Here's how fusion voting helps to elevate diverse voices in Kansas
Imagine not seeing yourself represented by the agendas of either the Democratic or the Republican parties. Sound familiar? That’s nothing new in American, or Kansan, history.
Farmers, ranchers, workers, small businesspeople and consumers have often felt overlooked by the major political parties and their special interest friends. But what is the alternative? In our modern political tradition, standalone third parties have rarely had any real influence.
That’s why we have joined with other independent-minded Kansans to form a different kind of third party — the United Kansas Party. Our party’s mission is to bridge the divides that have kept us apart, ensuring that every voice, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, is valued and heard.
It’s a good enough catalyst for change that a couple of weeks ago, our new party filed petitions signed by more than 35,000 everyday Kansans from across the political spectrum.
Our strategy is the same as the Kansas fusionists more than 125 years ago. Fusion voting is a game changer. It allows candidates to be cross-nominated by multiple parties. Candidates will know where their votes came from, ensuring that, if elected, they will truly represent a broad spectrum of voters if they hope to keep those votes.
Fusion voting is a tried-and-tested method that once empowered diverse voices in Kansas and still does in other states.
The beauty of fusion voting lies in its ability to elevate constructive minor parties. These parties have a genuine stake in the electoral process; they don’t just create spoiler candidates or waste votes. This amplifies diverse voices and encourages major parties to adopt more representative stances, leading to a more balanced political environment.
That’s what Kansas fusionists did. According to historian Peter Argersinger’s research published by the University of Kansas Press, back in the late 1800s, fusion alliances came together to enact regulation of railroads, stockyards, banks and insurance companies to protect workers, farmers, ranchers and consumers.
As our party is recognized, we will be cross-nominating the major party candidates who best represent Kansas values, without regard to their major party affiliation, to begin to demonstrate that fusion voting can once again bring Kansas together, for progress and prosperity. It’s in our DNA as Kansans.
For many years, our state was a beacon of unity and cooperation. And it can be once again.
That same spirit motivates our core principles: multiparty dialogue, placing community first and inclusive growth that provides opportunity so no Kansan willing to work hard is left behind.
Our platform is business-friendly, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship — with a level playing field for farmers and small businesses — and promoting sustainable economic growth. Quality education for all. Civic responsibility to participate in and protect our democracy, and volunteer for our communities. Modernizing the infrastructure that enables prosperity. And protecting our environment as stewards for future generations.
We invite every Kansan, irrespective of party affiliation, to join us. Start by visiting our website at www.unitedkansas.com to learn more. Let's set aside our differences, focus on our shared goals and build a Kansas that future generations will be proud of.
United Kansas is more than a party. It's a call to action.
Jack Curtis and Sally Cauble are, respectively, the founding chair and vice chair of the United Kansas Party, which filed 35,000 petition signatures last month to qualify for the ballot in November.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Here's how fusion voting helps to elevate diverse voices in Kansas
