At this moment in our political history, more voters identify as Independent than either Democrat or Republican. So why, then, is our political system dominated by extremists? There are several reasons. 

Fundamentally, our political system is designed to keep the power and control with the people who hold it today–people from both main parties. They use gerrymandering, unlimited term lengths, massive dark money investments in targeted elections, and polarizing rhetoric–exacerbated by the media–to fortify their grip on power. 

But there is one other reason why we are not seeing the changes we would otherwise see if these levers of power did not exist: moderates have become too complacent. The ‘majority middle’ goes by several names: Independent, Unaffiliated, Moderate, Centrist, etc. Whatever name we go by, this group largely believes it should be fixing the system and finding common-sense, common-ground solutions to the problems facing our communities. The problem is that, by definition, a moderate is less incentivized–and thus less likely–to engage. We moderates often resign ourselves to “there is nothing I can do to fix it” or “hopefully someone else will have the time to get involved.”  We are instead more likely to focus on things like our families, our jobs, our faith communities, and other interests. And that is exactly what the extremists are counting on.

The people who control our politics today are those who put their political party/team above all else, including what is best for us, the taxpayers and citizens.  They see every issue in black and white. You are either with them or against them. Collaboration and creativity are not only frowned upon, they are punished. Just ask the long list of former elected officials who have taken a stand against their party by speaking out on behalf of their district, or their principles, or both, and were immediately ostracized by their party, censured, defunded, and primaried. Alone in the political wilderness, trying to withstand the full force of one of our duopoly parties.

What else do the people in power have in common? They vote in primaries, for starters.  Approximately 80% of our elections are determined during the primary, but 80% of us (the moderate middle) don’t bother to vote in them. This, again, plays right into the hands of those in control. Conversely, the 20% who are in power–or have ready access to it–are everywhere. They take the initiative. They put out yard signs and make phone calls to make sure the ‘right’ people show up and vote. They drive to pick people up and bring them to the polls. They amplify the toxic rhetoric of both parties and are both vocal critics and supporters of cultural issues, both digitally and verbally. They donate money to political parties, political action committees (PACs), and candidates. They know who their elected officials are, and they communicate with them.  They are willing to do the work.  They know that if they put in the time, talent, and treasure, they can continue to control our elections and the policy decisions being made by our elected officials. And most critically, they know that the key to controlling politics is keeping 80% of us away from the polls on the REAL election day–the primary.

So, the question is now clear. Are we finally at a time in history when the ‘moderate middle’ is willing to do the work?  Are ‘normal’ people going to start getting involved?  We moderates need to stand up for ourselves and come together to make our collective voice heard. 

We need to know who our elected officials are and communicate with them. When they vote to pass bad legislation, we need to send them an email and let them know.  We need to be willing to give $25 to an Independent candidate or a third party who will challenge the status quo.  We need to support efforts for expanding access to give More Choice and More Voice to our voters. 

Instead of getting wrapped up in the 24-hour news cycle, we all have to start asking our representatives and legislative bodies to do their jobs and represent ALL of us. If we were as vocal about gerrymandering, term limits, and campaign finance laws as we are about Greenland, Venezuela, and the Epstein Files (all of which are important issues), we may be able to have a real impact on our future.

And we need to know who our elected officials are. We all know our President is Donald Trump, but how many of us know the names of our County Commissioners or our State Senators and Representatives?  If we continue to be silent and sit on the sidelines, there is zero motivation for those in power to make any changes. 

Where does this change begin? In the primaries. If moderates simply started voting in primaries, it would unravel this antiquated and corrupt electoral system we have been subjected to for generations. The first step toward fixing this system is for us all to become participants. Not only should we be choosing the winners of our elections, but we should also be choosing which candidates get to participate in the first place. This sends a clear message to the powers that be that we are paying attention and that we will not tolerate more of the same.

The question is: Will you make your voice heard?