Building an Inclusive Democracy

How do we get to 100%? 65% is the high note today - Older whiter voters participate in higher numbers; young people exercise their voices through volunteerism - not seeing government as a solution The result in that this 65% is not evenly spread, but a subset of electors that are making decisions for everyone

Citizens United Solutions: Long-range reforms to Redistricting, Money in Politics, and Primary Elections would go a long way to open up the process to the new generation of voters who can have great impact on election outcomes when they have access to, and realize their political power.

Restrictive Voting Laws Supporters of photo ID laws argue that they prevent voter fraud- but the evidence is not there Solution: Abolish voter ID laws—and ease the burden by expanding the list of acceptable IDs: In states that require strict photo IDs, they must meet the requirement to make IDs available to all eligible voters. New Thinking: What other measures can be put in place to address the concerns photo voter ID is meant to solve (voter is not eligible; or voter already voted)? How do we address the problem of voters registered more than once?

Photo Voter Identification 33 states have some photo ID law 11% of Americans lack the ID required by strict ID laws Voter fraud is nearly nonexistent Supporters of photo ID laws argue that they prevent voter fraud- but the evidence is not there Solution: Abolish voter ID laws—and ease the burden by expanding the list of acceptable IDs: In states that require strict photo IDs, they must meet the requirement to make IDs available to all eligible voters. New Thinking: What other measures can be put in place to address the concerns photo voter ID is meant to solve (voter is not eligible; or voter already voted)? How do we address the problem of voters registered more than once?

1 in 4 eligible voters are not registered to vote

Modernize Voter Registration Our current voter registration system is outdated and error-prone Voter registration modernization would include: AVR: State election officials automatically register eligible citizens using reliable information from other government lists. All would be given the chance to “opt out,” or decline registration. Portability: Once eligible citizens are on a state’s voter rolls, they remain registered and their records move with them. Online Access: Voters can register, check, and update their registration records through a secure and accessible online portal. Safety Net: Eligible citizens can correct errors on the rolls or register before and on Election Day at the polling place. New Thinking: How can we ensure privacy and security of personal data (to encourage state and private sources to participate in Auto Reg)? How can government communicate with new voters to engage them effectively (how do we protect against deceptive practices, where non government/3rd party actors spam voters and send misleading voting information (eg. Dems vote on Weds)?

52% Voter-centered elections address the issues of of non-voters 8% Out of town 4% Forgot to Vote 3% Transportation Problems 3% Inconvenient polling place Illness/Disability 14% 1% Bad weather conditions 19% Too busy / Conflicting schedule In 14 states, early voting is not available - the only option is to vote in person on Tuesday.

What are Voter-Centered elections? Improve voter info - web tools, voter look up; ballot trace

29% of Non-Voters are not satisfied, not interested 13% Did Not Like Candidates, Campaign Issues 16% Not Interested Redistricing Money in Poltics - Solutions: Long-range reforms to Redistricting, Money in Politics, and Primary Elections would go a long way to open up the process to the new generation of voters who can have great impact on election outcomes when they have access to, and realize their political power.

Build an inclusive movement How do we LIFT EVERY VOICE?

What is on the table? Real time campaign finance reporting Overhaul disclosure website Matching Funds / Small Donor Incentives

Connect with New American voters Local Action Value local donors Offer High Match Connect with New American voters Common Cause is organizing local leaders in diverse communities. Berkeley Los Angeles San Diego

Building Sustainable, Diverse Coalitions http://youtu.be/yjLHv48WTCA