FRIDAY, JULY 17
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church
Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

in-person and virtual options

Can Iowa improve its voting?

Ben Allen
Executive Director, Better Ballot Iowa

Better Ballot Iowa is a new kind of political movement bringing together voters across the political spectrum — Republicans, Democrats, Independents, 3rd Party — around systemic improvements to the way we conduct elections in order to make our political life more positive, constructive, and productive. The Iowan-founded, Iowan-led grassroots non-profit organization advocates for transformative shifts in our elections with two simple changes: the use of single open top-5 primaries and Ranked Choice Voting in the general election.

How does that work? And how do we get there? Join Ben Allen, Executive Director of Better Ballot Iowa, at the July Crossroads to learn more about Iowa's voting systems and what we can do to make politics in America work for more Americans.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $15: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

Iowa faith leaders and clergy from different traditions are urged to join with one voice in calling out the harm to our democracy and its people with the rise in Christian nationalism. On the 250th anniversary of the signing of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we are committed to protecting religious freedom and keeping religion and government separate.

Iowa faith leaders and clergy – practicing and retired pastors, reverends, rabbis, imams, priests, etc. – are invited to sign the Iowa Faith Leaders against Christian nationalism letter by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1. The letter will be published on social media and distributed to the press on July 3, 2026, ahead of the 250th celebration of our nation’s Declaration of Independence.

We ask that everyone share the letter with faith leaders and clergy in your networks.

Below are ideas for how you can get in good trouble!

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Senator Joni Ernst
(202) 224-3254 (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/contact)

Senator Chuck Grassley
(202) 224-3744 (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact)

Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks (1st Congressional District)
(202) 225-6576 (https://millermeeks.house.gov/contact/offices)

Representative Ashley Hinson (2nd Congressional District)
(202) 225-2911 (https://hinson.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact)

Representative Zach Nunn (3rd Congressional District)
(202) 225-5476 (https://nunn.house.gov/contact/offices/)

Representative Randy Feenstra (4th Congressional District)
(202) 225-3193 (https://feenstra.house.gov/contact/offices)