Report Test-driving California’s Election Reforms By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Sep 13, 2012 In the June 2012 primary, California tested two important electoral changes: new legislative and congressional districts drawn by an independent citizens commission and a "top two" primary system. The results suggest the reforms produced some changes—in particular, more open seats and more competition. However, there was also a great deal of continuity with recent elections: most candidates endorsed by a major party and all incumbents are advancing to the fall election and partisan outcomes were broadly in line with what might have been expected under the old primary system. Over time, the reforms may produce more radical change, but the first step on the road of reform has been a small one.
blog post Three Lessons About California’s Election Reforms By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Nov 5, 2014 California got its second taste of two important reforms yesterday: legislative and congressional districts drawn by an independent redistricting commission and a "top-two” primary system. How did they do this time around?
Fact Sheet California’s New Electoral Reforms: The Fall Election By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Nov 8, 2012
blog post New Term Limits Add Stability to the State Legislature By Eric McGhee Nov 12, 2018 Proposition 28, passed by California voters in 2012, relaxed term limits and has provided some stability to both chambers of the state legislature.
blog post A Turnaround for Voter Turnout? By Eric McGhee Jun 13, 2016 The recent primary offered signs of improvement for California’s abysmally low voter turnout.
blog post Redistricting Injects Some Uncertainty into the 2022 Elections By Eric McGhee Apr 7, 2022 While new political districts shake things up for incumbents, competitiveness in state assembly districts has declined amid an increasing focus on congressional contests.
Report California’s Water Market, By the Numbers, Update 2012 By Ellen Hanak, Elizabeth Stryjewski Nov 29, 2012 This report provides a check-up on California’s progress with two innovative water management tools: water marketing and groundwater banking. These tools are part of a modern approach that will enable California to manage its scarce water resources more flexibly and sustainably. This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
