Instead of turning back the clock, California should continue its history of pro-voter reform and build on the top-two system – by adding ranked-choice voting to its elections.
California has created one of the most voter-friendly election systems in the nation. Three distinct policies work together to make that possible: a codified set of voter protections, a modernized election model that increases access, and a primary system that opens every race to every voter.
A broad cross-partisan coalition of California reformers launched More Choice California on Monday to lead the opposition against a proposed repeal of the state's nonpartisan Top Two primary system.
Mail-in ballots are out, and voting has begun in California’s June 2 primary. This election, though, is not just about who wins power. It is also a fight over who voters trust to run the system.
The message from party leaders on both sides is predicated on a hypothetical – a “doomsday scenario” that will scare their voters into thinking the worst possible outcome will happen if they don’t “chip in.”
Neither of the two Republican candidates in the governor’s race, Hilton or Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have gained ground as more undecided voters make their pick in the race or settle on a candidate.
California's nonpartisan primary gives independent voters real decision-making power. All voters, regardless of their political party, can cast a vote for any candidate. California is only one of three states that treat every voter and every candidate exactly the same.
The 115-year-old election system that Fox News and Sacramento operatives from both major parties are calling chaotic was specifically designed to stop the kind of party control they're now trying to claw back
California's San Quentin Rehabilitation Center officially opened a new Media Center this month, placing microphones, cameras, and printing equipment into the hands of incarcerated residents and training them to use them.
Meredith Sumpter
Marcela Miranda-Prieto
Cara Brown McCormick
Shawn Griffiths
IVN Editorial Board
Chad Peace
