The idea of a direct, non-partisan, online convention is new, the author writes. | REUTERS An online political convention

The divisive state of our national politics has left many wondering if American democracy is still capable of great action. But even more fundamental, our poisonous politics have left many wondering if we are still a great people.

The nation faces serious economic challenges, but our political system seems unable to deliver stable, clear solutions. Despite their best intentions, our public officials are caught up in a system that undermines cooperation. The American people are the one great force left to put our democracy back on track.


Americans Elect was created to achieve this. Our plan is to combine the newest technologies with America’s oldest values to give all voters in all states a greater voice in choosing the next president.

We have set up a non-partisan nominating process for the presidency. We plan to hold a secure online convention in June 2012, where any registered voter can participate as a delegate. At this national convention, party functions will become delegate functions. The delegates will draft candidates; develop a platform of questions the candidates must answer, and discuss and debate the convention rules.

We are on our way, with our ballot access initiative, to ensure that our presidential ticket can be on the ballot in all 50 states.

As a veteran of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I served with Americans from all political persuasions, who sacrificed and would do anything for their country.

Every democratic society takes a gamble — the gamble to form a system of government whose efficacy is rooted in the strength of its people.

The two major parties, and their primary systems, have served America well for more than 200 years. But they need to be able to operate in an area broader than their narrow political base. An open and direct primary system will expand their reach and diminish the voices of extremism that have brought us to the brink time and time again. And as we experienced so recently.

The idea of a direct, non-partisan, online convention is new. It could never be done before — because the technology did not exist. However, the technology has now caught up to the desire. Close to 2 million Americans have already signed up to have another choice on the 2012 presidential ballot.

This convention should be viewed as a major technological innovation. More important, it will be an unprecedented political innovation. The Americans Elect nominating convention will be the first time that American voters have gained direct access to the ballot to nominate and elect a presidential candidate.

The skeptics are many. The political attacks will likely be tough. I, along with millions of other Americans, am taking that gamble. For we are still a great people — capable of great action.



Elliot Ackerman is the chief operating officer of Americans Elect. He served multiple tours as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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2012 Elections