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.
event Voter Turnout in Primary Elections Jun 6, 2014 About the Program With voter turnout on the decline in California’s primary elections, the state has pursued reforms aimed at expanding the electorate. What have we learned from the new top-two primary system and other efforts? PPIC research fellow Eric McGhee will provide an overview, and a panel of leaders will discuss how to motivate more Californians to exercise their right to vote. This project is supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
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.
Fact Sheet California’s New Electoral Reforms: How Did They Work? By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Jun 8, 2012
blog post The Affordable Care Act Has Expanded Community Clinics in California By Shalini Mustala, Shannon McConville Jan 31, 2024 Community clinics have long been a key health care provider for underserved and low-income Californians. With the state significantly expanding the Medi-Cal program under the federal Affordable Care Act, community clinics have become even more important in promoting access to care, especially for new enrollees.
blog post Will California’s Red Districts Turn Blue in November? By Eric McGhee Jun 7, 2018 The primary results offer some insight into how Californians will vote in the general election, but whether Democrats can turn Republican-held districts blue remains to be seen.