Robert “Rob” Richie
Robert “Rob” Richie is the executive director of FairVote, a non-profit organization that researches and advocates election reforms that increase voter turnout, accountable governance and fair representation. An expert on international and domestic electoral systems, Rob has directed FairVote (formerly the Center for Voting and Democracy) since its founding in 1992.
Rob has addressed many organizations regarding election reform, as well as helped to write legislation seeking to ensure fair voting practices. He has testified before numerous charter commissions and elected officials in several cities and states. In 1993, Rob toured New Zealand at the invitation of electoral reformers during a successful referendum campaign in that country to adopt a full representation voting system.
Rob’s commentary has been published in such publications as New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Roll Call, The Nation, National Civic Review, Boston Review, Christian Science Monitor and Legal Times, as well in eight books since 1999.
Born in Washington, D.C., Rob graduated from Haverford College with a B.A. in philosophy in 1987. Before co-founding FairVote, he worked for three winning congressional campaigns in Washington state, and for non-profit organizations in Washington and the District of Columbia. He is currently married to Cynthia Terrell and has three children.