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