John B. Bloom book argues ranked-choice voting could weaken the two-party system

John B. Bloom’s new book, For a More Perfect Union, uses his three decades in New York and Virginia party politics to argue for ranked-choice voting and broader election reform. The book says the system could give independent and third-party candidates a better chance while changing how Americans think about party power.

Why it matters: - John B. Bloom’s book makes a direct case for ranked-choice voting as an alternative to the winner-take-all system used in most U.S. elections. - Bloom argues the change could make it easier for independent and third-party candidates to compete. - The proposal is aimed at voters who want more options without worrying that a vote for a smaller party will help their least preferred candidate.

What happened: - Bloom announced his new book, For a More Perfect Union, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. - The book examines how political parties operate and proposes changes to the way Americans vote. - Bloom has run for office as a Republican, a Libertarian and a member of New York’s Conservative Party. - Bloom says the book draws on three decades of experience in New York and Virginia party politics.

The details: - Ranked-choice voting is already used in several states and cities. - Under ranked-choice voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting just one. - Bloom says the system would give voters more freedom to support smaller parties. - The book also draws on Bloom’s work in New York party activity in the 1990s and in Virginia more recently. - Bloom describes a 2015 resolution he proposed inside the Republican Party of Virginia about how the party should choose its presidential nominee. - The book includes a chapter on redistricting and discusses changes to Virginia’s 4th Congressional District over time. - Bloom argues that more parties on the ballot in every state would produce more competitive races. - Bloom also argues that redistricting commissions made up of members of the two major parties may face limits in drawing competitive maps. - Bloom joined the Republican Party in 1980 at age 18 and voted for Ronald Reagan twice. - Bloom left the Republican Party in 2016 and later became active in third-party politics. - Bloom is now chairman of the Constitution Party of Virginia. - Bloom writes, “We emphasize diversity in people. Why not in political parties?” - The book is available on Amazon and eBay.

Between the lines: - Bloom’s argument combines personal political history with a reform message built for voters frustrated by the two-party system. - The redistricting discussion suggests the book is aimed not just at voting rules, but at the broader structure that shapes political competition. - Bloom’s path from Republican activist to third-party chairman gives the book insider credibility with readers who follow party politics closely.

What's next: - Bloom’s first book is now available for readers interested in election reform and party politics. - The book may add to broader debates over ranked-choice voting, ballot access and redistricting reform. - Meghan Synan, Bloom’s business partner and political administrative assistant, edited the manuscript and contributed content to the book.