Redefining Democracy: How Approval Voting Could Transform U.S. Politics

In this interview episode (originally published in 2022), we explore how approval voting could change the political landscape in America with Aaron Hamlin, Executive Director of The Center for Election Science. Aaron shares his journey from political intrigue in grad school to advocating for a voting method that lets voters express a broader range of candidate preferences. Approval voting, a simple yet impactful system, allows people to vote for as many candidates as they approve of, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning. By tackling vote splitting and enabling voters to support multiple candidates, approval voting seeks to foster representation and discourage extremist candidates.Aaron offers insights into the success of approval voting in Fargo, St. Louis, and upcoming initiatives in Seattle, as well as the broader potential for state and even national adoption. We discuss how this system can reduce polarization, give voters more genuine choices, and improve political continuity by enabling policies that reflect broader support.Key Highlights:What is Approval Voting? Aaron breaks down the mechanics of approval voting, explaining how it differs from the "choose one" voting system and ranked-choice voting.Real-World Success Stories: Approval voting has seen success in Fargo and St. Louis, with campaigns expanding to other cities and states.How Approval Voting Reduces Vote Splitting & Extremism: By letting voters support multiple candidates, approval voting helps prevent extremist candidates from capitalizing on vote splitting, a common pitfall in primary elections.The Road to National Adoption: Aaron shares the Center for Election Science's roadmap to implementing approval voting on a national scale, allowing states to decide how their electoral votes are assigned.Take ActionListeners inspired by this episode can learn more and join local chapters to advocate for approval voting through The Center for Election Science. Visit ElectionScience.org to take action, join the community, and get updates on campaign progress across the country.Tune in to rethink what it means to vote for a better democracy, where every vote is valued, and every voice matters!JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE: 🌴 Subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll plant a tree in your honor! https://circleb.co🌲 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen, and we'll plant another tree 🌳 Shop our cause-before-commerce store and support earth-first charities through our partnership with 1% For The Planet.Follow us on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter and https://tiktok.com/@circleb.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMore.BeBetter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

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Care More Be Better, invites you to care more so we can create a better world together. We amplify the voices of environmentalists, activists, scientists, and leading experts who seek to make the world a better place. We share actionable insights and tools so you can make a measurable difference each day. Over the course of more than 230 episodes, you'll hear from inspired individuals, ecologically responsible entrepreneurs, and conscious companies from diverse communities and backgrounds. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, on our website, and on most major podcast platforms.Notable guests include: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Paul Hawken, Nina Simons, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Captain Liz Clark, Nana Aba Anamoah, Dr. William Li, Miyoko Schinner, John Roulac, Chef Babette Davis, Kelly Reyerson (@glyphosategirl), Starhawk, Donna Grantis and many more. These global change agents and activists create positive impacts and encourage us to think globally while also acting locally. Inspired by Paul Hawken’s aspirational book Regeneration - Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation, and the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' Blue Mind Movement, this show aims to create a realistic roadmap to build a better future. As Paul Hawken simply states: “Global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem.” On this journey, you'll become the person you aspire to be by remaining curious, thinking deeply, and listening intently while looking inward. You'll discover your internal wisdom and learn to listen to your inner voice to receive the gifts nature provides fully. Tune in to understand the most important issues that affect us all.Hear experiences from the front lines of social policies and political struggles.Feel enlightened by conversations about health, wellness, and mindfulness.Discover valuable entrepreneurship and business strategies. Hone your communication and leadership skills.Become part of the regeneration nation by expanding your knowledge of agriculture, social systems, and help us build a more circular and just economy. As a community, we aim to evolve our understanding of social impact, sustainability, and regenerative, circular living to create a healthier and more just world. The stories we tell will get you thinking about how to secure the future for the human race and all Earth's inhabitants - from how you can build positive change in your local community, to how you might broaden your reach and impact globally.About Our Host: A natural products industry executive, Corinna Bellizzi helped develop and grow several responsible, sustainable nutrition brands including: Nordic Naturals and ORLO Nutrition. With these achievements and experience, Corinna went back to school to earn her MBA, graduating at the top of her class at Santa Clara University, and is now pursuing her PhD at the intersection of Sustainability, Education and Nutrition at Prescott College. Her colorful career and exceptional experiences fill this show with life-changing conversations and insights you're sure to benefit from. Beyond elevating business ventures and earning massive profits, she exemplifies how to deliver genuine value, achieve bigger things, and pursue significant positive change. Care More Be Better is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, our website and most major podcast platforms. JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE! https://caremorebebetter.com When you join our email list, we plant a tree with the help of ForestPlanet! Remember, our aim with Care More Be Better is to help you use less, waste less, and live more! Engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!