Did you know 23.5 million independent voters, just like you and me, will be excluded from elections in 2024? More insights about the injustices faced by independent voters in this week's addition of the LetUsVote Newsletter.

I'm Will Conway, and I'm excited to welcome you to the LetUsVote Newsletter, our new weekly including news and updates about independent voting rights and election reform across the United States. It'll drop every Monday evening in your inbox if you've subscribed for email updates, and you can read it online right here.

Let's dive right in.

First on the list: the democracy reform group Unite America released a new report, Not Invited to the Party: Primary Elections in America. The findings are another clear indication that independent voters are treated like second class citizens across the country.

Key Findings:

• You're Shut Out: Over 27 million Americans, including 23.5 million independent voters across the country, are locked out of participating in primary elections due to closed primary systems.
• You're Not Alone: 43% of Americans now identify as independents. Compare that to record lows for Democrats and Republicans: 27% each.
• You're Essential: Independent voters are essential to a healthy democracy and we're taxpaying citizens like every American. Unlike other Americans, we're excluded from the elections that we pay for. This is outrageous.

You can read the full report for more insights and solutions to these critical issues.

Elsewhere in the news, Jeremy Gruber of Open Primaries notes the threat of closed primaries is growing, advocates push for open primaries in Florida, and Joe Kirby adds to the growing chorus of voices advocating for independent voters in South Dakota. Have a look:

• The threat of closed primaries is growing: Just last year, Wyoming closed its primaries. Now, at least 12 states are considering or have already declared their intent to follow suit...

• Advocates push to open Florida primaries: There is a movement to reshape how Florida sets up its primary elections. Ben Graffam of Lakeland has been a registered independent voter for thirty years.

• It’s time to open South Dakota’s primary process: Unfortunately, the upcoming 2024 South Dakota primary election promises more of the same for our state. Many voters will be prohibited from meaningful participation...

That's it for this week! On Wednesday, we'll share the real, human stories of independent voters, just like you, advocating for their rights across the country. Want to share your story? Click here.

If you support what we're doing here at LetUsVote, please know that a small donation of $5 or $10 helps us keep up the work of building a unique and totally new community for independent voters. It would mean the world if you can contribute. Click here to do just that.

Sincerely,

Will Conway

Campaign Director - LetUsVote