Humans naturally form groups to align with shared beliefs and identities. Political parties play a crucial role in our democracy by helping citizens navigate complex issues, providing a sense of identity, and supporting the electoral process. At their best, parties represent the interests and values of their members.
Yet, over time, parties have become more focused on serving the interests of elites rather than the people. Instead of being led by their members, parties have begun to lead people, often at the expense of broader representation. This has forced many to choose between two major parties to participate meaningfully in the political process, with loyalty to a party becoming personal and divisive. Studies show that a significant portion of Americans in both major parties view members of the opposing party as immoral, contributing to deepening national divisions.
We advocate for a return to parties that prioritize representing people, providing valuable information, and facilitating democratic elections. Functional, people-centered parties are essential to a thriving democracy.