Direct Democracy

(originally published at Fox & Hounds Daily)
Who needs Halloween for a good fright when so many California ballot initiatives are posted on the Secretary of State’s website?

(originally published at Fox & Hounds Daily)
Dear Mom,

I know I’ve never been your favorite. Which is why I almost didn’t write this letter. It’s probably a waste of time.

But you can only turn 100 once. And as you remember, mom, my centennial birthday is Monday. And just like always, my brother is getting all the attention.

On Monday, October 10, 2011 Citizens in Charge Foundation will join with Californians from all over the state to celebrate the 100th Anniversary Celebration of California’s Initiative & Referendum Process. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP to Amanda@CitizensInCharge.org is required for registration.

This event is taking place thanks to the support of sponsors:

(originally published at Fox & Hounds Daily)
As Californians assess direct democracy on our system's 100 birthday, one criticism echoes from across the political spectrum: access to the system is limited because qualifying ballot initiatives, referenda, and recalls is such a costly process.

(originally published at Fox & Hounds Daily)
Do you have ideas to offer on initiative reform? Great. Now should be your moment.

(originally published at Fox & Hounds Daily)
If Democrats want to win 2/3 of the legislature, they should start acting like a party you might trust with 2/3 of the legislature.

If they ever want to fix the governing system of California to restore majority accountability, they should start acting like people you would trust to reform the governing system.

Sacramento, Calif. – Californians want more oversight over elected officials, a clear and strong initiative process, and more power for local governments, according to the results of California's first-ever deliberative poll, organizers of which agree can – and should – guide efforts to fix state government.

More than 400 people – a scientifically selected random sample – came to Torrance in June for the What's Next California? deliberative poll.

The Golden State not only faces unprecedented demographic and economic changes, but does so with a governance system that is fundamentally broken, and arguably incapable of implementing the policy reforms that are so clearly needed. Recognizing this, the New America Foundation joined the What's Next California coalition to convene a deliberative poll with a scientifically selected random sample of California's registered voters.

For more than a century, Oregon has led the country in direct democracy, with the state’s voters confronting more initiatives than other Americans. In recent years, Oregon has conducted a thorough debate over the process, and taken historic steps to build a citizen-based infrastructure for direct democracy.

In June 2011, a coalition of non-partisan reform organizations, academics and journalists brought together more than 400 California voters to discuss and deliberate issues facing the state. It was California's first ever deliberative poll, offering a scientific sample of California registered voters.

The results of the unprecedented What's Next California civic engagement project will be unveiled at a news conference and panel in the state's capital.