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The Primary Solution: Rescuing Our Democracy from the Fringes
In a divided America, the biggest solvable problem fueling political extremism and dysfunction is hiding in plain party primaries.
The Primary Solution
is the “thought-provoking” (Arnold Schwarzenegger) answer the country needs.
Congress has become an unproductive and unaccountable mess. Polls show that only twenty percent of Americans think it’s doing a good job—yet ninety percent of incumbents are reelected. This shocking discrepancy is a natural outcome of our system of party primaries and their polarizing incentives.
Party primaries were invented over a century ago to democratize candidate nominations, but today their exclusionary rules and low turnout guarantee the exact only a small fraction of votes wind up deciding the vast majority of our elections. The result is a Congress that, rather than representing a majority of Americans, is instead beholden to the fringes of both major parties. This is the “primary problem” in our politics today. Fortunately, The Primary Solution “illuminates a powerful yet practical pathway out” (James Stavridis, Admiral, US Navy, Retired) and is “a must-read for anyone who wants a sane democracy” (Danielle Allen, author of Our Declaration).
Nick Troiano, founding executive director of Unite America, makes a bold proposal to abolish party primaries in our country. Doing so does not require a Constitutional amendment or an act of Congress. In fact, several states have already replaced party primaries with nonpartisan primaries that give all the voters the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party.
“A fresh, timely political analysis” (Kirkus Reviews), The Primary Solution offers voters across the political spectrum a realistic roadmap to a more representative and functional democracy.
Congress has become an unproductive and unaccountable mess. Polls show that only twenty percent of Americans think it’s doing a good job—yet ninety percent of incumbents are reelected. This shocking discrepancy is a natural outcome of our system of party primaries and their polarizing incentives.
Party primaries were invented over a century ago to democratize candidate nominations, but today their exclusionary rules and low turnout guarantee the exact only a small fraction of votes wind up deciding the vast majority of our elections. The result is a Congress that, rather than representing a majority of Americans, is instead beholden to the fringes of both major parties. This is the “primary problem” in our politics today. Fortunately, The Primary Solution “illuminates a powerful yet practical pathway out” (James Stavridis, Admiral, US Navy, Retired) and is “a must-read for anyone who wants a sane democracy” (Danielle Allen, author of Our Declaration).
Nick Troiano, founding executive director of Unite America, makes a bold proposal to abolish party primaries in our country. Doing so does not require a Constitutional amendment or an act of Congress. In fact, several states have already replaced party primaries with nonpartisan primaries that give all the voters the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party.
“A fresh, timely political analysis” (Kirkus Reviews), The Primary Solution offers voters across the political spectrum a realistic roadmap to a more representative and functional democracy.
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First published February 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 11, 2024
This book focuses on one of American democracy’s biggest problems: an electoral system that not only welcomes mediocrities into congress but keeps them there for far too long.
Troiano provides a nice articulation for how closed primaries favor extremists and marginalize moderates.
This system has contributed to a political duopoly dominated by just two parties. Most Americans will have one binary choice—Democrats or Republicans—at the ballot box this November. This lack of competition has a predictable result: the parties are neither disciplined nor coherent.
They are, indeed, a mess.
While the Democrats still have rational and sober-minded leadership (for the most part), the party’s radical progressive wing is far too influential. Their positions in areas like free speech (cancel dissent), law enforcement (defund the police), national defense (a trivial concern), and federal spending (deficits don’t matter)—to name a few—are unmoored from empirical reality.
The Republicans, meanwhile, are an unfathomable train wreck. Led by Donald Trump and energized by a band of nihilistic zealots in the House of Representatives, the party stands for little more than causing trouble.
Traditional Republican leaders are aghast at what the party has become.
Two-time Republican Attorney General William Barr, for example, said, “I think the historic problem we have is that Trump is a demagogue who is turning part of the Republican Party into a howling mob. And they have to start considering that acting just from impulsive anger and fury is not the way to turn things around and it sells our country short.”
Former federal appellate judge Michael Luttig put it this way: “A political party is a collection and assemblage of individuals who share a set of beliefs and principles and policy views about the United States of America. Today, there is no such shared set of beliefs and values and principles or even policy views within the Republican Party for America.”
Utah Senator Mitt Romney (the 2012 Republican presidential nominee) summed up his view simply: “A very large portion of my party really doesn’t believe in the Constitution.”
It's true. And this matters. America’s representative democracy depends on Americans believing in and adhering to the Constitution. Not because it gets everything right. It doesn’t. And not because there aren’t valid alternative governmental structures. There are. Americans must believe in the Constitution, as enacted, because a central, agreed-upon set of overarching rules is a precondition to a civilized and cohesive society.
More than two centuries after the Constitution set out to “form a more perfect union” and “ensure domestic tranquility” and “promote the general welfare,” a large part of one America’s two major political parties has cast all this aside.
While there are numerous underlying reasons for this predicament–and no silver bullet can solve the problem–opening up the primary system would be one step in the right direction. This book is a helpful guide for how to make that happen.
Troiano provides a nice articulation for how closed primaries favor extremists and marginalize moderates.
This system has contributed to a political duopoly dominated by just two parties. Most Americans will have one binary choice—Democrats or Republicans—at the ballot box this November. This lack of competition has a predictable result: the parties are neither disciplined nor coherent.
They are, indeed, a mess.
While the Democrats still have rational and sober-minded leadership (for the most part), the party’s radical progressive wing is far too influential. Their positions in areas like free speech (cancel dissent), law enforcement (defund the police), national defense (a trivial concern), and federal spending (deficits don’t matter)—to name a few—are unmoored from empirical reality.
The Republicans, meanwhile, are an unfathomable train wreck. Led by Donald Trump and energized by a band of nihilistic zealots in the House of Representatives, the party stands for little more than causing trouble.
Traditional Republican leaders are aghast at what the party has become.
Two-time Republican Attorney General William Barr, for example, said, “I think the historic problem we have is that Trump is a demagogue who is turning part of the Republican Party into a howling mob. And they have to start considering that acting just from impulsive anger and fury is not the way to turn things around and it sells our country short.”
Former federal appellate judge Michael Luttig put it this way: “A political party is a collection and assemblage of individuals who share a set of beliefs and principles and policy views about the United States of America. Today, there is no such shared set of beliefs and values and principles or even policy views within the Republican Party for America.”
Utah Senator Mitt Romney (the 2012 Republican presidential nominee) summed up his view simply: “A very large portion of my party really doesn’t believe in the Constitution.”
It's true. And this matters. America’s representative democracy depends on Americans believing in and adhering to the Constitution. Not because it gets everything right. It doesn’t. And not because there aren’t valid alternative governmental structures. There are. Americans must believe in the Constitution, as enacted, because a central, agreed-upon set of overarching rules is a precondition to a civilized and cohesive society.
More than two centuries after the Constitution set out to “form a more perfect union” and “ensure domestic tranquility” and “promote the general welfare,” a large part of one America’s two major political parties has cast all this aside.
While there are numerous underlying reasons for this predicament–and no silver bullet can solve the problem–opening up the primary system would be one step in the right direction. This book is a helpful guide for how to make that happen.
October 13, 2024
Everyone should read this. The author wrote this earlier this year (2024 an election year). Discusses the polarized political system and ways to bridge the gap. Will now be voting in the primaries to help to my part.
May 26, 2024
I attended a Denver Press Club evening event on February 13th hosted by Veterans for All Voters, where Nick Troiano (Unite America), Lisa Feret (CO Legislative Candidate), and Todd Connor (VFAV) led a panel discussion on "Political Polarization & The Primary Paradox." That week of February 11-14, I also attended the annual meeting of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers (NANR). I found these meetings to be led by people passionate about the future of our democracy, who discussed and developed actions to address the worrying trends causing a loss of trust in our essential institutions and each other.
Troiano was about to release his book "The Primary Solution" and, using data and anecdotes, quite convincingly stated that among the many things we need to do to restore trust and fight social manipulation, the one thing that stands out is that we taxpayers need to take back the primary system from the capture of the two dominant political parties and reinsert fairness, greater participation, and choice into the election process.
Why is the Election Primary Process failing us?
- A historically low 20% of voters say they trust our government
- Only 8% of all voters cast ballots in partisan primary primaries that determined 83% of House Districts! In 2018, AOC from NY 14th District was chosen by just 5% of eligible voters, and MTG from GA 14th District was elected by just 8% of eligible voters. This has nothing to do with the number "14" and has everything to do with partisan primaries. Turnout is typically higher in the general election, but for AOC and MTG and representatives in the 359 "Safe Districts," (out of 435) voters don't have a meaningful vote. Their representative was determined in the primary election. 129 House District representatives ran unopposed. The Primary election for these Safe Districts is used as a weapon by the base of the major parties to "primary" representatives who are not progressive or conservative enough, even though the resulting polarization does not represent the wishes of the majority of the District's voters.
- Congress has an 8% approval rating, yet 90% of members get reelected!
If a system is broken, in this case, our election system, and just like we have done multiple times in our history, we can adjust our election process. We must move from a process established in the pre-digital age to the present-day reality. We need a better election process to put our democracy's future in all of our hands rather than just the two dominant parties, "patriots," theocrats, and the Machiavellians.
Two key principles outlined by Troiano for taxpayer-funded election processes:
1) All eligible voters should have the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party
2) A candidate must earn a majority of the vote to win an election
Only four states (Louisiana, Washington, California, and Alaska) currently have election systems that embody these two principles. What they have in common is none of them have partisan primaries.
Abolishing partisan primaries has five main benefits:
1) All voter's voices will be heard
2) Elections will be decided by a majority of voters
3) Extremism will come with a cost
4) Incumbents will face all voters and have less fear of being "primaried" by their base
5) A more representative process will lead to more leaders running for office and more choice and competition, improving voter participation
This was a great read that covers so much more and provides the context, the "why," and the urgency we should feel.
Troiano was about to release his book "The Primary Solution" and, using data and anecdotes, quite convincingly stated that among the many things we need to do to restore trust and fight social manipulation, the one thing that stands out is that we taxpayers need to take back the primary system from the capture of the two dominant political parties and reinsert fairness, greater participation, and choice into the election process.
Why is the Election Primary Process failing us?
- A historically low 20% of voters say they trust our government
- Only 8% of all voters cast ballots in partisan primary primaries that determined 83% of House Districts! In 2018, AOC from NY 14th District was chosen by just 5% of eligible voters, and MTG from GA 14th District was elected by just 8% of eligible voters. This has nothing to do with the number "14" and has everything to do with partisan primaries. Turnout is typically higher in the general election, but for AOC and MTG and representatives in the 359 "Safe Districts," (out of 435) voters don't have a meaningful vote. Their representative was determined in the primary election. 129 House District representatives ran unopposed. The Primary election for these Safe Districts is used as a weapon by the base of the major parties to "primary" representatives who are not progressive or conservative enough, even though the resulting polarization does not represent the wishes of the majority of the District's voters.
- Congress has an 8% approval rating, yet 90% of members get reelected!
If a system is broken, in this case, our election system, and just like we have done multiple times in our history, we can adjust our election process. We must move from a process established in the pre-digital age to the present-day reality. We need a better election process to put our democracy's future in all of our hands rather than just the two dominant parties, "patriots," theocrats, and the Machiavellians.
Two key principles outlined by Troiano for taxpayer-funded election processes:
1) All eligible voters should have the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party
2) A candidate must earn a majority of the vote to win an election
Only four states (Louisiana, Washington, California, and Alaska) currently have election systems that embody these two principles. What they have in common is none of them have partisan primaries.
Abolishing partisan primaries has five main benefits:
1) All voter's voices will be heard
2) Elections will be decided by a majority of voters
3) Extremism will come with a cost
4) Incumbents will face all voters and have less fear of being "primaried" by their base
5) A more representative process will lead to more leaders running for office and more choice and competition, improving voter participation
This was a great read that covers so much more and provides the context, the "why," and the urgency we should feel.
May 31, 2024
There is no better way that I can summarize what this book is about and what you'll be reading than this quote from the introduction: "The main idea of this book is that partisan primaries are not merely one problem among a long list of problems with our political system. They are, pun intended, the primary problem." As the author of "In Defense of Joe Manchin," I am very sympathetic to the cause of political moderation, especially since the author's writing and research style is very similar to my own.
While I am sympathetic to the case the author is making, which is strong enough that I think it should be civics reading given to high school and college students, I think that he does skim past some of the other flaws in our (small-r) republican system. Although Alaska's model is admirable, thanks as well to ranked-choice voting, I am a resident of a state with nonpartisan blanket primaries and we continue to face many of the same issues that the author describes. Political polarization itself is a problem here as well as the systemic issues of partisan primaries. Similarly, the history that the author lays out, which includes the view that party insiders know what everyday voters want more than more mobilized primary voters, is not only inherently elitist but generally disproven by the 2016 election.
Even so, this is a very strong book. It tackles nearly all of the common critiques of the proposals within, knowing that it is an academic framework to explore these issues. Although arguably a book written more for a politically-informed audience, I think everyday voters would likely appreciate its themes as well. Political science nerds, rejoice.
While I am sympathetic to the case the author is making, which is strong enough that I think it should be civics reading given to high school and college students, I think that he does skim past some of the other flaws in our (small-r) republican system. Although Alaska's model is admirable, thanks as well to ranked-choice voting, I am a resident of a state with nonpartisan blanket primaries and we continue to face many of the same issues that the author describes. Political polarization itself is a problem here as well as the systemic issues of partisan primaries. Similarly, the history that the author lays out, which includes the view that party insiders know what everyday voters want more than more mobilized primary voters, is not only inherently elitist but generally disproven by the 2016 election.
Even so, this is a very strong book. It tackles nearly all of the common critiques of the proposals within, knowing that it is an academic framework to explore these issues. Although arguably a book written more for a politically-informed audience, I think everyday voters would likely appreciate its themes as well. Political science nerds, rejoice.
August 29, 2024
A coherent and cohesive look at what the two political corporations and their non-governmental primaries have wrought: candidates in actual governmental...Ahem..."general" elections increasingly chosen only by the most engaged elements of those parties. In the modern GOP that has created a freak-show that is part No Nothings, part Brownshirts and entirely incapable of governing. While the Democrats remain a functioning party and the 2024 primaries (mostly) saw a refutation of the more bomb-throwing extremes of its left flank, Troiano shows why that is unlikely to last -- and how surprisingly the problem could be mitigated if the will exists to do so.
A sobering reminder that much like the Apportionment Act reducing the power of cities and large states in the House -- and thus the Electoral College -- much of what is damaging our government does NOT require Constitutional amendments to fix, just simple bills and state referendums -- but those sitting in Congress are the LEAST likely to do what needs doing.
A sobering reminder that much like the Apportionment Act reducing the power of cities and large states in the House -- and thus the Electoral College -- much of what is damaging our government does NOT require Constitutional amendments to fix, just simple bills and state referendums -- but those sitting in Congress are the LEAST likely to do what needs doing.
August 20, 2024
Nick Troiano’s “The Primary Solution: Rescuing Our Democracy from the Fringes” is a thought-provoking and riveting exploration of the current state of American democracy and its vulnerabilities. Troiano, a seasoned political reform advocate, delves into the mechanics of the primary election system with a sharp analytical eye, offering readers not just a diagnosis of the problems but also a compelling roadmap to potential solutions. All Americans interested in our political process should read this! From the outset, Troiano captures our attention by laying bare the stark reality of political polarization and the fringe dominance that plagues our political landscape. His writing is authoritative, making complex political concepts understandable to readers without sacrificing the depth of his analysis. He meticulously explains how the primary system, designed to give power to the people, has instead resulted in a political tug-of-war dominated by extreme factions, leaving moderate voices marginalized and disenchanted. One of the most engaging aspects of the book is Troiano’s ability to weave in personal anecdotes and real-life stories that humanize the political discourse. These narratives not only illustrate the impact of the primary system on individuals and communities but also underscore the urgency of reform. His storytelling is vivid and empathetic, drawing readers into the lived experiences of ordinary Americans caught in the crossfire of political extremism. The heart of “The Primary Solution” lies in its actionable proposals for reform. Troiano doesn’t just criticize the current system; he offers a detailed blueprint for change. His advocacy for open primaries and ranked-choice voting is particularly compelling, backed by robust evidence and case studies from states that have already implemented such reforms. Troiano’s vision for a more inclusive and representative democracy is both inspiring and practical, instilling a sense of hope and possibility. “The Primary Solution” is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of American democracy. Nick Troiano’s blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and pragmatic solutions makes this book a powerful call to action. It challenges readers to rethink the status quo and consider how we can collectively work towards a more just and equitable political system. This book not only informs but also empowers, making it a standout contribution to the discourse on democratic reform.
March 30, 2024
I enjoyed this one. A straightforward look at plausible, passable election reform that would make our elected officials more representative. If you are even slightly interested in politics, this is worth a read.
January 23, 2024
Detailed, narrative-based deep dive into one of the most solvable crises facing American democracy today. Primary reform is possible — let’s make it happen!
May 3, 2024
I want to shout this from the rooftops... if you're tired of politics being so toxic, it's time to change the system and the incentives. It doesn't have to be this way. Open primaries are a dang good place to start fixing the broken system.
July 12, 2024
This is a great read for anyone interested in our voting system in America, and why it needs a major overhaul. Open and closed primaries, as well as ranked choice voting are explored, the successes and how to work on moving forward.
November 10, 2024
Like many non-fiction books by academics, it could make its points in 1/3 the length. But they are good, well-argued points.
May 5, 2024
We have a lot of problems with our government in America today, and many of them seem to defy repair. Dysfunction, polarization, disinformation, lying as strategy, toxic social media and the list goes on. Could getting rid of partisan primaries really make a difference? Maybe. Mr. Troiano makes a strong case. For starters, I think that he's right in pointing out that we often elect people who do not reflect the thinking of a clear majority of their constituents on multiple issues of importance. He's also right in pointing out that low turnout primary elections tend to be dominated by people on the outer edges of left and right and that party-based primaries disenfranchise the growing number of independent voters who do not wish to be affiliated with either party. So it seems to be common sense that getting rid of partisan primaries will help to push us back into a place where more people can participate, where elected officials will more closely reflect the opinions of their constituents and where we are likely to end up with a government of people who are less confrontational, who share more basic values and who are able, at least sometimes, to work together. I'm sold. It is certainly not the whole solution to our problems, but it is part of the solution. And, as Mr. Troiano explains, primary reform is a goal that has bipartisan appeal and that can be achieved by grinding away from state to state without a constitutional amendment, so it is much more politically feasible then a lot of other reforms that I might like to see happen to throw the bums out and get our government working again.
January 31, 2025
FASCINATING read about how reforming the partisan primary is an incredibly effective and accessible tool to combatting the seemingly insurmountable grip polarization has on our country.
His argument is that the partisan primary races (decided nationally by 8% of the electorate) are effectively deciding 83% of the congressional races (where one party or the other wins every time). This 8% electing 83% stat is staggering.
He goes on to say that a small minority of the population votes in primaries, and this minority is comprised of those on the ideological 'fringes' -- i.e. highly engaged farthest-left liberal democrats and farthest-right conservative Republicans.
Since these extreme voters are the ones putting elected officials through their primaries, the same officials have a huge incentive to pander to these voters by voting on the left/right extremes and refusing to work across the aisle at risk of seeming "weak" to their polarized voting base.
The 2 big takeaways are that:
1. all eligible voters should have the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election regardless of party (the current system means independents often cannot vote in any primaries though their taxes are funding the election)
2. A candidate must earn a majority of the vote in order to win an election (currently, our system only requires a plurality, not 50% or more)
He ends w a very hopeful message: "there is nothing so wrong with our democracy today that the same democracy does not give us the tools to fix."
His argument is that the partisan primary races (decided nationally by 8% of the electorate) are effectively deciding 83% of the congressional races (where one party or the other wins every time). This 8% electing 83% stat is staggering.
He goes on to say that a small minority of the population votes in primaries, and this minority is comprised of those on the ideological 'fringes' -- i.e. highly engaged farthest-left liberal democrats and farthest-right conservative Republicans.
Since these extreme voters are the ones putting elected officials through their primaries, the same officials have a huge incentive to pander to these voters by voting on the left/right extremes and refusing to work across the aisle at risk of seeming "weak" to their polarized voting base.
The 2 big takeaways are that:
1. all eligible voters should have the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election regardless of party (the current system means independents often cannot vote in any primaries though their taxes are funding the election)
2. A candidate must earn a majority of the vote in order to win an election (currently, our system only requires a plurality, not 50% or more)
He ends w a very hopeful message: "there is nothing so wrong with our democracy today that the same democracy does not give us the tools to fix."
April 16, 2024
Extremely practical, focused book laying out not only a wonderful best next step to improve American democracy, but it also establishes a hopeful backdrop and key principles for further improvement. I will support financially and with my time the institutions Nick lists. He clearly and soberly convinced me that his ideas will better our democracy.
The key is not centrism, moderation or compromise. It is participation. Nick puts figures to what we know and feel: very few citizens have undue, improportionate voice in our elections. It's not who you think it is, and it is not even purposely achieved. It's akin to the point made in Two Party Doom Loop: it's a train run off the tracks. It's an arms race advancing towards mutual destruction. The parties cannot even save themselves. The taxpayers must say we will only fund elections that allow all of us to have a voice.
Read this book for the very simple ways we can achieve that. All should participate in every election, and we should be able to choose more than one pick. We demand such from our products, our education, our entertainment, our medicine, etc.
I admire Nick for repetitively stressing there is no silver bullet/panacea. People are messy. Government is messy. We cannot perfectly allocate resources to exact perfect justice and fairness; nonetheless, the perfect cannot destroy progress. When people accept that, a vacuum is created, and those looking for a shortcut to power will fill it.
The key is not centrism, moderation or compromise. It is participation. Nick puts figures to what we know and feel: very few citizens have undue, improportionate voice in our elections. It's not who you think it is, and it is not even purposely achieved. It's akin to the point made in Two Party Doom Loop: it's a train run off the tracks. It's an arms race advancing towards mutual destruction. The parties cannot even save themselves. The taxpayers must say we will only fund elections that allow all of us to have a voice.
Read this book for the very simple ways we can achieve that. All should participate in every election, and we should be able to choose more than one pick. We demand such from our products, our education, our entertainment, our medicine, etc.
I admire Nick for repetitively stressing there is no silver bullet/panacea. People are messy. Government is messy. We cannot perfectly allocate resources to exact perfect justice and fairness; nonetheless, the perfect cannot destroy progress. When people accept that, a vacuum is created, and those looking for a shortcut to power will fill it.
November 11, 2024
The Executive Director of Unite America, makes a very compelling case for altering the way primaries are run. In states with closed primaries, in gerrymandered districts, you essentially have members of Congress winning the nomination with a single digit percent of the electorate and easily winning their seat. Book examines states like Alaska and Louisiana that already have some variation of reformed primaries, with open blanket primaries, with run-offs if no gets to 50% -- or with Alaska their rank choice voting that gives instant runoffs.
Members of Congress who come through this process generally have a 27% higher favorability rating and are more likely introduce popular, bipartisan legislation that gets signed into law since they don't have to worry about being "primaried".
A non-wonky, really interesting book, especially if you like political science! Highly recommend!!!
Members of Congress who come through this process generally have a 27% higher favorability rating and are more likely introduce popular, bipartisan legislation that gets signed into law since they don't have to worry about being "primaried".
A non-wonky, really interesting book, especially if you like political science! Highly recommend!!!
April 1, 2024
A good encapsulation of the arguments for primary reform, along with several case studies of how some states are doing it right now (and what we can learn from the outcomes of elections under those systems in use). I do suspect that the book will have a bit of a preaching-to-the-choir or I've-heard-this-before problem; the people who pick it up are likely (like me) to be more plugged in to the current problems with and debates over partisan primaries, and there's not a lot of wholly new-to-me information in here, just greater detail. Still, a worthy book, and one I hope does reach outside of the audience of "people already convinced of the need for primary reform" and change some minds, or at least give people something to think about.
Read
July 28, 2024An excellent Freakonomics podcast, Why Don't We Have Better Candidates for President?, got me interested in election reform. That got me to the Unite America website, and this book. The book identifies the problems with our current system and some of the possible solutions (my favorites are open primaries to select the top 4 candidates, rank choice voting elections, and no gerrymandering.
I'm not a history buff or election wonk, so this book spent far more time in the weeds than I was interested in. If you are a history buff or election wonk, odds are you will love this book. Even if you're not, it's worth the slog.
I'm not a history buff or election wonk, so this book spent far more time in the weeds than I was interested in. If you are a history buff or election wonk, odds are you will love this book. Even if you're not, it's worth the slog.
March 22, 2024
Succinct book about the benefits of primary reform, and argues persuasively about why implementing nonpartisan primaries with ranked choice voting style reforms is not only one of the most impactful sets of reforms we could implement, but actually very achievable, especially compared to other types of reforms.
June 20, 2024
Having worked in politics and policy for the last 16 years, this book reinforced the challenges of our current system and reminded me of the need for change. It’s not an easy thing, the change peoples mind and enact policy but it can be done. Inspired to do more research and get involved with the issue.
April 14, 2024
Good subject matter, and author provides good options for changing America's primary process. But, the book could be a lot more concise. Explanation and example take up way too many words in this book.
May 1, 2025
We are in urgent need of election reform, this book has some good ideas as to how we can reform the primaries, candidates are selected by a minority of the electorate, we need to got more of the electorate active in this process
September 30, 2025
While the topic is important, the writer is particularly slow and repetitive. This book would have been much better if it had been edited down to half. Perhaps it would have also attracted more readers that way - which would have been useful due to the topic.
May 2, 2024
I can't fix the government, but you can.
How many times have you complained about the government but done nothing about it? Now is your chance to stop complaining and do something.
How many times have you complained about the government but done nothing about it? Now is your chance to stop complaining and do something.
June 22, 2024
Clear, easily read argument for election reform in the US. Highly recommend!
April 17, 2025
This should be read in conjunction with Seth Masket's Inevitable Party.
July 9, 2025
This book has vocalized a lot of feelings I’ve had lately and illustrated one of the man contributing factors: partisan primaries. I highly recommend this book. Very important topic for today.
September 4, 2025
This was pretty good. I listened as an audiobook and probably would have been better to read it due to the depth of material.
November 14, 2024
It was a well-written, thoroughly documented read on why our current primary system has us divided and what to do to fix it. I got through enough of it get the point ;)
I think ranked-choice voting was a disaster in Alaska, but it seems more of an education issue. The current system is broken. I'm willing to take a chance and am voting for it in Colorado.
I think ranked-choice voting was a disaster in Alaska, but it seems more of an education issue. The current system is broken. I'm willing to take a chance and am voting for it in Colorado.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews