Let Every Voice Be Heard

Open the Presidential Debates to More Than Two Parties

Voters across the political spectrum, especially independents, third-party supporters, and younger generations, are being shut out of the national conversation. When only two parties control the debate stage, millions of Americans are denied the opportunity to hear new ideas, bold policies, and fresh voices.

That’s not choice. That’s control.

We believe the American people deserve better.

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is not a neutral body—it’s co-chaired by the Democratic and Republican parties themselves. They decide who gets a microphone and who’s left in the dark. This has kept every independent or third-party candidate off the stage for decades. As a result, voters are forced to choose between two pre-approved candidates, often with little difference in core policy or accountability.

In 2025 and beyond, the American people deserve more than a binary choice. They deserve a real debate. Momentum is growing. Leaders like Andrew Yang, the League of Women Voters, and the Brennan Center are speaking out. It’s time to reform the rules, end the monopoly, and return the debate stage to the people. Sign this petition to demand that the CPD open the debates to all candidates who meet fair, transparent criteria—not just those backed by the two ruling parties.

Let every voice be heard. Let the people decide who they want to hear—not the parties.

We, the undersigned, demand:

* That any presidential candidate who appears on ballots in enough states to collectively reach 270 electoral votes be automatically included in all nationally televised presidential debates.

* However, we recognize that many states have made ballot access prohibitively difficult for third-party and independent candidates through expensive, arcane, and discriminatory laws. That’s why we also demand that any candidate who appears on the general election ballot in at least 15 states be invited to participate, regardless of party affiliation.

* That debates include at least four candidates, the Democratic nominee, the Republican nominee, plus the top two additional ballot-qualified candidates (such as independent, Libertarian, or Green Party).

* That the CPD be restructured into a nonpartisan, publicly accountable commission, or replaced entirely.

* That polling, media coverage, and debate invitations never be used to gatekeep democracy.

* That no candidate who qualifies under the above criteria be excluded due to arbitrary polling thresholds or CPD discretion.

* That at least one of the presidential debates be conducted in a town hall format, where real voters, not party pundits or media personalities, ask the questions. The 1992 debate between Ross Perot, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush proved that direct voter questions lead to more honest, human conversations.

You’re not alone in believing this system is broken. Leaders across the political spectrum agree:

“A true democracy requires all voices and choices to be on the ballot.”

 Christina Tobin, Founder, Free & Equal Elections

“Restrictive ballot access laws serve no purpose but to suppress competition.”

 Brennan Center for Justice

 “Some states haven’t had any independent presidential candidates qualify in decades.”

Richard Winger, Editor, Ballot Access News

 “Ranked-choice voting makes politics more dynamic and responsive.”

Andrew Yang, Forward Party

“It’s institutional barriers, not voter interest, that keep third parties from competing.”

Dr. Lee Drutman, New America