The TRM FAQ

The True Representation Movement is an initiative designed to elect representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives who commit to voting on all bills strictly according to the will of the people. This will is determined by 1,000 anonymous working-class voters, proportionally representing minority communities, who participate in the process. These voters cast their votes on every bill that comes for  a vote through a secure TRM mobile app, ensuring a direct and democratic reflection of their collective voice in Congress.

Members of Congress have been consistently out of touch with their constituencies on almost all issues other than those that they must respect to ensure that their re-election is not in jeopardy: For Democrats, for instance, support for abortion rights, for Republicans, opposition to all gun control laws.  Otherwise, representatives have wide discretion to vote in ways that do not align with the will of their constituencies.  When it’s election time, the representatives campaign on the core sacred issues (abortion, gun rights) and are seldom held accountable for having voted many times in ways that do not reflect the majority of their constituency.  Instead, we have Representatives voting by taking into account pressures from their political party, their caucus, and their campaign donors, strategic considerations, and other influences that have no relation to the will of the people that they are supposed to represent.

By having a Representative voting strictly in accordance with the will of the 1,000 participating voters, a Representative will act in a way that is far more representative of the will of the people than they do now. 

We call this type of representation, True Representation.

Imagine a political system where politicians can’t be bought, where common sense policies are pursued, where a citizenry that feels represented, where politicians are no longer using wedge issues to distract the people from the real issues, where dogma and ideology are no longer tools that can be used to drive policy.  

The True Representation Movement may be seen as threatening by several established interests:

1. Political Elites and Traditional Politicians: Those accustomed to the existing power structures and political systems may view TRM as a threat because it bypasses traditional modes of influence, lobbying, and party control, reducing their power to shape legislation according to their agendas.
2. Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups: TRM undermines the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups who rely on personal relationships, campaign contributions, and backdoor deals to sway representatives. With TRM representatives voting directly according to the will of 1,000 diverse working-class voters, the effectiveness of lobbying efforts would diminish significantly.
3. Corporate Entities: Corporations that benefit from favorable legislation, tax loopholes, or deregulation may see TRM as a challenge to their interests. TRM's commitment to reflecting the direct will of the people could lead to more stringent regulations, higher taxes, or reduced subsidies that do not align with corporate goals.
4. Media Outlets Tied to Political Agendas: Certain media organizations that benefit from maintaining the status quo or have close ties to political figures and entities may find TRM threatening, as it could disrupt their influence over public opinion and the legislative process.
5. Established Bureaucracy: The entrenched bureaucracy within government institutions may see TRM as a threat due to its potential to streamline decision-making and increase transparency, reducing the ability to control or slow down processes that may not align with broader public interests.

The 1,000 voters in the True Representation Movement are a diverse group of working-class individuals, proportionally representing minority communities, to ensure an inclusive and fair reflection of the population. These voters remain anonymous to protect their privacy and prevent external influence. Voting is conducted through a secure TRM mobile app, which uses state-of-the-art encryption and verification protocols to guarantee the integrity of each vote. Concerns about the app’s security are addressed by regularly updating its technology to prevent hacking, ensuring transparency in the voting process, and providing audit trails for all votes cast. This system empowers voters by allowing them to have a direct say on every bill, enhancing democratic representation while maintaining security and privacy.

Generative AI and other technologies, like translation tools, can greatly assist the average working-class person who is busy and may not be familiar with the complex language of congressional bills. AI can automatically summarize lengthy and jargon-filled bills into clear, concise, and easy-to-understand language, highlighting the key points and potential impacts on everyday life. Translation tools can provide these summaries in multiple languages, making them accessible to non-native English speakers. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants can offer real-time explanations and answer questions about the bills, enabling people to quickly grasp the essentials without needing to dive into complex legal terminology. These technologies help democratize access to critical information, empowering working people to make informed decisions with minimal time and effort.

A true Representative:

1. Will always vote exactly as the majority of the 1,000 voters wish them to vote.
2. Does not belong to any political party.
3. Does not belong to any caucus.
4. Does not articulate any stand on the issues.
5. Does not campaign on the issues.  They campaign on only one issue: That they will be nothing more than an avatar of the will of the people.
6. Does not aspire to a political career and will not remain in Congress for more than 2 terms.

1. They cannot be influenced by a political party or a caucus.

2. They cannot be bought by big money.

3. They are not spending half of the time campaigning.  

4. When it’s re-election time, they have a record that perfectly aligns with the will of the people.

In a TRM-run Congress, representatives would vote strictly according to the will of their constituents, likely leading to shifts in policy on the five most important issues of our times based on current public opinion:

1. Healthcare Reform:

A TRM-based Congress would likely pass legislation for more accessible and affordable healthcare, as a majority of Americans support some form of expanded healthcare coverage, such as a public option or Medicare for All. This could result in lower costs, broader coverage, and reduced financial stress for citizens.

2. Climate Change and Environmental Policy:

With strong public support for measures to combat climate change, a TRM-aligned Congress would likely enact more aggressive policies to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect natural resources. This would lead to greater environmental sustainability and resilience against climate-related disasters.

3. Economic Inequality and Minimum Wage:

Given widespread public support for raising the minimum wage and addressing income inequality, a TRM Congress would probably pass legislation that increases wages, strengthens workers' rights, and reduces income disparities. This would improve the financial security and quality of life for lower- and middle-income families.

4. Gun Control:

Since a majority of Americans support specific gun control measures (such as universal background checks and banning assault weapons), a TRM-aligned Congress would likely pass laws that enhance gun safety regulations. This could lead to reduced gun violence and a greater sense of security among citizens.

5. Immigration Reform:

Public opinion generally favors comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, along with stronger border security measures. A TRM Congress would likely pass balanced immigration policies that reflect these preferences, promoting social cohesion and addressing both humanitarian and security concerns.

Yes. There is no reason why someone cannot run and win on the promise that whenever a bill comes to the floor, they will vote exactly as the people wish them to vote, and act accordingly once in office.

Yes, this is doable.

It should not be difficult to find a candidate who would be interested in being the True Representation Movement candidate: (a) They will garner press attention, (b) They do not need to be well versed on the issues: They just need to be passionate enough about the True Representation movement.  Their stump speech would in essence consist of: ‘I believe in  the wisdom of the people and all I want to be is your humble avatar.  My role will be to organize town halls and forums where citizens can express themselves on the issue and inform each other.’

Once they are in office, all that needs to happen is for the 1,000 super-citizens to be invited to vote, using their mobile phones, on the bills that appear in front of the Representative.  Whatever the majority of the voters vote for dictates directly how the Representative votes. 

While both the No Labels Party and the True Representation Movement aim to reform the current political landscape, they take fundamentally different approaches. The No Labels Party seeks to bridge divides through bipartisan cooperation and centrist policies, working within the existing framework of parties and political influence. In contrast, the TRM proposes a radical shift towards direct representation, eliminating party affiliation, donor influence, and lobbying entirely, creating a government that reflects the direct will of the people in its purest form.

The No Labels Party emphasizes moderation and compromise; the TRM advocates for a form of democracy where representatives are, in essence, avatars of their constituents' preferences. Both seek to improve representation, but they offer distinctly different paths to achieving that goal.

Meet Filing Deadlines: You'll need to file your candidacy by a specific deadline, which can be months before the general election. Missing this deadline means you won't be able to run.

Submit a Statement of Candidacy: File a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) within 15 days of raising or spending more than $5,000. This step formally registers your campaign.

Comply with Signature Collection Rules: States often have strict rules about how signatures are collected and who can gather them. You might need to hire or organize volunteers to gather enough valid signatures in a short period.

File a Financial Disclosure Report: You must file a personal financial disclosure report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives within 30 days of becoming a candidate, detailing your income, assets, debts, and other financial information.

Meet Residency and Age Requirements: You must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and reside in the state (though not necessarily the district) you plan to represent.

Running on the True Representation Movement (TRM) platform makes campaigning easier than running under a traditional party label or as an unaffiliated independent. The TRM’s unique message of direct democracy—pledging to vote according to the will of 1,000 diverse working-class voters through a secure mobile app—naturally draws the attention of mainstream media due to its innovative, people-powered approach that challenges the status quo. This distinctive platform also sidesteps the need to pay party fees or engage in costly and uphill battles against establishment-backed incumbents, who are often favored by their party’s resources. Additionally, independent media and anti-establishment groups are likely to support the movement, amplifying its message to politically disillusioned voters seeking real change. With this combination of grassroots appeal and media interest, TRM candidates can build momentum more effectively, bypassing the complexities and constraints of traditional party politics.

If you are interested in running under the TRM banner or just want to find out more, please contact us using this form.