Shawn Griffiths
Shawn is an election reform expert and National Editor of IVN.us. He studied history and philosophy at the University of North Texas. He joined the IVN team in 2012.
Articles by Shawn
'Mr. No' Thomas Massie Threatened with Primary Challenge over Funding Stance
The US House was able to pass a continuing resolution in a party-line vote Tuesday to set up another government funding fight in six months and avoid a government shutdown.
Canada's Next Prime Minister Was Chosen Using Ranked Choice Voting
On March 9, the Liberal Party of Canada held an election to determine who will lead the party using a reform growing in popularity in cities across the US: ranked choice voting. The winner of that election: Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.
Chuck Todd to Discuss Advancing Reform in a World Without Trust
On Tuesday, March 18, the nonprofit reform group Open Primaries will host an online virtual discussion featuring a legendary figure in journalism: Chuck Todd, who moderated NBC's Meet the Press for nearly 10 years.
Research Shows Congress Is Getting Younger, But No Less Divided
Pew Research Center published 7 facts this week about the changing face of Congress in the 119th session. On top of an increase in diversity, the research center found Congress is also slightly younger.
How An Unresponsive Government Is Affecting Public Support for Foreign Aid
The heated confrontation in the White House Friday between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, continues to spur debate across the nation as voters are split on the US's support of Ukraine in its war with Russia.
New Mexico House Committee to Take Up Independent Voters' Rights to Vote in Primaries
A bill that could open primary elections to more than 330,000 New Mexico voters registered as "Decline to State" or "Unaffiliated" has been scheduled for a hearing Friday in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs committee.
Arlington County Board Votes 4-0 to Extend Ranked Choice Voting -- But There's More
The Arlington County Board voted 4-0 to continue using ranked choice voting (RCV) in its 2025 County Board general election, reaffirming its position as Virginia's first county to implement the system. It carried broad support despite some concerns about funding for community outreach and voter education.
Open Primaries Bill Passes New Mexico Senate, Moves to House
With a short legislative window to work with, the updates on a bill to open New Mexico's taxpayer-funded primary elections to more than 330,000 independent voters are happening fast -- and so far, it is good news for reformers.
Poll: There's Strong Support Among Independents for Trump's Bipartisan Potential
The Independent Center released the fourth and final installment to its 2025 State of the Union Poll, highlighting where independent voters, Democrats, and Republicans have the most secure common ground.
Citizen Assembly's Single Primary Ballot Bill Gets Hearing in New Hampshire House
In June 2024, a citizen assembly of people from across sociopolitical backgrounds in New Hampshire did the seemingly impossible in today's hyper-polarized political climate: They put their differences aside and put forward initiatives to restore trust in the political process.