Round Two of Change.Org's Ideas Contest Begins Today

The second round of voting in Change.org's Ideas competition begins today. The top ten vote-getters will be presented to Congress on January 16th. Change.org will also launch an advocacy campaign on behalf of each of the 10 winning ideas.

My own idea didn't make it to round two, but here are the ideas that won my vote in this second round. Most were chosen not only because I believe in the issue, but I think that the person/group proposing the issue has the chops to make headway on that issue in partnership with Change.org. In no particular order:

• Pass Marriage Equality Rights for LGBT Couples Nationwide
• Citizen Funding of the Nation's Elections
• National Early Voting
• Rebuild and Repower America with a Green Stimulus Package
• Interactive Government
• Get FISA Right and Repeal the Patriot Act
• Pass the Dream Act Now
• Make the Grid Green in 10 Years
• Restore Investments in Rail Service and Infrastructure

On a side note - there are A LOT of repetitive topics that made it into the final round. For instance, a number of folks want to end the drug war/legalize marijuana. It might have been better for Change.org to find a way to mediate between the parties and get those with similar ideas to unite behind a common thread, rather than take up multiple slots in the top 30. As it stands, they're all probably splitting votes that, together, might carry their issue over the top and into the winning 10.