Voices of Reform post-election series materials available

The Voices of Reform project had a conference on January 17, and they had a series of interesting panels on election and political reform issues in California: campaign finance reform, redistricting reform, the initiative process, and the rise of “decline to state” voters. Here’s an email I received from the Voices of Reform folks, including links to their conference materials:

The Voices of Reform Post-Election Series (A Four Panel Series 01/17/07)

In his latest inaugural address, Governor Schwarzenegger reiterated his commitment to reforming state government in ways that can reinvigorate public confidence in the work of our elected officials, and urged voters to think beyond partisanship. But are there reforms on which both Democrats and Republicans can agree? And is there sufficient will to reform government itself?

Download individual panels to learn more about these issues as the 2007 Legislative Session begins.

Campaign Finance Reform: Finding Bipartisan Common Ground

The campaign for Prop 89 (the public financing reform initiative) on the November ’06 ballot drove Democrats and Republicans even further into their respective corners on this issue, making it harder than ever to identify bipartisan common ground; are there any reforms on which members of both major parties can agree?

mp3 audio.

CA Channel Video.

Redistricting Reform in 2007: What’s it going to take?

Redistricting reform has attracted broad and sustained support over the past two years, including by every major paper in the state. But the Legislature continues to balk at producing meaningful action; will they finally act in 2007, or is a Citizen’s Initiative the only chance for redistricting reform?

mp3 audio.

CA Channel Video.

Taking Stock of CA’s Initiative Process: Opportunities for Reform

72% of Californians think the initiative process should be changed, and Democratic and Republican partisans have not staked out opposing sides on this issue — yet… Is there an opportunity here for policy makers to agree on sensible reforms voters can support?

mp3 audio.

CA Channel Video.

“Decline to State” Voters: California’s Fastest Growing Party?

“Decline to State” voter registration has doubled since 1990; it now represents more than 20% of the electorate and continues to grow. How will politicians and their campaign strategies change as more voters assert their independence and join the growing numbers of “decline to state” voters? Who will they vote for, and will they ever be able to vote for ‘one of their own’?

mp3 audio.

CA Channel Video.