Michael Kenig
@michaelkenig.bsky.social
Striving to make our democracy work in order to create a more perfect union. #VoterCentric http://linkedin.com/in/michaelkenig
Examples:
Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting, Redistricting, Money in Politics, strengthening democracy
Examples:
Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting, Redistricting, Money in Politics, strengthening democracy
Maybe instead of having "party" primaries, we replace them with "voter" primaries??
In the last election, 5 states that abolished party primaries for state or federal offices had 3.5x the rate of competitive general elections for state house & 2x for US House.
#EveryonesVoteShouldMatter
In the last election, 5 states that abolished party primaries for state or federal offices had 3.5x the rate of competitive general elections for state house & 2x for US House.
#EveryonesVoteShouldMatter
August 23, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Maybe instead of having "party" primaries, we replace them with "voter" primaries??
In the last election, 5 states that abolished party primaries for state or federal offices had 3.5x the rate of competitive general elections for state house & 2x for US House.
#EveryonesVoteShouldMatter
In the last election, 5 states that abolished party primaries for state or federal offices had 3.5x the rate of competitive general elections for state house & 2x for US House.
#EveryonesVoteShouldMatter
Reposted by Michael Kenig
NEW in Bolts: Seattle voters decided this week to renew their "democracy vouchers," which is a unique program that hands residents $100 in vouchers to donate to local candidates of their choice.
The program will continue for another 10 years. Bolts explains!
boltsmag.org/seattle-demo...
The program will continue for another 10 years. Bolts explains!
boltsmag.org/seattle-demo...
Seattle Is Renewing Its Unique Approach to Public Campaign Financing - Bolts
Seattle is poised to continue its experiment in public campaign financing. Voters on Tuesday appear to have renewed the city’s democracy vouchers program, which provides each adult Seattle resident wi...
boltsmag.org
August 8, 2025 at 7:33 PM
NEW in Bolts: Seattle voters decided this week to renew their "democracy vouchers," which is a unique program that hands residents $100 in vouchers to donate to local candidates of their choice.
The program will continue for another 10 years. Bolts explains!
boltsmag.org/seattle-demo...
The program will continue for another 10 years. Bolts explains!
boltsmag.org/seattle-demo...
Think that partisan primaries are part if the problem? There is a solution… Watch this 30 minute free version to see how a new system is allowing Alaskans to hold their reps more accountable!
youtu.be/kDA1WG7QMok?...
Thanks @ajschnack.bsky.social
@majorityrulesfilm.com
youtu.be/kDA1WG7QMok?...
Thanks @ajschnack.bsky.social
@majorityrulesfilm.com
July 24, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Think that partisan primaries are part if the problem? There is a solution… Watch this 30 minute free version to see how a new system is allowing Alaskans to hold their reps more accountable!
youtu.be/kDA1WG7QMok?...
Thanks @ajschnack.bsky.social
@majorityrulesfilm.com
youtu.be/kDA1WG7QMok?...
Thanks @ajschnack.bsky.social
@majorityrulesfilm.com
Add Pennsylvania to the list!
Another state where closed partisan primaries are being challenged. Everyone should be able to vote in publicly funded elections!
12 mins to watch: youtu.be/lvnmLB_6N8g?...
@smerconish.bsky.social
@letusvote.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
#OneStateAtaTime
Another state where closed partisan primaries are being challenged. Everyone should be able to vote in publicly funded elections!
12 mins to watch: youtu.be/lvnmLB_6N8g?...
@smerconish.bsky.social
@letusvote.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
#OneStateAtaTime
CNN: Petitioners advocate for open primaries in Pennsylvania
YouTube video by Open Primaries
youtu.be
July 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Add Pennsylvania to the list!
Another state where closed partisan primaries are being challenged. Everyone should be able to vote in publicly funded elections!
12 mins to watch: youtu.be/lvnmLB_6N8g?...
@smerconish.bsky.social
@letusvote.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
#OneStateAtaTime
Another state where closed partisan primaries are being challenged. Everyone should be able to vote in publicly funded elections!
12 mins to watch: youtu.be/lvnmLB_6N8g?...
@smerconish.bsky.social
@letusvote.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
#OneStateAtaTime
Reposted by Michael Kenig
Exciting news from Michigan!
We couldn't be more grateful and proud of every volunteer and donation making this day possible. Find signature gathering events at RankMiVote.org/Where-Do-I-Sign.
Please note, ONLINE SIGNATURES DO NOT COUNT. Petitions must be signed IN PERSON!
Support our grassroots efforts: RankMiVote.org/Donate
Please note, ONLINE SIGNATURES DO NOT COUNT. Petitions must be signed IN PERSON!
Support our grassroots efforts: RankMiVote.org/Donate
July 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Exciting news from Michigan!
“Why??”
I am all for government efficiency and being fiscally responsible. I also believe in accountability and having to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
This incl being able to answer the simple question “Why?”
I plan on asking this question from time to time. Today’s question:
I am all for government efficiency and being fiscally responsible. I also believe in accountability and having to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
This incl being able to answer the simple question “Why?”
I plan on asking this question from time to time. Today’s question:
July 13, 2025 at 1:25 PM
“Why??”
I am all for government efficiency and being fiscally responsible. I also believe in accountability and having to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
This incl being able to answer the simple question “Why?”
I plan on asking this question from time to time. Today’s question:
I am all for government efficiency and being fiscally responsible. I also believe in accountability and having to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
This incl being able to answer the simple question “Why?”
I plan on asking this question from time to time. Today’s question:
Lots of nuggets from this discussion, one that stood out, the story about formation of Republican Party… incl diverse groups who disagreed on plenty! They came together because of what they AGREED on!
Thx @heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
for the lesson.
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
Thx @heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
for the lesson.
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
Don’t miss the season finale of the Focus Group pod. We go out on a high note with @hcrichardson.bsky.social.
Heather Cox Richardson: Democracy Isn’t Dead. Yet. | The Focus Group Podcast
YouTube video by The Bulwark
youtube.com
July 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Lots of nuggets from this discussion, one that stood out, the story about formation of Republican Party… incl diverse groups who disagreed on plenty! They came together because of what they AGREED on!
Thx @heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
for the lesson.
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
Thx @heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
for the lesson.
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
Doesn’t have a position???
Great work @rankthevoteohio.bsky.social getting that exchange with the Governor on the record.
Great work @rankthevoteohio.bsky.social getting that exchange with the Governor on the record.
A delegate at Buckeye Boys State asked Governor Mike DeWine if he has a position on #SenateBill63 — the #RankedChoiceVoting Ban Bill. DeWine said he doesn’t have a position yet, so Ohioans can contact his office to explain how #SB63 subverts the Ohio Constitution! rtvo.org/stoptheban
June 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Doesn’t have a position???
Great work @rankthevoteohio.bsky.social getting that exchange with the Governor on the record.
Great work @rankthevoteohio.bsky.social getting that exchange with the Governor on the record.
@Elon Musk, is a 3rd Party the solution? Not by itself!
Reforms can change & improve HOW we elect our reps! It may not change who wins, but it is proving to change who runs, the way they campaign and more importantly how they govern once they are elected.
Changing the system changes the incentives!
Reforms can change & improve HOW we elect our reps! It may not change who wins, but it is proving to change who runs, the way they campaign and more importantly how they govern once they are elected.
Changing the system changes the incentives!
June 10, 2025 at 12:22 PM
@Elon Musk, is a 3rd Party the solution? Not by itself!
Reforms can change & improve HOW we elect our reps! It may not change who wins, but it is proving to change who runs, the way they campaign and more importantly how they govern once they are elected.
Changing the system changes the incentives!
Reforms can change & improve HOW we elect our reps! It may not change who wins, but it is proving to change who runs, the way they campaign and more importantly how they govern once they are elected.
Changing the system changes the incentives!
As we remember those who died to protect our freedom, this chart illustrates a growing disillusionment with democracy. Note the shift based on age! The further we get from WWII, the less we place on having a government of, by and for the people.
Thank you to all who died to protect our freedom.🇺🇸
Thank you to all who died to protect our freedom.🇺🇸
May 24, 2025 at 12:08 PM
As we remember those who died to protect our freedom, this chart illustrates a growing disillusionment with democracy. Note the shift based on age! The further we get from WWII, the less we place on having a government of, by and for the people.
Thank you to all who died to protect our freedom.🇺🇸
Thank you to all who died to protect our freedom.🇺🇸
Reposted by Michael Kenig
North Carolina military and overseas citizens, whose ballots are being targeted, don't let your vote be stolen.
Look up your names here and prepare for further action: thegriffinlist.com
Look up your names here and prepare for further action: thegriffinlist.com
The Griffin List
A list of 60,273 North Carolina voters – these are registered voters who showed ID to
early vote in the November 2024 election – whose votes Jefferson Griffin wants to not be counted.
...
thegriffinlist.com
April 12, 2025 at 4:24 AM
North Carolina military and overseas citizens, whose ballots are being targeted, don't let your vote be stolen.
Look up your names here and prepare for further action: thegriffinlist.com
Look up your names here and prepare for further action: thegriffinlist.com
So. the ability to use a primary as a weapon is good when it helps you, but not a good thing when it is used by someone you don’t like? Do I have that right?
Are the long term impacts of empowering a small group of voters who vote in primaries worth it?
@openprimaries.bsky.social
Are the long term impacts of empowering a small group of voters who vote in primaries worth it?
@openprimaries.bsky.social
March 16, 2025 at 2:49 PM
So. the ability to use a primary as a weapon is good when it helps you, but not a good thing when it is used by someone you don’t like? Do I have that right?
Are the long term impacts of empowering a small group of voters who vote in primaries worth it?
@openprimaries.bsky.social
Are the long term impacts of empowering a small group of voters who vote in primaries worth it?
@openprimaries.bsky.social
Great discussion! Love the focus on solutions and focus on changing Congress’s incentives (53:35)!
- eliminate closed primaries
- money in politics
- Gerrymandering
If the first two happen much easier for the thirds!
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@americanpromise.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
- eliminate closed primaries
- money in politics
- Gerrymandering
If the first two happen much easier for the thirds!
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@americanpromise.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
My conversation with Ezra Klein on building new cities and taxing the daylights out of social media corporations.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tnQ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tnQ...
A Democrat Who Is Thinking Differently | The Ezra Klein Show
YouTube video by The Ezra Klein Show
www.youtube.com
March 1, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Great discussion! Love the focus on solutions and focus on changing Congress’s incentives (53:35)!
- eliminate closed primaries
- money in politics
- Gerrymandering
If the first two happen much easier for the thirds!
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@americanpromise.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
- eliminate closed primaries
- money in politics
- Gerrymandering
If the first two happen much easier for the thirds!
@ezrakleinbot.bsky.social
@americanpromise.bsky.social
@openprimaries.bsky.social
@timmiller.bsky.social and @adamkinzinger.bsky.social
Great discussion on @thebulwark.bsky.social
Idea of need for a “rallying cry” and Adam’s suggestion to focus on the billionaires… you might appreciate this: “The Corporate Coup in Real Time”
open.substack.com/pub/antiauth...
@22ci.bsky.social
Great discussion on @thebulwark.bsky.social
Idea of need for a “rallying cry” and Adam’s suggestion to focus on the billionaires… you might appreciate this: “The Corporate Coup in Real Time”
open.substack.com/pub/antiauth...
@22ci.bsky.social
The Corporate Coup in Real Time
The Case Against Super Billionaires Running the Government
open.substack.com
February 25, 2025 at 3:59 PM
@timmiller.bsky.social and @adamkinzinger.bsky.social
Great discussion on @thebulwark.bsky.social
Idea of need for a “rallying cry” and Adam’s suggestion to focus on the billionaires… you might appreciate this: “The Corporate Coup in Real Time”
open.substack.com/pub/antiauth...
@22ci.bsky.social
Great discussion on @thebulwark.bsky.social
Idea of need for a “rallying cry” and Adam’s suggestion to focus on the billionaires… you might appreciate this: “The Corporate Coup in Real Time”
open.substack.com/pub/antiauth...
@22ci.bsky.social
This is tomorrow 2/5! @samwang.bsky.social shares his insights!
Can Primaries be part of the solution? Hear @samwang.bsky.social on benefits of reforms to our primaries on 2/5 1 pm ET
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Primary Reform and Pivotal Voters: A discussion of research on how ideological purity gets translated into representation, the concept of the pivotal voter,...
Join the National Association of Nonpartisan Reforms for a conversation with Sam Wang, Ph.D., from Princeton University, regarding his research on the impact of primary reform on electoral outcomes, h...
us02web.zoom.us
February 4, 2025 at 10:14 PM
This is tomorrow 2/5! @samwang.bsky.social shares his insights!
Reposted by Michael Kenig
In other democracies, when a party wins an election it wins all the power. But American democracy is different. It should be more different. How do we make Congress work?
Yuval Levin joins John Avlon on the latest episode of How To Fix It:
Yuval Levin joins John Avlon on the latest episode of How To Fix It:
Make Congress Work (with Yuval Levin)
In other democracies, when a party wins an election it wins all the power.
www.thebulwark.com
February 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In other democracies, when a party wins an election it wins all the power. But American democracy is different. It should be more different. How do we make Congress work?
Yuval Levin joins John Avlon on the latest episode of How To Fix It:
Yuval Levin joins John Avlon on the latest episode of How To Fix It:
Probably the most important group to be listening to right now… Clinton/Biden voters who did not vote for Trump the first two times, but DID vote for him this time.
Keep up the great work @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social @samsteindc.bsky.social @thebulwark.bsky.social
Very important to understand why!
Keep up the great work @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social @samsteindc.bsky.social @thebulwark.bsky.social
Very important to understand why!
We checked in with Biden-to-Trump voters to see what they thought about Trump’s first 10 days. My friend and colleague @samsteindc.bsky.social joins me to discuss.
youtube.com
February 1, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Probably the most important group to be listening to right now… Clinton/Biden voters who did not vote for Trump the first two times, but DID vote for him this time.
Keep up the great work @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social @samsteindc.bsky.social @thebulwark.bsky.social
Very important to understand why!
Keep up the great work @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social @samsteindc.bsky.social @thebulwark.bsky.social
Very important to understand why!
@timmiller.bsky.social you are the best! Big fan! You recently mentioned LA’s primary process as a “jungle primary”.
As the election reform movement has evolved, most are finding the term “all-candidate primary” as a better term?
Thanks for lifting up LA as a state that uses a better system.
As the election reform movement has evolved, most are finding the term “all-candidate primary” as a better term?
Thanks for lifting up LA as a state that uses a better system.
January 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
@timmiller.bsky.social you are the best! Big fan! You recently mentioned LA’s primary process as a “jungle primary”.
As the election reform movement has evolved, most are finding the term “all-candidate primary” as a better term?
Thanks for lifting up LA as a state that uses a better system.
As the election reform movement has evolved, most are finding the term “all-candidate primary” as a better term?
Thanks for lifting up LA as a state that uses a better system.
The more people understand reforms, the more they like them.
I appreciate legitimate debate but the “it’s complicated” or “confusing” arguments do not seem to be holding up as one of the legitimate arguments against RCV.
@fairvote.bsky.social
#MyVoteMatters
fairvote.org/press/arling...
I appreciate legitimate debate but the “it’s complicated” or “confusing” arguments do not seem to be holding up as one of the legitimate arguments against RCV.
@fairvote.bsky.social
#MyVoteMatters
fairvote.org/press/arling...
Exit poll: 88% of Arlington voters say ranked choice voting is easy, 67% would like to use it in future elections - FairVote
Overwhelming majorities of Arlington voters say ranked choice voting is easy, and would like to use it in future elections.
fairvote.org
January 26, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The more people understand reforms, the more they like them.
I appreciate legitimate debate but the “it’s complicated” or “confusing” arguments do not seem to be holding up as one of the legitimate arguments against RCV.
@fairvote.bsky.social
#MyVoteMatters
fairvote.org/press/arling...
I appreciate legitimate debate but the “it’s complicated” or “confusing” arguments do not seem to be holding up as one of the legitimate arguments against RCV.
@fairvote.bsky.social
#MyVoteMatters
fairvote.org/press/arling...
Reposted by Michael Kenig
Can Primaries be part of the solution? Hear @samwang.bsky.social on benefits of reforms to our primaries on 2/5 1 pm ET
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Primary Reform and Pivotal Voters: A discussion of research on how ideological purity gets translated into representation, the concept of the pivotal voter,...
Join the National Association of Nonpartisan Reforms for a conversation with Sam Wang, Ph.D., from Princeton University, regarding his research on the impact of primary reform on electoral outcomes, h...
us02web.zoom.us
January 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Can Primaries be part of the solution? Hear @samwang.bsky.social on benefits of reforms to our primaries on 2/5 1 pm ET
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Michael Kenig
It's been nearly 15 years since the Supreme Court allowed wealthy special interests to spend unlimited money to influence our elections.
Hear from leading experts about how the Citizens United decision continues to shape our elections today. RSVP:
campaignlegal.org/events/15-ye...
Hear from leading experts about how the Citizens United decision continues to shape our elections today. RSVP:
campaignlegal.org/events/15-ye...
January 13, 2025 at 2:14 PM
It's been nearly 15 years since the Supreme Court allowed wealthy special interests to spend unlimited money to influence our elections.
Hear from leading experts about how the Citizens United decision continues to shape our elections today. RSVP:
campaignlegal.org/events/15-ye...
Hear from leading experts about how the Citizens United decision continues to shape our elections today. RSVP:
campaignlegal.org/events/15-ye...
Can Primaries be part of the solution? Hear @samwang.bsky.social on benefits of reforms to our primaries on 2/5 1 pm ET
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Primary Reform and Pivotal Voters: A discussion of research on how ideological purity gets translated into representation, the concept of the pivotal voter,...
Join the National Association of Nonpartisan Reforms for a conversation with Sam Wang, Ph.D., from Princeton University, regarding his research on the impact of primary reform on electoral outcomes, h...
us02web.zoom.us
January 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Can Primaries be part of the solution? Hear @samwang.bsky.social on benefits of reforms to our primaries on 2/5 1 pm ET
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers
@openprimaries.bsky.social
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
“We have been doing this for 30 years, it’s not working”
Rep Tom Suozzi
Great discussion!
@John Avlon, come back to the discussion about behaviors (10:30’ mark)?
Is “shirts vs skins normal behavior of most human beings” true???
Discuss reforms that might change behaviors?
@thebulwark.bsky.social
Rep Tom Suozzi
Great discussion!
@John Avlon, come back to the discussion about behaviors (10:30’ mark)?
Is “shirts vs skins normal behavior of most human beings” true???
Discuss reforms that might change behaviors?
@thebulwark.bsky.social
Avoiding Partisan Gridlock open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa... John Avlon is one of the better journalists from tv!
Avoiding Partisan Gridlock
Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi, who represents a Long Island district that Donald Trump also won, argues that the real election mandate was for border security, reducing the cost of living, and mak...
open.substack.com
January 12, 2025 at 4:24 PM
“We have been doing this for 30 years, it’s not working”
Rep Tom Suozzi
Great discussion!
@John Avlon, come back to the discussion about behaviors (10:30’ mark)?
Is “shirts vs skins normal behavior of most human beings” true???
Discuss reforms that might change behaviors?
@thebulwark.bsky.social
Rep Tom Suozzi
Great discussion!
@John Avlon, come back to the discussion about behaviors (10:30’ mark)?
Is “shirts vs skins normal behavior of most human beings” true???
Discuss reforms that might change behaviors?
@thebulwark.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Kenig
For those keeping track, the cost to implement DC's landslide-winning Initiative 83 is $1.3 million over 4 years, yet the Council Chair and Mayor say there may not be funds available. But ... they've found $1.5 million for a riser.
Things that make you go ... hmmm. 🤔
www.axios.com/local/washin...
Things that make you go ... hmmm. 🤔
www.axios.com/local/washin...
Scoop: Cost of D.C. mayor's inaugural parade stand balloons to $1.5M
The rising cost comes at a time when many city Dems don't even plan to attend Trump II.
www.axios.com
January 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM
For those keeping track, the cost to implement DC's landslide-winning Initiative 83 is $1.3 million over 4 years, yet the Council Chair and Mayor say there may not be funds available. But ... they've found $1.5 million for a riser.
Things that make you go ... hmmm. 🤔
www.axios.com/local/washin...
Things that make you go ... hmmm. 🤔
www.axios.com/local/washin...
Love this!! John Avlon is great! Love a focus on solutions!! Recommend this podcast! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
(Now let’s get John on @bsky.app!)
@thebulwark.bsky.social
(Now let’s get John on @bsky.app!)
@thebulwark.bsky.social
January 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Love this!! John Avlon is great! Love a focus on solutions!! Recommend this podcast! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
(Now let’s get John on @bsky.app!)
@thebulwark.bsky.social
(Now let’s get John on @bsky.app!)
@thebulwark.bsky.social