At Issue, Report Reforming California’s Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare Oct 8, 2013 Californians are highly supportive of the initiative process but see room for improvement. Three steps to improve the process—connecting the legislative and initiative processes, increasing disclosure of initiative funders, and reengaging citizens in the initiative process—reflect Californians’ critiques and their desire to continue making laws at the ballot box. These reforms could have far-reaching consequences, with considerable promise for increasing citizen engagement, encouraging voter participation, and building trust in state government. This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Fact Sheet The Initiative Process in California By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek, Jui Shrestha Oct 7, 2013
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek, Jui Shrestha Jul 31, 2013 Some findings of the current survey: A record-high majority say California should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rather than wait until the economy improves. Although many are unaware of the state’s cap-and-trade program, most consider it important to spend some of the revenues in disadvantaged areas. Slim majorities favor building the Keystone XL Pipeline, but oppose increased use of fracking. Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [PDF] Governor Brown [PDF] California State Legislature [PDF] U.S. Congress [PDF] Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [XLS] Governor Brown [XLS] California State Legislature [XLS] U.S. Congress [XLS] This survey was supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Fact Sheet California’s New Electoral Reforms: The Fall Election By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Nov 8, 2012
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek, Jui Shrestha Oct 24, 2012 Some findings of the current survey: Obama and Biden lead Romney and Ryan by 12 points in the presidential race in California. Just under half (48%) of likely voters would vote yes on Proposition 30; support is lower for Proposition 38 (39%). Californians are much less pessimistic about the direction and economic outlook of the nation than they were in 2008. Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [PDF] Governor Brown [PDF] California State Legislature [PDF] U.S. Congress [PDF] Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [XLS] Governor Brown [XLS] California State Legislature [XLS] U.S. Congress [XLS] Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California [PDF] General Direction of Things in the United States [PDF] Economic Outlook for California [PDF] Economic Outlook for the United States [PDF] Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California [XLS] General Direction of Things in the United States [XLS] Economic Outlook for California [XLS] Economic Outlook for the United States [XLS] This survey was supported with funding from The James Irvine 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
Fact Sheet California’s 2011 Redistricting: Challenges and Controversy By Eric McGhee, Vladimir Kogan Dec 1, 2011
Fact Sheet California’s Initiative Process: 100 Years Old By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek, Jui Shrestha Sep 21, 2011