ABSTRACT
This United Status low-vote exceptionalism reflects government policy and corporate power, and a long history of elite suppression of the vote, but it also highlights shortcomings in United Status social movements. Many social movement activists and organizations, seeing the corporate domination of both the Democratic and Republican Parties, have viewed electoral politics as a low priority, a diversion from vital organizing on their own core programs. Social movements must recognize that an “united front” strategy can serve their core organizing mission of visionary change, despite dangers of electoral co-optation. The rise of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other influential movement-activist-legislators show it is possible to get into electoral politics by participating in and growing “the movements.” European movements have long practiced united front politics. Social democratic parties in Europe work with unions and community organizers to turn out voters for their party.
