CID continues to explore the topic of the state’s changing electorate with its California State Capitol educational series. The next event, “Voting Access of California's Current and Formerly Incarcerated,” takes place on Sept. 28.

In California, those who have been incarcerated or have a criminal conviction represent a significant group facing voter disenfranchisement. This session will explore policies impacting this group, as well as research on their voting experiences and preferences.

Sponsored by the Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr. Fund, the event is the third in CID’s educational series exploring new and emerging research on voting access and equity in California elections, particularly among underrepresented communities.

Event Details:



Voting Access of California's Current and Formerly Incarcerated

Thursday, Sept. 28, 12 – 1p.m. PDT

California State Capitol, Room 437

1315 10th Street

Sacramento, CA

This is an in-person event at the California State Capitol. The event will also be broadcast on Facebook Live.

For more information on the full series, see CID's website.

Missed the other events in the series? Watch the presentations and discussions here:

• Voter Turnout Gaps and Underrepresentation in California's Elections

• California’s New Motor Voter Law: What Has Been the Reform’s Impact on the Makeup of the State’s Registered Electorate?

U.S. Presidential Centers Partner to Renew their Commitment to Fundamental Principles of Democracy

On Sept. 7, the Carter Center and 12 U.S. presidential organizations released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a set of fundamental principles of democracy, reiterating the importance of strengthening democracy in the U.S. and around the world.

Some states are trying to boost youth voter registration. Here's what they're doing

Young voters have historically had the lowest voter registration and participation rates of any age group in the U.S. But in recent years, more states have adopted policies aimed at increasing voter registration among youth aged 18-24. 

Election disinformation campaigns targeted voters of color in 2020. Experts expect 2024 to be worse.

As the 2024 election approaches, community organizations are preparing for what they expect to be a growing onslaught of disinformation. Experts weigh in on the impact of such misinformation on voter engagement in marginalized communities and the need for increased vigilance in safeguarding the electoral process.

CID at USC National Voter Registration Day

Stop by CID’s table at the National Voter Registration Day event this year in Alumni Park at USC. Sponsored by the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, the event will feature dozens of organizations and information on a range of voting and election topics.

Event Details:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

USC Alumni Park (between Doheny Library and Bovard Auditorium)

American Democracy Summit 2023

This three-day event will bring together speakers from across the globe to discuss the most pressing issues of our time and all aspects of democracy and politics. CID Director Mindy Romero will be speaking on the panel, “Language Access: A Critical Component of Building a Multi-Racial Democracy.”

Conference Details:

Sept. 27 - 29, 2023

Los Angeles, CA

Language Access Panel:

Friday, Sept. 29, 2023

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Impact Stage

Advancing Multiracial Democracy in California-

Pathways to the 2024 Election

New polling conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley on voter satisfaction, voting rights, misinformation and election reforms highlights the challenges that persist in achieving an inclusive, multiracial democracy. This panel will examine Californians’ perceptions of the status quo, support for reforms, and discuss strategies to help California become a national model for inclusive democracy.

Event Details:

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

109 Philosophy Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

July 2023 Times/Siena Poll of the 2024 Race and National Issues

The New York Times breaks down findings from its recent poll on issues likely to be centerstage in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

Voting patterns in the 2022 elections

Pew Research found familiar patterns in voting preferences among subgroups in the 2022 midterm elections. Among various findings, its study found that younger voters, Black voters and those living in urban areas continued to support Democratic candidates while older, White and rural voters backed Republicans.

Berkeley Public Policy Annual Conference



On Sept 8, CID Director Mindy Romero was among speakers participating in the Berkeley Public Policy Annual Conference, a three-day event exploring a wide range of policy areas with the greater community. Dr. Romero spoke on the topic of representative democracy.

Sacramento Bee

CID’s Mindy Romero comments that it’s no surprise that a new poll found that California voters are older, whiter and more educated than the state at large. “Our electoral system is structured in a way that its campaigns and candidates are doing the overwhelming majority of outreach and voter mobilization, but they aren’t trying to get a representative electorate... they’re not trying to help everyone vote,”

Los Angeles Daily News

CID’s Mindy Romero weighed in on the Los Angeles City Council District 6 race, a runoff to replace former Councilmember Nury Martinez on the Los Angeles City Council.

According to Dr. Romero, special elections tend to have low voter turnouts. “Ultimately, it’s going to be a get-out-the-vote race,” she told the Los Angeles Daily News.