Jeanne Massey, FairVote Minnesota Executive Director: 

Friends,

Our worst fears about our democracy were realized yesterday. The horrific events, and those responsible for them, are a stain on our history and democracy itself. When elected leaders spread lies about our elections and incite violence — while shocking — no one should be surprised when sedition is the result.

We stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens who reject white supremacist, antisemitic terrorists and the leaders who incite their criminal actions against our people and our nation. 

To be clear, our elections in November 2020 were free, fair and accurate, and the President and others perpetuating his lie of a stolen election are responsible for the violence. However, while the election was accurate and fair under our current system, we must strengthen and reform that system so that such dangerous demagogues and extremists are not elected to office in the first place. 

Our plurality electoral system allows candidates to win with a small base of voters, and many leaders take office representing their base and ignoring the demands of most Americans. Extremism and gridlock are the result.

At FairVote Minnesota, we are committed to addressing the failures of our electoral system —  a system that is ill equipped to prevent extremism and produce the kind of diverse, inclusive, representative and responsive political leadership required to lead our country into the future. 

We stand ready and deeply resolved to strengthen our democracy.

Jeanne Massey

Executive Director

FairVote Minnesota