Why US Politics Is Broken — and How To Fix It | Andrew Yang | TED

Introduction

This tutorial explores the insights from Andrew Yang's TED Talk on reforming the United States electoral system. It highlights the flaws in the current system and presents actionable steps for implementing a more effective voting process, including ranked-choice voting. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone interested in political reform and the improvement of democratic processes.

Step 1: Recognize the Flaws in the Current Electoral System

• Identify poor incentives within the existing electoral framework:
  • Candidates often cater to extreme ideologies to secure party support.
  • Voter disenfranchisement leads to low engagement and participation.
• Understand that these flaws result in polarized politics and ineffective governance.

Step 2: Explore Ranked-Choice Voting

• Learn what ranked-choice voting entails:
  • Voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one.
  • This method allows voters to express their true preferences without fear of wasting their vote.
• Review successful implementations:
  • Alaska has adopted ranked-choice voting, demonstrating its effectiveness.
• Benefits of ranked-choice voting:
  • Reduces the influence of extreme candidates.
  • Encourages more civil campaigning and broader candidate selection.

Step 3: Advocate for Political Reform

• Engage with your community:
  • Discuss the importance of electoral reform at local events or forums.
  • Use social media platforms to raise awareness about ranked-choice voting.
• Collaborate with advocacy groups:
  • Join organizations that support electoral reform and ranked-choice voting initiatives.
  • Participate in campaigns or petitions to promote changes in your state or locality.

Step 4: Educate Others on the Benefits of Reform

• Create informative materials:
  • Prepare pamphlets or online posts explaining ranked-choice voting and its advantages.
  • Share success stories from jurisdictions that have adopted this voting method.
• Host discussions or workshops:
  • Organize community meetings to educate voters about the proposed reforms.
  • Invite speakers or experts to provide insights on the electoral system.

Conclusion

Andrew Yang's call for reform in the U.S. electoral system emphasizes the need for change to encourage broader participation and reduce polarization. By recognizing the flaws, advocating for ranked-choice voting, engaging with your community, and educating others, you can contribute to meaningful political reform. Consider taking the first step by discussing these concepts with friends or participating in local advocacy efforts to help reshape the future of democracy.