Elizabeth Cheney and the Prospects of Forming a 9th Party: A Comprehensive Analysis

Former House Speaker Elizabeth Cheney has garnered significant attention for her potential bid to form a new political party as an alternative to the existing two-party system. However, the formation of a new party would not just be a simple 3rd party; it would be a 9th party in the United States. This article explores the potential challenges, historical precedents, and solutions that could break the current two-party duopoly.

Other political parties already exist in the United States, including the Reform, Libertarian, Socialist, Natural Law, Constitution, and Green parties. These parties, while active, face significant challenges in gaining traction and electoral success. If Cheney attempts to form a new party, it would likely include several 'Old School Republicans.' The implications for the existing parties are significant, particularly for the Modern Republicans, whose membership could suffer a further loss of support.

Challenges and Historical Precedents

Historically, the two-party system in the United States is deeply rooted in the function of elections and voter behavior. Politicians and parties understand the importance of maintaining a unified front to avoid the risk of losing votes to third-party candidates. The 1912 Presidential election serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of a divided party. Republican President William Taft faced former Republican President Theodore Roosevelt as a third-party candidate.

Roosevelt's candidacy proved too strong for Taft and Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic candidate, who won the election by a landslide. This scenario demonstrates that political parties must strive to remain united to maximize their electoral strength. If Cheney and her allies were to split from the Republican party, it would likely cause a significant hemorrhage of members, as many Republicans are opposed to the changes and shifts within the party.

Rank Choice Voting: A Path to Real Choice

The two-party system has become a duopoly, leaving many voters disillusioned and without a true choice. The existence of a new political party, such as the 9th party Cheney might form, could exacerbate this issue. However, there is a solution that could break this duopoly and provide credible third-party candidates with a real chance of success: rank choice voting (RCV).

RCV allows voters to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. In an election with five candidates, for example, a voter could rank each candidate from 1 to 5. If no candidate receives a majority, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and their votes are reallocated to the second choice of the voters. This process continues until one candidate surpasses 50% of the votes. This system helps to bypass the risk of 'wasting' a vote on a less likely alternative.

Several states in the United States are beginning to implement RCV, including Maine and a handful of cities. However, the adoption of this system at the state level is challenging, as it requires support from state legislators who benefit from the current two-party system. This makes the passage of RCV legislation an uphill battle.

For more information on rank choice voting, explore the following resources:

Conclusion

Elizabeth Cheney's potential formation of a new party represents a significant challenge to the current two-party system. However, the rise of a 9th party could also provide opportunities for other third parties and rank choice voting. By implementing RCV, voters can have a more meaningful choice in elections, potentially leading to a more representative and inclusive political landscape.

As the United States continues to navigate the complex dynamics of its political system, it is essential to explore innovative solutions that empower voters and ensure that their voices are heard. The path to a more equitable and representative democracy begins with recognizing the limitations of the current system and embracing solutions that can break the two-party duopoly.