In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Chad Peace of the Independent Voter Project to break down California’s complex voting system, including how primary election structures impact voter choice and participation. The conversation dives into the challenges facing independent voters, the role of electoral reform, and what changes could improve fairness and accessibility in U.S. elections. Listeners will gain insight into how voting systems shape political outcomes and why reform efforts are gaining momentum.

What We're Talking About...

• California nonpartisan primary system explained and how it impacts elections
• Closed vs. open primaries: how primary systems affect voter choice and participation
• The role of political parties in U.S. elections and ballot access
• The SAVE Act and voter ID laws: impact on voting rights and election security
• Ranked choice voting explained as an alternative election system
• Legal and political challenges to electoral reform in the United States

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Independent Voter Project

04:01 The Impact of Nonpartisan Primaries in California

06:58 Challenges and Opportunities in the Election Process

09:55 The SAVE Act and Voter ID Controversies

12:50 The Role of Political Parties in Elections

15:54 The Need for Political Reform

19:10 Engaging Voters and Building Awareness

29:05 Empowering Voter Participation

29:33 The Role of Independent Voters

Links Mentioned

Independent Voter Project Website: https://independentvoterproject.org/

Independent Voter News: https://ivn.us