Let Us Vote Kentucky Launches

There are close to 400,000 registered independent voters across the Bluegrass state. That’s over 10% of registered voters in Kentucky (and doesn’t include the hundreds of thousands of independents who join a party against their will simply to be able to vote!)  Unaffiliated, independent and ‘other’ party voters remain the fastest growing segment of Kentucky’s electorate.

Yet Kentucky has completely closed primaries, one of the few southern states with a closed system.  

That’s why Open Primaries’ Let Us Vote campaign has partnered with independent activist Mark Ritter and a group of independent Kentuckians to launch Let Us Vote Kentucky.

Let Us Vote Kentucky is organizing independent voters in Kentucky from Louisville to Paducah, from Bowling Green to Ashland to speak out in one voice demanding-Let Us Vote. They’ll be working to educate the state legislature, the Republican and Democratic Parties and the public at large and supporting reform.

We’ll keep you updated as this exciting new effort grows.

Opening New Mexico’s Primaries: A Roadmap for Reform

Ten years ago, Open Primaries formed a partnership with New Mexico reform leaders to pass open primaries in the state legislature. This year we succeeded, and on April 7th Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an open primaries bill into law–ensuring over 340,000 registered independent voters will have the right to fully participate in all elections.

Now, in a newly updated report, we map out why the campaign to open New Mexico’s primaries was successful and how it can serve as a roadmap for future campaigns to achieve lasting political reform.

We found 8 key lessons:

How Independents Will Save American Politics

In perhaps one of the most backhanded compliments in an article we’ve read in a while, Villanova Professor Howard Lurie blames the state of our politics on the avalanche of independents that have left the Republican and Democratic Parties and left them partisan and dysfunctional in their wake. As he declares, “Independents are good people doing nothing. Doing nothing is what allows evil to triumph.”

Doing nothing? Independents are organizing and driving reform from coast to coast.

As Ballot PA Action reform leader David Thornburgh responded:

Independents Speak Out in Maryland

Maryland's congressional districts could be redrawn after a recently appointed Governor's commission met on Tuesday to discuss whether the state should proceed with redistricting efforts.

Open Primaries and Let Us Vote Maryland organized a dozen independent voters to testify and speak out for the rights of independent voters and the need to connect redistricting with the state’s closed primary that shuts out a million Marylanders.

Let Us Vote Maryland Director Melanie Combs-Dyer declared:

The 90-day signature gathering effort for State Question 836 (top two open primaries) is in full swing! Volunteer & hired petitioners are now working hard from the panhandle to Tulsa so every Oklahoman has a chance to sign and have their voice heard.

This week volunteers blanketed Oklahoma University where they spoke to a packed room about the initiative and then fanned out to gather hundreds of signatures. If you live in Oklahoma, please sign up to volunteer!  The campaign will train you how to gather signatures - it’s easy, fun, and powerful!  

Fundraising for the drive continues. Will you join local donors? Every dollar ensures this important campaign makes it on the 2026 ballot.

Can Two Party Politics Meet the Needs of the People? 

A Conversation w/ Independent Candidate for Governor of Maine Rick Bennett

If you missed John Opdycke’s conversation with independent candidate for Governor of Maine Rick Bennett this week you can watch the FULL RECORDING HERE. Share it with your friends and family and encourage them to join the next call! We have big plans for 2026, so now is the time to get on board.

As Rick said during the conversation:

“I’m running as an independent because Maine’s next chapter can’t be dictated by party bosses in Washington or by the special interests pouring dark money into our elections.Too many politicians today are more focused on partisan point-scoring than problem-solving. The system thrives on conflict, not resolution, and the issues that matter most – housing, our economy, our schools – get lost in the noise.”

If you’d like to learn more about his campaign–click here.

Applications are open for the next Independents’ Spokesperson Training — happening Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30pm ET (via Zoom).

Apply Here 

Open Primaries’ Independents’ Spokesperson Training has empowered hundreds of independent and reform-minded voters from across the country to tell their stories with confidence and impact. In this dynamic, interactive program, participants learn to articulate why they’re independent, challenge partisan myths, and communicate powerfully about the need for open, inclusive elections.

Through a mix of education, performance-based coaching, and storytelling exercises, trainees work directly with professional trainers and political innovators to build their voice and presence. The training offers a rare space where independents can connect, share experiences, and grow as leaders in their communities.

Here’s what recent participants had to say:

Learn how to tell your story, challenge partisan myths, and speak out for open, inclusive elections.

Join hundreds of independents nationwide who’ve already taken part.

Have a great weekend,

The Open Primaries Team