Filmmaker AJ Schnack spoke with MovieWeb’s Matt Mahler about his new political film, which explores the introduction of rank choice voting in Alaska and its consequences on the democratic process.
In Majority Rules, Schnack, who is known for his nonpartisan documentaries that delve into American electoral politics, including Convention, Caucus and Midterms, follows Alaska as it is set to implement two novel election reforms: the elimination of traditional party primaries and the ability for voters to rank candidates based on preferences. When the state’s longest-serving Congressman dies unexpectedly leaving an open seat, it prompts a special election to put this system to the test months earlier than anticipated. As dozens of candidates, including former Governor Sarah Palin, vie for the highly coveted seat, everyone must understand how the new voting reforms will alter the rules of campaigning and winning. The surprising outcome of this special election sparked support for election reform in other states, as well as strong opposition from political parties and partisans.
The film ultimately addresses two of the country’s most pressing issues: how the American electoral system became so broken, and whether changing how we vote could transform the entire system for the better.
Making its world premiere on June 14th at the DC/DOX Film Festival, Abramorama will open the film in NYC on June 28th at the Village East Cinema with the filmmakers and special guests hosting Q&A’s, before expanding to additional theaters nationwide.
