The Big Idea

Give 'Em Liberty

One of our political system's greatest virtues is that every vote counts. Now, one group of voters plans to move to one state, so that their votes count together.

The Free State Project is a simple, if radical, concept: Mobilize enough people with libertarian views – lowering taxes, cutting social programs, privatizing schools, relaxing gun laws – to live in one state in order to create a viable third part that will shape local government. "The idea is that, incrementally, we'll move to a freer society." says founder Jason Sorens, a Yale political science lecturer. Last year, the group chose New Hampshire as its promised land. The goal: Get 20,000 people to agree to move by 2006.

So far, 5,000 have committed, and nearly 200 are already there. One pioneer, Justin Somma [picture of a serious-looking Justin Somma in front of what looks like the Student Union building on Keene State campus.], 26, a copywriter, and his wife left New York City for Keene, New Hampshire. While the Free State Project was a factor in their move, he concedes the scenic small town "is a place we'd much rather live anyway."

Some political scientists doubt the movement's potential, but Somma isn't worried. "I think it's a solid plan," he says. "It's a matter of convincing people to think of alternatives to more government."

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