A Free and Equal Nominating System Can Save Our Democracy

In the winter of 1790, after rewriting the Pennsylvania Constitution, Supreme Court Justice James Wilson chose the “free and equal” election clause as the keynote for his inaugural law lecture. Addressing our nation's founders, Wilson described free and equal elections as the “original fountain” of democracy and “first duty” of every state. 

Wilson stressed that a pristine fountain was necessary to achieve true representation. And warned that without fairness, the fountain is poisoned, spoiling all aspects of government.

James Wilson was a Constitutional framer and the architect of the separation of powers. He believed a legitimate vote was the prerequisite for democracy - the most fundamental aspect of all the checks and balances. Our voice is silenced when we don’t choose the people we elect or have the means to hold them accountable. 

Absence of these principles has led to extreme polarization. Party leadership controls Congress, whose members are protected by gerrymandering and wealthy donors. It explains why Congressional approval ratings are abysmal while reelection of incumbents is a near certainty.

So if you wonder why both sides put party over country, it’s due to the incentives under which they operate. As long as elections are decided by spending wars and spurred by hatred of the other side, we fuel the extremes. No matter who is in charge, the two-party system serves the 1% while our economy, world standing and civility, continue to plummet. 

Thankfully, a brand new way to nominate representatives can mend our divided country - it requires no new laws, and technology makes it possible. Wilson’s vision of popular sovereignty lies a paradigm shift away. A modern reboot of our primary system produces fresh and viable candidates. 

America’s Main Street Party is developing a truly free and equal nominating system for Congress. Demos of the prototype are now on social media. This party has no ideology - just a mission to deliver a process for selecting a candidate where your input actually matters. 

Our app allows constituents to filter and endorse potential nominees via a multi-round elimination contest. Those vying to win the nomination only advance by gaining constituent support. A candidate emerges without influence from outside donors, political insiders, or the media. 

The winner of our “primary” will challenge the major party incumbent in the general election. Party candidates must follow our campaign finance rules, which protect citizens’ interests. 

Additionally, the Party commits to run an equal number of campaigns in solidly blue and red districts. The goal isn’t to swing Congress, but to restore accountability by introducing competition where there typically is none. 

America’s Main Street Party is a political committee, so grassroots support is required to develop, test and publish the app. Your donation creates a timeless asset for our country instead of another terrible political ad.

More than ever, it’s evident that money and gerrymandering have broken democracy. It’s imperative we find a much better way to determine who represents us. 

Establishing a free and equal system requires your investment. While doing nothing may cost us everything.