When it comes to elections, what does California do well? What could California do better? How have we led, and how have we perhaps lagged behind? These are questions that a diverse group of individuals and organizations asked themselves and one another over the course of three months, with an aim to envision the future of California’s elections. It turned out to be an extraordinary conversation and a process which could very well serve as a model for other states as well. One driving force in the process was the convening organization, the James Irvine Foundation, which has long worked on issues of importance to Californians. The participants included a diverse range of representatives with a concern for voters and not-yet voters, for elections and how they function, and for California’s democracy.
Download the Roadmap for Future California Elections (pdf)
The immediately tangible result of the convenings is the “Roadmap for the Future of California Elections,” which contains a common vision we all support in the form of a set of principles. Naturally we do not all find all of our own strategies and priorities in all of the subsequent recommendations, but a good many of us agreed with most of those as well, a remarkable achievement in light of the varied points of view represented.
Out of these recommendations come action steps, with participants signing on to continue the process and expand the conversation about this vision and what can be for California.
Verified Voting is pleased to be part of the process and looks forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about the Roadmap and ways you envision a better future for California elections.