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Meta: How do we create a Progressive Party in America? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 days ago by arotrios@lemmy.world to c/progressivepolitics@lemmy.world
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Creating the Progressive Party in America

Progressives have been largely abandoned by Democratic leadership, and don't have any voice in the GOP. I, and many others, have lost faith in the Democratic Party leadership, and after forty years of watching them betray progressive ideals, believe it's time for a real Progressive Party in America.

As such, I'd like to ask the community, how would a Progressive Party work? What are your goals for its platform? And would you be willing to volunteer your time and energy to get it off the ground?

All responses are welcome, but I'm looking for constructive criticism, because I absolutely believe this is possible in our current political environment. Here's why:

According to my recent research, it would take approximately 1,110,000 registered voters across the 50 states to qualify as a major political party.

That's just .0595% of our 186,500,000 registered voters in 2024. For comparison, there are 14.3 million union members in the US, so if just 5% of them vote Progressive, we've got ourselves a party.

I've detailed the totals and requirements by state below, because these are attainable numbers on a state by state basis (also so you can search and find out what the reqs are for your state). Additionally, the 1,110,000 number above is only to qualify as a major political party - many of these states have much lower ballot requirements.

I know the detail below is a wall of text, and I may break lemmy, but this is posted not with the intent to overwhelm, but with the purpose to point that on a state by state basis, these numbers are more than possible - the bar for getting on the ballot is pretty low in many states.

Ballot and Registration Requirements:

Ballot access signature requirements for each state:

  • Alabama: 50,000 signatures
  • Alaska: 3,000 signatures (1,500 from each congressional district)
  • Arizona: 36,647 valid signatures
  • Arkansas: 10,000 signatures
  • California: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Colorado: 10,500 signatures (or 1% of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
  • Connecticut: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Delaware: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Florida: 76,834 valid signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
  • Georgia: 50,000 signatures
  • Hawaii: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Idaho: 18,692 signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
  • Illinois: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Indiana: 50,000 signatures
  • Iowa: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Kansas: 38,947 valid signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
  • Kentucky: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Louisiana: 54,689 signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
  • Maine: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Maryland: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Massachusetts: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Michigan: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Minnesota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Mississippi: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 18% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Missouri: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Montana: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Nebraska: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Nevada: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • New Hampshire: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • New Jersey: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • New Mexico: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • New York: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • North Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • North Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Ohio: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Oklahoma: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Oregon: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Pennsylvania: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Rhode Island: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • South Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • South Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Tennessee: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Texas: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Utah: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Vermont: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Virginia: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
  • Washington: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.

Registration Requirements for new political party by state:

  • Alabama: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Alaska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Division of Elections. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, and a platform.

  • Arizona: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 3,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Arkansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • California: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 10,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least ten proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Colorado: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 2,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Connecticut: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Delaware: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Florida: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 125 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Georgia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Hawaii: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Idaho: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Illinois: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Indiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Iowa: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Kansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Kentucky: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Louisiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Maine: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Maryland: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Massachusetts: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Michigan: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Minnesota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Mississippi: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Missouri: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Montana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • Nebraska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Nevada: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • New Hampshire: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.

  • New Jersey: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • New Mexico: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • New York: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • North Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Ohio: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Oklahoma: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Oregon: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Pennsylvania: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Rhode Island: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • South Carolina: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • South Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Tennessee: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Texas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Utah: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Vermont: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Washington: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • West Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

  • Wyoming: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

Total registered voters to achieve major party status in each state (approximate):

  • Alabama 10,000
  • Alaska 3,000
  • Arizona 5,000
  • Arkansas 3,000
  • California 67,000
  • Colorado 1,500
  • Connecticut 2,500
  • Delaware 1,500
  • Washington DC 3,000
  • Florida 78,000
  • Georgia 15,000
  • Hawaii 3,000
  • Idaho 2,000
  • Illinois 25,000
  • Indiana 30,000
  • Iowa 10,000
  • Kansas 5,000
  • Kentucky 10,000
  • Louisiana 5,000
  • Maine 2,000
  • Maryland 25,000
  • Massachusetts 10,000
  • Michigan 50,000
  • Minnesota 8,500
  • Mississippi 3,000
  • Missouri 10,000
  • Montana 2,000
  • Nebraska 2,500
  • Nevada 6,000
  • New Hampshire 3,000
  • New Jersey 30,000
  • New Mexico 2,000
  • New York 100,000
  • North Carolina 75,000
  • North Dakota 1,500
  • Ohio 75,000
  • Oklahoma 3,000
  • Oregon 5,000
  • Pennsylvania 25,000
  • Rhode Island 2,500
  • South Carolina 15,000
  • South Dakota 1,500
  • Tennessee 30,000
  • Texas 100,000
  • Utah 10,000
  • Vermont 2,500
  • Virginia 75,000
  • Washington 50,000
  • West Virginia 3,000
  • Wisconsin 100,000
  • Wyoming 2,500
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[โ€“] BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.world 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Not a US citizen.

But from European experience, new parties build from the base upwards. Local politics is where the opportunity us. So first aim is winning seats on town and city councils, then once established in peoples minds as a viable party, target state assemblies, and later aim for national government.

Its in large part about making best use of resources. Big parties put all their money into national politics, so they're weak at the local level. New parties can focus their more limited resources locally and out compete the big parties, winning seats.

The only way to reform the US system ispribably to go state by state winning power and forcing through reform to that states districting and rules on splitting electoral college votes. No one has succeeded so far but its feasible - 1/3 of voters dont vote, and there are plenty of Dem and Rep voters who only vote their way due to refusing to vote for the opponent rather positively voting for the party.

Starting locally also neuters the nonsense you see around elections that you "have to vote dem and criticising dems is supporting reps". The dems and reps have the system sewnnup between them as its a completely binary choice. Biden was a terrible candidate for this election but voices against him were shot down until it was too late because of the mad group think that develops in a 2 party state.

The alternative route is fine a huge personality and buuld a national party around them. However from European politics weve seen that basically means populist domineering politicians, and the parties are unstable - they build fragment and rebuild. Look at UKIP, Brexit Party and now Reform Partyin the UK, or the numerous parties Berlesconi led in Italy. It can work and be disruptive but I think such parties are very risky. Its a bit like taking a punt on another Trump like personality rather than fixing the actual problem with politics of unrepresentative parties.

I'd target local politics in progressive leaning areas in any states. That basically means the big cities and towns across the US - and it doesn't matter of the state is "republican" or "democrat". Breakthroughs could happen in either state - the big parties are taking their voters and holds on the system for granted. If you find issues that resonate with voters that can trump old party loyalties.

I'd also say for me there is a clear area to be campaigning on: the threat of automation and AI, and it all being in the hands of billionaires. The future is that technology replacing people in work - so the threat to peoples income, well being and freedom only to benefit the wealthy should be a message that would cut through. If a party were focused and only talked about that issue (and tried to stay out of contentious social issues like abortion) it could cut through. Elon Musk and theother tech Bros are offering plenty of opportunities to be a focus for voter anger.

Its like how jobs were "outsourced" overseas at the expense of American workers. Well now jobs are going to be outsourced to machines and where does that leave american workers? The big parties are not talking about this, and I don't think mainstream politicians even grasp that this is a huge looming threat to voters globally.

[โ€“] arotrios@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

Thanks for your detailed response - this is excellent advice. My purpose in providing the top down summary came when I realized how low the threshold could be to create action on the state level - my intention with the wall of text was to provide local thresholds for exactly this purpose. One of the problems we've seen with the Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, and Green Party is that they have only a brief local presence if at all, and they're extremely disorganized on a national level.

Regarding automation, I agree with you that this will become a political issue in the near future. I think the platform should definitely include worker protections, and possible even a UBI financed through a tax on AI productivity could be a winner if properly articulated.

One thing about your comment really caught my eye:

The alternative route is fine a huge personality and buuld a national party around them. However from European politics weve seen that basically means populist domineering politicians, and the parties are unstable - they build fragment and rebuild. Look at UKIP, Brexit Party and now Reform Partyin the UK, or the numerous parties Berlesconi led in Italy. It can work and be disruptive but I think such parties are very risky. Its a bit like taking a punt on another Trump like personality rather than fixing the actual problem with politics of unrepresentative parties.

This struck me as its the route both parties in the US have been taking, and because I think creating an internal democratic governance structure is the only way to keep a potential Progressive Party from going the way of the Dems as the organization grows. I've got some ideas on how to do this (party members can vote on policy between elections to inform elected reps, something not really done in the US), but they go beyond the scope of this initial discussion. However, ensuring that personality doesn't trump policy would need to be a cornerstone in any internal governance to prevent demagogues from hijacking the party.