Danielle Balderas

Danielle is a political journalist intern with IVN as a senior at the University of San Diego majoring in History. She loves researching the intersection of politics and history and hopes to go on to work on a PhD in History.</

Legislatures v. The People: SCOTUS to Rule on Who Has Ultimate Power over Elections

Although the midterm election fever has largely subsided, the courts are heating up over the issue of redistricting and gerrymandering lawsuits. For the 2014 term, the U.S. Supreme Court

By Danielle Balderas

/ December 8, 2014

Legislatures v. The People: SCOTUS to Rule on Who Has Ultimate Power over Elections

Strange Presidential Traditions: Turkey Pardoning

With Thanksgiving upon us, it's time to reflect on the culinary embodiment of this American tradition -- the turkey. The turkey's ascendency to fame has its

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 26, 2014

Strange Presidential Traditions: Turkey Pardoning

2014 California Voter Turnout On Track to Surpass National Average

With the November election a few weeks removed, voter turnout statistics have poured in from around the country. While projected to be significantly below the national average, voter turnout in

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 19, 2014

2014 California Voter Turnout On Track to Surpass National Average

USA Freedom Act Fails to Advance in U.S. Senate

Late Tuesday, the Senate voted against debating the USA Freedom Act of 2014. The legislation failed to garner 60 votes -- the threshold necessary for cloture. The final vote was

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 18, 2014

USA Freedom Act Fails to Advance in U.S. Senate

Party Leaders in Ariz. Say Control over Elections Belongs to Them, Not The People

Debate over states' rights and the rights of the people goes as far back as the 18th century. Today, that political discussion is alive and well in the form

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 18, 2014

Party Leaders in Ariz. Say Control over Elections Belongs to Them, Not The People

Americans Mispercieve Religion, Teen Pregnancy Most in International Study

Americans are very mistaken when it comes to perceiving the reality of key social issues. An August 2014 survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, a leading UK research company, found U.

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 14, 2014

Americans Mispercieve Religion, Teen Pregnancy Most in International Study

Despite Economic Importance of Rural Areas, Urban Coast Dominates Calif.'s Political Leadership

Although California is the most populous state in the nation with just over 38 million people spanning a length of about 800 miles, its political leaders at the federal and

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 13, 2014

Despite Economic Importance of Rural Areas, Urban Coast Dominates Calif.'s Political Leadership

Colo. Governor John Hickenlooper Pulls Out Tight Win over Republican Challenger

In Colorado, Governor John Hickenlooper (D) held on to his seat for another 4-year term. With 55 of 64 counties reporting so far, he defeated Republican challenger Bob Beauprez 48.

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 6, 2014

Colo. Governor John Hickenlooper Pulls Out Tight Win over Republican Challenger

Calif. Voters Approve Water Bond, Rainy Day Fund Increase, and Reduced Sentences

Californians voted on 6 statewide propositions on Election Day, three of which were approved by a majority of voters: Propositions 1, 2, and 47. Propositions 45, 46, and 48 did

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 5, 2014

Calif. Voters Approve Water Bond, Rainy Day Fund Increase, and Reduced Sentences

Independents, Minor Parties Shape Colo. Governor's Race Going into Election Day

With Election Day just one day away, Colorado’s gubernatorial race is in a dead heat between incumbent John Hickenlooper (D) and Republican challenger Bob Beauprez. A recent poll conducted

By Danielle Balderas

/ November 3, 2014

Independents, Minor Parties Shape Colo. Governor's Race Going into Election Day

Elan Carr Looks to End Democrats' 40-Year Hold on Calif. Congressional Seat

After 40 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Henry Waxman (D) is stepping down. As the November election approaches, voters of California’s 33rd Congressional District

By Danielle Balderas

/ October 29, 2014

Elan Carr Looks to End Democrats' 40-Year Hold on Calif. Congressional Seat

Higher Voter Turnouts Challenge Big Money in Politics

Money and power go hand in hand in the current discussion over the state of politics in America. A 2014 study by the California Public Interest Research Group, CALPIRG, found

By Danielle Balderas

/ October 28, 2014

Higher Voter Turnouts Challenge Big Money in Politics