Creating the Progressive Party in America
Progressives have been largely abandoned by Democratic leadership, and don’t have any voice in the GOP. I, and many others, have lost faith in the Democratic Party leadership, and after forty years of watching them betray progressive ideals, believe it’s time for a real Progressive Party in America.
As such, I’d like to ask the community, how would a Progressive Party work? What are your goals for its platform? And would you be willing to volunteer your time and energy to get it off the ground?
All responses are welcome, but I’m looking for constructive criticism, because I absolutely believe this is possible in our current political environment. Here’s why:
According to my recent research, it would take approximately 1,110,000 registered voters across the 50 states to qualify as a major political party.
That’s just .0595% of our 186,500,000 registered voters in 2024. For comparison, there are 14.3 million union members in the US, so if just 5% of them vote Progressive, we’ve got ourselves a party.
I’ve detailed the totals and requirements by state below, because these are attainable numbers on a state by state basis (also so you can search and find out what the reqs are for your state). Additionally, the 1,110,000 number above is only to qualify as a major political party - many of these states have much lower ballot requirements.
I know the detail below is a wall of text, and I may break lemmy, but this is posted not with the intent to overwhelm, but with the purpose to point that on a state by state basis, these numbers are more than possible - the bar for getting on the ballot is pretty low in many states.
Ballot and Registration Requirements:
Ballot access signature requirements for each state:
- Alabama: 50,000 signatures
- Alaska: 3,000 signatures (1,500 from each congressional district)
- Arizona: 36,647 valid signatures
- Arkansas: 10,000 signatures
- California: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Colorado: 10,500 signatures (or 1% of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
- Connecticut: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Delaware: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Florida: 76,834 valid signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
- Georgia: 50,000 signatures
- Hawaii: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Idaho: 18,692 signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
- Illinois: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Indiana: 50,000 signatures
- Iowa: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Kansas: 38,947 valid signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
- Kentucky: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Louisiana: 54,689 signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
- Maine: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Maryland: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Massachusetts: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Michigan: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Minnesota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Mississippi: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 18% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Missouri: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Montana: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Nebraska: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Nevada: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- New Hampshire: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- New Jersey: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- New Mexico: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- New York: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- North Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- North Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Ohio: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Oklahoma: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Oregon: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Pennsylvania: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Rhode Island: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- South Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- South Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Tennessee: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Texas: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Utah: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Vermont: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Virginia: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
- Washington: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Registration Requirements for new political party by state:
-
Alabama: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Alaska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Division of Elections. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, and a platform.
-
Arizona: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 3,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Arkansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
California: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 10,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least ten proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Colorado: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 2,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Connecticut: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Delaware: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Florida: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 125 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Georgia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Hawaii: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Idaho: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Illinois: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Indiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Iowa: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Kansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Kentucky: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Louisiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Maine: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Maryland: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Massachusetts: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Michigan: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Minnesota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Mississippi: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Missouri: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Montana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
Nebraska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Nevada: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
New Hampshire: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
-
New Jersey: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
New Mexico: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
New York: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
North Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Ohio: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Oklahoma: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Oregon: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Pennsylvania: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Rhode Island: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
South Carolina: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
South Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Tennessee: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Texas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Utah: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Vermont: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Washington: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
West Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
-
Wyoming: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Total registered voters to achieve major party status in each state (approximate):
- Alabama 10,000
- Alaska 3,000
- Arizona 5,000
- Arkansas 3,000
- California 67,000
- Colorado 1,500
- Connecticut 2,500
- Delaware 1,500
- Washington DC 3,000
- Florida 78,000
- Georgia 15,000
- Hawaii 3,000
- Idaho 2,000
- Illinois 25,000
- Indiana 30,000
- Iowa 10,000
- Kansas 5,000
- Kentucky 10,000
- Louisiana 5,000
- Maine 2,000
- Maryland 25,000
- Massachusetts 10,000
- Michigan 50,000
- Minnesota 8,500
- Mississippi 3,000
- Missouri 10,000
- Montana 2,000
- Nebraska 2,500
- Nevada 6,000
- New Hampshire 3,000
- New Jersey 30,000
- New Mexico 2,000
- New York 100,000
- North Carolina 75,000
- North Dakota 1,500
- Ohio 75,000
- Oklahoma 3,000
- Oregon 5,000
- Pennsylvania 25,000
- Rhode Island 2,500
- South Carolina 15,000
- South Dakota 1,500
- Tennessee 30,000
- Texas 100,000
- Utah 10,000
- Vermont 2,500
- Virginia 75,000
- Washington 50,000
- West Virginia 3,000
- Wisconsin 100,000
- Wyoming 2,500
Nothing constructive about this criticism, but I’ll respond to your points.
First, the breakdown by state is to provide attainable targets for action at the state and local level. As you can see, the thresholds for getting on the ballot are low with a bit of community organizing. The reason people don’t get involved at the local and state level is because they don’t see a path for real national change through their action there.
This is my attempt to start charting that path. I agree with your overall point here, but tactical state and local targets need a national strategy to work together to create real change.
Secondly, I have worked with the Democratic party (since the 90s) and seen how progressive ideas get sidelined and lip-service at best, even in supposedly left wing states like California. The primary effect of the Democratic party as it exists in 2025 is to dilute revolutionary energy into the service of the corporate agenda where it can (Obamacare instead of universal health care, for instance), and render it impotent where it can’t.
Real action that threatens corporate interests simply isn’t possible within the democratic party apparatus, because there are plenty of special interests willing to sink progressive candidates in the primary (AIPAC, I’m looking at you). Citizens United hollowed out the Dems just as much as it did the GOP, and they’re completely captured by their donor class. The fact we haven’t had a real primary since Obama in 2008 has made it clear that there is no voice for the people when it comes to platform or policy.
In regards to:
The best time to grow a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time to grow a tree is now. I have no illusions that the process would be quick nor easy. But it is attainable. And since the other alternatives are either been proven ineffective or would involve potential violence, this seems to be the only legal path forward for Americans to regain control of our political system.
I mean, I’m open to alternatives, but just giving a list of reasons why it won’t work isn’t helpful, and does nothing but discourage people from getting involved.
The only way to grow political parties is with local offices first. Thousands of dog catchers being networked together is a powerful thing indeed.
No harm in petitions and top down efforts if it gets the idea off the ground. Then the idea had to take root in the ground.
It’s that grassroots which powers what you want. It’s broke. Any efforts at political reform has to use it. Anything that does not attempt fixing it becomes a money maker only, at best, for a few people who know how to grift.
Just because you don’t agree with criticism doesn’t mean It’s not constructive. You asked how a progressive party would work, the type of local grassroots activism and organizing cutthroat describes is exactly how many nascent parties form. You grow your influence where you can when you can as a bloc that others have to win the support of if they want to win. Once your movement is big enough you either capture the party that has become dependent on you or take your base of power and start your own.