FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RALEIGH, N.C. – With several runoff elections currently underway in North Carolina, the North Carolina Forward Party sought to explore the costs and impacts of these elections on candidates, voters, and taxpayers. In an effort to gauge candidate perspectives on the issue, the party reached out to those participating in the current runoff elections with a questionnaire that asked about the costs of runoffs, term limits, and how candidates plan to ensure they represent all constituents if elected.

The NC Forward Party believes that the current runoff system exemplifies the inefficiencies and waste plaguing our electoral process. Runoffs require candidates to spend additional resources on campaigns and the state to bear the cost of setting up and running additional elections, often with dramatically reduced voter turnout. This drains both financial and political capital that could be better spent addressing constituents' pressing needs. The party has also reached out to the North Carolina Board of Elections to inquire about the cost to the state of running these runoffs but has not yet received a response.

The following candidates were contacted to participate in the questionnaire:

• US Congressional District 13 (R):
  • Kelly Daughtry
  • Brad Knott
• NC Lt. Governor (R):
  • Hal Weatherman
  • Jim O'Neill
• NC State Auditor (R):
  • Jack Clark (responded)
  • Dave Boliek

While only one candidate, Jack Clark, provided responses to the questionnaire, his thoughtful answers highlight the potential benefits of alternative voting systems, such as instant runoffs (ranked-choice voting) and approval voting, in reducing polarization. However, he also notes the associated logistical challenges and costs, emphasizing the need for a carefully considered transition process.

In 2007, during a pilot program for ranked-choice voting in North Carolina, voters could mark their first, second, and third choices on their ballots to enable an instant runoff if no candidate won a majority. This new voting method, as reported by WRAL, allowed Cary to save over $60,000 by avoiding a traditional runoff, an amount that would be equivalent to approximately $83,669 today.

The NC Forward Party’s interest in exploring alternatives to traditional runoff elections aligns with a growing national conversation about the merits of ranked-choice voting, as discussed in a recent article by Carolina Public Press. We believe that reforming our electoral system, including the adoption of instant runoffs and open primaries, would not only lead to significant cost savings but also help counter the polarization that plagues our politics.

A study by More in Common called “The Perception Gap” found that Americans often have a distorted understanding of each other, with Democrats and Republicans imagining almost twice as many of their political opponents holding “extreme” views as reality.

By creating a system that encourages candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters, rather than catering to political extremes, we can foster a more collaborative political environment that reflects the shared values of most Americans. The NC Forward Party invites all those who share this vision to join in the essential work of building a more inclusive, efficient, and responsive political system for our state and nation.

Jack Clark NC Forward Runoff Questionnaire Responses

• Do you support implementing instant runoffs, also known as ranked choice voting, in North Carolina? Why or why not?
  • RCV should certainly be in the conversation. The current FPTP system has incentivized excessive polarization that alternate systems can ameliorate.
  • I do have concerns about RCV:
    • Would we have had a ballot with 14 columns for the 14 candidates who ran in the 13^th district primary?
    • We would need to get new voting tabulators, educate the voters intensively, prepare time consuming audit procedures, and otherwise have a major transition period.
  • I would prefer approval voting, which is simpler, requires minimal transition cost, avoids voter confusion, effectively lessens polarization, etc.

• What do you estimate the cost of the runoff will be for your campaign?
  • This is confidential strategic information, but it’s going to be a good chunk of money.

• Do you see any added value, for your campaign or the voters, in having this runoff instead of instant runoffs?
  • I can see some value in determining which candidates have the most dedicated supporters. Also, since there are very few candidates on the ballot, research is easier.
  • However, all candidates are going to receive substantially fewer votes in the runoff than in the first primary. That seems disappointing. Also, most voters want to be done with the primaries as much as the candidates.

• Do you believe term limits would improve the effectiveness of the US Congress? Why or why not?
  • I absolutely, 100% support term limits. It could be a long time – perhaps 18 years (one generation), but no one should spend a full career in Congress.

• How do you plan to ensure that the voices of all your constituents are heard and represented, regardless of their political affiliation?
  • State Auditor is very much like a judge; I will be impartial, free of bias, and look for the facts. My entire campaign has been based around my audit experience and objective mindset.
  • Auditors must be free of bias in appearance and fact. I will avoid overly partisan behavior and anchor my work on what is best for the taxpayer.

The motto of enlightenment is therefore: Sapere aude! [Dare to know!] Have courage to use your own understanding! — Immanuel Kant, "An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?" published in 1784

The painting is "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich, painted around 1818. It's an iconic piece of Romanticism, depicting a lone individual standing atop a mountain, looking out over a turbulent sea of fog and mist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The North Carolina Forward Party played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Rep. Brockman's primary candidacy

RALEIGH, NC – In a notable primary race that has caught the attention of political observers across North Carolina, the North Carolina Forward Party (NCFP) has thrown its support behind incumbent Democrat Representative Cecil Brockman, hailing his recent victory as a testament to the resilience of constituent-focused leadership over party-driven ideological purity. This comes in light of several public statements and positions taken by the NCFP, highlighting concerns over the prevailing political discourse driven by the Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) and other ideologically focused advocates.

The NCFP has been vocal in its critique of the YDNC's actions, which sought to undermine the independence and prioritization of constituents by Rep. Brockman and other Democratic representatives. On September 22, 2023, we criticized the YDNC for their "poor form and a lack of respect" towards these representatives, emphasizing the need for the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) to condemn such prejudicial rhetoric.

Further, we underscored the importance of diversity in viewpoints and advocacy for representatives who best serve the interests of their constituents, rather than adhering to strict ideological lines. This was highlighted in a statement on November 1, 2023, where we called on young activists to promote diversity in perspectives over ideological purity.

Our commitment to objectivity and honest assessment was evident in our response to claims of "better" representation as being the basis for YDNC to advocate against Rep. Brockman. By analyzing the voting records of Rep. Brockman, we demonstrated that he consistently prioritizes the interests of his constituents over partisan considerations, challenging the narrative promoted by some factions within the NCDP.

Myia “MJ” Hall, Chair Emeritus of the NCFP, has been a leading voice in advocating for moderation in politics and the election of candidates who resist extreme polarization. Speaking on the challenges faced by Rep. Brockman, she highlighted the undue pressure from both parties to conform to "litmus test issues," which Rep. Brockman courageously navigated by placing his district's needs above party directives.

NCFP is also expanding its grassroots movement in Guilford County. “Growing our young voter advocacy at the University of North Carolina Greensboro is key to the success of our movement,” said Jack Reneo, NCFP Executive Committee member and grassroots initiative leader. He continued, “Although we don't yet have ballot access, this will not deter us from working to positively impact our political landscape.”

Rep. Brockman's slim victory margin of 83 votes against challenger James Adams in the primary is not merely a reflection of his personal resolve or the efficacy of campaign funding. It is, notably, a testament to the catalytic role played by the North Carolina Forward Party in mobilizing grassroot support and drawing attention to the essential principle of prioritizing constituent needs over divisive party politics.

Rep. Brockman’s primary victory emerges in a context enriched by the NCFP's sustained critique of the prevailing tendencies towards ideological purity, as evidenced by our pointed responses to actions and statements seeking to undermined constituent-focus governance in favor of ideological purity.

The NCFP's advocacy for Rep. Brockman, highlighted through a series of public statements and analyses of voting records, effectively underscored the shared values between Rep. Brockman's approach to governance and the Forward Party's vision for a more inclusive, constituent-focused political discourse. The NCFP efforts to illuminate the discrepancies between the rhetoric of ideological purity and the practical realities of legislative representation played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Rep. Brockman's primary candidacy.

This win not only celebrates Rep. Brockman's continuation into the general but also heralds the North Carolina Forward Party's emerging role as a formidable advocate for a new brand of politics in the state—one that champions the voice of the people over partisan orthodoxy.

In the evolving political landscape of North Carolina, the NCFP's commitment to supporting leaders like Rep. Brockman, who embody a steadfast dedication to their constituents above all, remains unwavering. This achievement serves as a beacon for all North Carolinians who seek a political environment defined by integrity, independence, and a genuine commitment to serving the public interest. The North Carolina Forward Party, through its advocacy and support, has undeniably contributed to shaping a victory that not only belongs to Rep. Brockman but to all who value a politics that prioritizes the people it is meant to serve.

We need other options, such as three, four, or five other competitive parties. We volunteer with one, the Forward Party.

For Immediate Release

City officials gathered to hear national political figure, Andrew Yang, talk about municipal politics and how they have never been more partisan.

RALEIGH, NC – Andrew Yang, the founder of the Forward Party and a prominent figure in American politics, and Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, made a significant visit to North Carolina this week. This visit underscores their commitment to promoting a new political vision for America, one that transcends traditional party lines and focuses on forward-thinking solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues around election reform.

Yang discussed the approach to achieving these goals by building a grassroots movement from the municipal level up, which embraces political reforms such as ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and non-gerrymandered districts, with the aim of making democracy more responsive. Yang, a former Democrat, was offering the Forward Party, which he founded with Christine Todd Whitman, a former Republican, as a means of returning democracy to the people.

The Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party, Myia “MJ” Hall, spoke at the event, expressing agency to get moderate candidates elected and end extreme political polarization. “Both parties pressure you to support their litmus test issues, and if you don’t comply, it can get ugly.” She continued, “We are witnessing this phenomenon in the primary process, exemplified by the case of Rep. Cecil Brockman, a Democrat from District 60. Here, the party apparatus is moving to primary him for prioritizing his district over the party.”

Candidates for city council from Wake County expressed that the Forward Party sounded like a refreshing approach. They believe it would enable candidates to embrace values of tolerance and collaboration while staking out common-sense positions of their own. “I want to thank Patrick Newton and the Forward Party of NC for bringing Andrew Yang,” said Council Member At Large Steve Rao, Town of Morrisville. He continued, “I do think that at the City and County Level, government works best when we govern from the center, bringing ideas from all political parties to offer the best services to the residents we represent, and setting a positive example for our children on that a Government of the People, By the People, and For the People, really does work.”

During his visit, Yang met with members of the North Carolina Forward Party and political and community leaders across the state. These meetings were centered around a variety of topics crucial to both the state and the nation, including the importance of moderates, election reform, and the importance of fostering a political environment that encourages innovation and bipartisan cooperation. “I enjoyed meeting Andrew Yang and Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, yesterday and learning more about their vision for creating a new home for independent voters,” retired North Carolina Supreme Court justice Bob Orr said. He continued, “The Forward Party’s North Carolina team impressed me with their enthusiasm and commitment to meeting the challenge of organizing a viable new political party here in our state and across the country.”

Feedback from North Carolina Forward Party members and political leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for Yang's hands-on approach and his willingness to listen to and address the concerns of the local community. “It was my sincere pleasure to meet Andrew Yang and the great people of the FWD Party,” said Raleigh City Council At-Large Candidate James Bledsoe. “I firmly believe I can bring Raleigh FWD for Independents and Moderates to be heard.”

Yang’s message of unity and progress resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. North Carolinians are eager for a new direction in American politics, and Yang’s visit served as the catalyst for an engaging and productive discussion about the critical role of a grassroots movement in enacting real change. “I have been to North Carolina before while on the campaign trail, but seeing individuals with different political perspectives put aside their differences and come together as a unified force to fix politics made me realize why it is called the Great North State,” Yang told the attendees.

The Forward Party's method for identifying and advocating policy positions and building our political agenda to advance the general will of the people.

Image is from the cover of Philosophy of Mathematics: Selected Writings (Selections from the Writings of Charles S. Peirce).

According to legend, Alexander the Great asked Diogenes the Cynic what he considered the most valuable thing in the world. Without hesitation, Diogenes answered "parrhêsia"(a term commonly translated from Greek to express "freedom of speech").

18th and 19th Liberal Uprising in Madrid by F. P. Van Halen July 1854.