How Do We Fix Our Politics?

We hear it all the time—at the coffee shop, in school, after town council meetings: “Politics is broken.” But what do we mean by that? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

Our politics feel broken because too often, the voices that rise to the top are the loudest, not the wisest. Too many people are shut out of a system that seems rigged for insiders. And too many of us feel powerless, like our vote—or even our voice—doesn’t matter. But that’s not the end of the story. Not if we don’t let it be.

Start with the Foundation: Our Electoral System

To restore faith in democracy, we need to fix how we vote—and how those votes are counted.

• End partisan gerrymandering. District maps should be drawn fairly by independent commissions, not manipulated to protect political power.

• Consider ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to express their preferences more fully and discourages extremism.

• Protect and expand access to the ballot—through early voting, mail-in ballots, and automatic registration.

And it’s time to take a hard look at the Electoral College, which routinely sidelines millions of voters in non-swing states.

Follow the Money

Our elections are awash in money—much of it dark, untraceable, and deeply influential.

• Overturn or curb the effects of Citizens United.

• Push for public campaign financing, so regular citizens can afford to run.

• Demand transparency about who is funding candidates and causes.

If we want a government that works for us, we need to know who’s paying the bills.

Teach Civics, Not Just Politics

We don’t just have a political problem—we have a cultural one. Too few of us understand how government works, or what’s at stake.

• Rebuild civic education in schools.

• Encourage media literacy to help people recognize misinformation and manipulation.

• Teach our kids not just what democracy is—but why it matters.

An informed citizenry isn’t optional. It’s the oxygen of a healthy republic.

Engage Locally

National headlines are loud and endless—but real power often lives closer to home.

• Vote in every election, not just presidential ones.

• Attend town meetings. Serve on committees. Run for office.

• Support local journalism and community efforts that keep the civic fabric intact.

Change doesn’t start in Washington. It starts on the porch, at the post office, and yes—on the deck.

Fix What’s Broken in Washington

The machinery of Congress is jammed by rules and habits that reward gridlock.

• Reform the filibuster, which has turned the Senate into a graveyard of good ideas.

• Limit lobbying and close the revolving door between public office and private gain.

• Encourage new leadership through term limits or age caps.

Government should serve the people—not itself.

A Culture Worth Defending

Ultimately, no reform works without a culture of democracy behind it. That means we need more:

• Listening across divides

• Civic humility, even when we feel righteous

• Courage to speak up, especially when it’s inconvenient

We must defend our institutions and norms: the peaceful transfer of power, the independence of the judiciary, the integrity of our elections, and the dignity of public service.