What is the Free State Project?

A decade ago, the ultra-extreme Free State Project voted on a state to move 20,000 libertarians to, with the stated purpose to take over state government and dismantle it. New Hampshire was unfortunately the unlucky recipient of that vote. The Free State Project seeks to create a libertarian “utopia” void of public infrastructure and common laws, and to use their numbers to dramatically change New Hampshire. The Free State Project even threatens to secede from the rest of the country once it meets its initial goals:

“Once we’ve taken over the state government, we can slash state and local budgets, which make up a sizeable proportion of the tax and regulatory burden we face every day. Furthermore, we can eliminate substantial federal interference by refusing to take highway funds and the strings attached to them. Once we’ve accomplished these things, we can bargain with the national government over reducing the role of the national government in our state. We can use the threat of secession as leverage to do this.”

— Announcement:
 The Free State Project by Founder Jason Sorens

To date, the Free State Project has recruited 20,000 people to sign the pledge to move to New Hampshire, hitting their designated goal to “Trigger the Move” – all those who signed up are supposed to start moving once the agreed upon goal was met. At least 2,015 people have already moved. The Free State Project regularly hosts tours of the state for prospective movers, offers temporary housing for those in transition, and has a network for job, social, and political opportunities once someone makes the move to New Hampshire.

The Free State Project has also successfully fielded candidates for local and state government, and each year those members introduce proposals to slash local and state budgets, undermine public education, and overturn common sense community priorities that ensure our people and our communities remain safe and secure. It is not surprising that so many Free Staters run for office. Free State Project members uproot their families and move to New Hampshire purely to enact a political agenda; running for office only further helps them reach that goal.

What is Granite State Progress doing?

Granite State Progress, a progressive communications and research hub, has been tracking the Free State Project and its influence since 2008, paying particular attention to Free Stater activity in elections and legislation. Free State Project members running for or holding political office often hide or deny their FSP affiliation from voters and downplay their extreme beliefs when asked. To challenge this, Granite State Progress:

• Researches and compiles a list of Free State Project candidates and electeds for distribution in local communities and to members of the media.

• Educates the public about the Free State Project, its members, beliefs, and influence.

• Acts as a resource for affected communities to gather support and network with one another about how to handle Free State Project members and activities.

For more information about the Free State Project Watch of Granite State Progress, or to submit a tip or concern from your own community, email freestateprojectwatch@granitestateprogress.org.