All Votes Count Iowa

Let's make democracy work for everyone in Iowa.

In Iowa, more than 35% of registered voters are independents. Iowa is one of 20 states where independents cannot vote in a primary unless they declare a party. The elections are paid for by taxpayers, not the parties, so one in three voters is excluded. Everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the election. No American should be required to join a political party to be able to vote. This is about fairness, inclusion and voting rights.

Independents are a growing part of the community, and their voices matter in shaping viable candidates.

• Taxpayers fund the elections, including primaries, so everyone should have access to the process.
• More participation can broaden the candidate pool, encouraging individuals who appeal to a wider audience and reducing polarization.
• The final ballot is shaped by the primaries, so giving more residents a voice early can make the general election more representative.

Some residents want to participate in the earliest step of democracy without having to join a team. They want a voice without a label. Our mission is to give them that voice.

All Votes Count Iowa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Our mission is to increase voter turnout and build support to enable independents to vote in a primary without having to declare a party. Thomas Jefferson wrote that "all men are created equal"; voters should be treated equally as well.

For more information, visit allvotescountiowa.org.

Katie Roth, President, All Votes Count Iowa

Voices of the Movement: We share these submissions as a platform for community dialogue. The content reflects the authors' personal views and is not an official statement or position of the Independent Center.