Our second president feared a division of our country into two competing factions was “the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” Twenty-one states are now singularly represented by one party in the U.S. House of Representatives. Eight other states only need to eliminate one delegate to remove any opposing representation. Currently, too many states to list are considering map changes to further undermine democracy - via gerrymandering.

When elections are unfair, accountability vanishes, and with it, the hope for change. Governments only endure when respect is given to opposing views. The lack of accountability inherent to gerrymandering enables inconsiderate treatment of the powerless. Depending on the state, it unfortunately works this way for both sides. Without electoral integrity, our founders' fears become a reality.

The blame is not only placed on the political elite who hijacked our system of government, but the public who passively accepted these political maneuvers over the past decades. At some point, citizens need to assume an active role in correcting our course. Ultimately, being stuck in this cycle is a choice.

Federal and State Constitutions offer us a clear path to reform. They concentrate power in the lower chambers and put those seats up for election every two years. It’s our tool to quickly “reconstitute” when the system is corrupted and unable to fix itself. Instead of repairing democracy, these lawmakers actively work to make things worse.

Our primary system is geared to re-elect incumbents and elevate more extreme candidates. Neither side wants fundamental change because the status quo works for them. But what if we dared to create a new nominating system? 

Nothing stops us from using a political party to engage voters in a fair, nonpartisan way - empowering our communities to choose candidates who truly represent us. An app is in development to deliver a free and equal nominating contest for Congress, making candidates earn your vote and be accountable when they don’t.

The alternative - letting a bad system get worse - will lead to nothing but blue states and red states, more divided than ever. It is the opposite of popular sovereignty and a sure way to lose a Republic. The time to break the two-party system is now, before it breaks us.