Independent Voters Association facts for kids
The Independent Voters Association, often called the IVA, was a political group in North Dakota, United States. It was important in shaping the state's politics for many years.
The IVA started on May 1, 1918. This was a time when another powerful group, the Nonpartisan League (NPL), had a lot of influence. The NPL was very strong within the North Dakota Republican Party.
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What Was the IVA?
The IVA was formed to go against the ideas of the Nonpartisan League. The NPL had some ideas that were seen as leaning towards socialism. This means they believed the government should control more businesses and services for the good of everyone.
The IVA, on the other hand, was a more conservative group. They believed in capitalism, which means private businesses and individuals should own and control most things. They wanted less government control and more freedom for businesses.
Who Started the IVA?
A key person who helped create the IVA was E. W. Everson. He was a politician who had worked in the North Dakota State House of Representatives from 1913 to 1918. He and others felt it was important to offer a different political choice in North Dakota.
Why Was the IVA Formed?
The main goal of the IVA was to challenge the Nonpartisan League's power. They wanted to make sure that conservative and capitalist ideas were also heard and supported in North Dakota's government. They aimed to reduce the NPL's influence.
Major Success of the IVA
One of the biggest achievements for the IVA happened in 1921. They successfully led a special election called a recall election. In this election, voters decided to remove Lynn Frazier from his job as Governor of North Dakota. A new governor, Ragnvald A. Nestos, was then elected to take his place. This showed how much power the IVA had gained.
When Did the IVA End?
The Nonpartisan League started to lose its power in the 1940s. As this happened, many of the main goals that the IVA had set out to achieve were met. Because their main purpose was largely fulfilled, the Independent Voters Association eventually stopped being an active political group.
