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.
2008 Youth Vote in Context
The following charts and graphs are meant to contextualize the unique role that young voters played in the 2008 election, and their increasingly important role in a winning electoral coalition:
2008 Youth Electoral Map

2004 Youth Electoral Map

Youth Vote Partisan Advantage: 2000 - 2008

Youth Vote Historical Support: 1976 - 2008

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Thanks for the support!
There are so many good ideas there that it's real tough to choose, and I certainly like with your criteria of looking for the most leveraged opportunities ...
In terms of similar and duplicate ideas, my guess is that as we get closer to the deadline, most voters will adapt by shifting their votes. It's also an interesting challenge for organizers: can they work together effectively? Still, another week between the rounds to allow for merging (etc.) would have been useful ... maybe next time!
jon