help? There’s another way to help, too, right from your home! Make phone calls to groups where we’re headed to help recruit volunteers and help with meeting logistics. Contact Joanna if you can help with either of those tasks!
I’m grateful for your support, whether it’s time on the phone, on the ground along the way, or with your donations!
We’ll speak again soon; the Democracy road is calling!
P.S. Facebook users – We’re stepping up the content on our Facebook page, and volunteer Brian Beihl is posting updates on my walk, but also news from the states and groups working on our reforms. 1) FOLLOW my page 2) SHARE on your page 3) SHARE on like-minded Facebook groups!
Organize Walks To Fix Our Democracy in Your Own Community – Dates, Guidelines and Resources for National Walks in Communities Across the U.S. are at: https://www.fixourdemocracy.us/national-walks
I just passed through Kingman, Arizona on Sunday, after a great event with organizing legend Delores Huerta at the University of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. I’m holding up despite some very cold weather and a mishap with the tow-car behind the RV, but Democracy marches on!
Rick Speaks in Las Vegas in Support of Nevada Question 3 on Ranked Choice Voting
Thanks to amazing volunteers like Sondra Cosgrove, executive director of Vote Nevada, I was able to speak Nov. 1 at a rally supporting Nevada Question 3, a citizen initiative which would create an open primary system, with all candidates running on one primary ballot regardless of party. The top five candidates then advance to the general and are decided by ranked choice voting. Predictably, politicians on both sides of the aisle in Nevada DON’T LIKE IT because it weakens party power, but the voters DO! It passed its first hurdle by garnering 52.7% of the vote on Nov. 8th! Congratulations! BUT, it must face a second vote in 2024 to actually make it part of the Nevada constitution.
As you know, open primaries and RCV are two of my key reforms to #FixOurDemocracy! Read my speech, or view it on my YouTube channel, and read the Ranked Choice Voting ballot measure on the Yes on 3 Nevada website.
Conversations in Kingman
While my friend and amazing volunteer Jim Richards & I couldn’t walk in the Kingman, Arizona Veterans Day parade because we were too “political,” we found a great parking spot and had some wonderful conversations with folks who came over to see what we were about. It’s pretty red around here, yet voters almost all agree that we are not being represented! (Photo by William Roller/Kingman Miner)
Looking for a Road Trip? Why Not Help Rick?
An unexpected illness has caused one of my volunteers to have to withdraw, and I could really use some help with logistics driving the RV and keeping us on the move. Can you help? Join me in Arizona or New Mexico in the coming weeks, or schedule a week in the coming months!
Thank You!
Behind every crusader like me, there’s a team of great people who believe in our issues. THANK YOU for your love, support, volunteer hours and donations!
Organize Walks To Fix Our Democracy in Your Own Community – Dates, Guidelines and Resources for National Walks in Communities Across the U.S. are at: https://www.fixourdemocracy.us/national-walks
Rick made a few short remarks as he kicked off the walk Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena California. He then headed east on a journey that is expected to exceed 3,000 miles over the next 16 months.
En route – every neighborhood, community, town/city, and state present an opportunity to connect with Rick and collaborate with local organizers, activists and diverse groups for an event to raise the importance of fixing our democracy most effectively when he arrives.
It’s shake-out time during the first part of the walk across the less populated desert areas and communities.
We’ll be working to improve our walk communication, the daily walking routine, and breaking in Rick and his very tender feet to a target schedule of 10 miles a day – 5 days a week.
Check out his progress via this daily blog on the website
Important Additional Information – and steps you can take.
Sign up to Follow the Walk
To follow the walk and be kept abreast of our progress, you must sign up as a supporter (no other obligations) and enable (i.e, opt-in to) the option for “send me email updates.” at: https://www.fixourdemocracy.us/supporter
Spread the word and get involved. Allow others to follow the walk and take action.
If you believe fixing our democracy is urgent, please take a few minutes via email and social media to encourage your friends and acquaintances to get involved.
Walk, write, speak, advocate and connect with Rick to let our elected representatives and the media know we care deeply about fixing our democracy.
A special ask for students and younger adults:
Tell me what to say/ask on your behalf.
Tel me – and I will do so – whenever I have opportunity with the media, our elected and potential representatives, and all American people.
and ranked choice voting after a 2020 referendum. Like many states, 
election using Alaska’s “top four” format, and it’s already making good on its promise to create a healthier political culture. Candidates on both sides recognized the need to look beyond their base for support, and the winners for federal office succeeded by mobilizing the broadest coalitions.” 
initiative on Ranked Choice Voting in an upcoming election. I mentioned in my last letter about Nevada’s success with open primaries and RCV, so I’m thrilled that Arizona will attempt to implement RCV. 
Arizona, and it is exciting to see doing what their own legislators won’t! Voters resoundingly approved Arizona 
able to speak Nov. 1 at a rally supporting Nevada Question 3, a citizen initiative which would create an open primary system, with all candidates running on one primary ballot regardless of party. The top five candidates then advance to the general and are decided by ranked choice voting. Predictably, politicians on both sides of the aisle in Nevada DON’T LIKE IT because it weakens party power, but the voters DO! It passed its first hurdle by garnering 52.7% of the vote on Nov. 8th! Congratulations! BUT, it must face a second vote in 2024 to actually make it part of the Nevada constitution. 
While my friend and amazing volunteer Jim Richards & I couldn’t walk in the Kingman, Arizona Veterans Day parade because we were too “political,” we found a great parking spot and had some wonderful conversations with folks who came over to see what we were about. It’s pretty red around here, yet voters almost all agree that we are not being represented! (
