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Can computer simulations help fix democracy?

Harry Stevens

August 22, 2022 |

The Washington Post |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

Ohio is among 11 states where voters are challenging newly-drawn political maps using algorithmic redistricting, a process that produces thousands of simulations to help show which of the potential maps are outliers and may be the result of gerrymandering. Based on this algorithmic evidence, an Ohio court ordered the state's redistricting commission to go back to the drawing board and come up with a fairer map.

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South Africans say apps step in where government fails

Kim Harrisberg

August 17, 2022 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: South Africa

Apps are providing vital services when the South African government is unable to do so. From informing citizens of power cuts to filling in potholes and seeking mental health, these citizen-build resources are addressing community issues and even creating employment opportunities.

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Is police accountability working in San Francisco?

Eleni Balakrishnan

August 04, 2022 |

Mission Local |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

After San Francisco voters approved the creation of a new Department of Police Accountability to investigate allegations of police misconduct, the body recommended discipline for officers at a higher rate than the state average in 2021. But the majority of cases are still settled in favor of officers and 66 percent of civilian complainants reported being dissatisfied with the outcome of their case, an outcome experts and former employees of the DPA attribute to a lack of independent authority and leadership to wield the agency's powers.

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'Deliberative town halls' encourage civil dialogue, OSU institute says

Renee Fox

May 10, 2022 |

WKSU |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

The Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability's "deliberative town halls" pair willing lawmakers with a random, representative sample of constituents so voters can share feedback and ask questions without being drowned out by the loudest voices in political spaces. All participants are given the same background materials created by a nonpartisan source to inform their discussion, which means there's no squabbling over establishing basic facts, and politicians must adapt to the natural flow of conversation rather than relying on canned talking points.

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Without the protections of the Voting Rights Act, many look to state solutions

Frances Nguyen

April 18, 2022 |

Prism |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Virginia

Virginia’s VRA protects voters from suppression, discrimination, and intimidation and has effectively stopped racial gerrymandering and intimidation. Its pro-voting measures include requiring materials in multiple languages, the provision of accessibility accommodations, and requiring public review of any local level voting changes. The legislation also creates a pathway for Virginians to bring civil lawsuits if a procedure negatively impacts economically disadvantaged communities or communities of color.

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Could the highly political redistricting process be more independent? San Antonio may find out

Megan Stringer

April 17, 2022 |

San Antonio Express-News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Diego, California

San Diego’s independent redistricting commission has aimed to take politics out of drawing district maps since 1992 by preventing City Council from drawing or approving its own map. Instead, nine commissioners from over 100 applicants were chosen based on background and qualifications by three randomly selected retired judges. The member selection process, rules for transparency, open public engagement and no tolerance for conflicts of interest are keys to its success. There is more equitable infrastructure investment and greater voter turnout now, which are two positive signs of reduced gerrymandering.

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From scandal to scrutiny: How intense citizen oversight reshaped Oakland police

Nigel Duara

April 06, 2022 |

CalMatters |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

Since 2016, complaints filed against Oakland police officers have triggered parallel investigations by both the department's internal affairs unit and the city's Civilian Police Review Agency. When an outcome is disputed, the final decision is made by the Civilian Police Commission, a system that has resulted in the city sustaining complaints against officers at a rate more than double the state average between 2018 and 2020.

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The Town That QAnon Nearly Swallowed

Sasha Abramsky

February 07, 2022 |

The Nation (New York) |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sequim, Washington

The Sequim Good Governance League (SGGL) formed in response to right-wing agitators taking over positions of power and spreading misinformation. SGGL recruited progressive and moderately conservative candidates who successfully defeated incumbents with the help of dozens of volunteers they trained. Volunteers worked around the clock, sent out emails, put up signs around the town, and used their most effective tool: having one-on-one conversations with other residents. SGGL-backed candidates now hold the majority of government offices.

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Asher Craig: 'We are walking our talk' in Bristol's experiment in democracy

Betty Woolerton

January 19, 2022 |

Bristol 24/7 |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, Bristol

A year after Bristol convened a randomly selected 60-person citizens’ assembly, which brought together a representative and diverse group of residents to tackle complex issues facing the city, they have delivered a set of recommendations. The panel produced 17 recommendations, with a total of 82 associated actions on three topics: climate, transport and health. Fourteen recommendations have been fully agreed to and eight have been dismissed. Participants also report positive effects of being able to work together across diverse ideologies and experiences, as well as from the civic participation more broadly.

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Can 'the people' solve climate change? France decided to find out.

Shannon Osaka

November 15, 2021 |

Grist |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: France

In order to cut carbon emissions in France, President Emmanuel Macron created an assembly of 150 randomly selected citizens. The citizens "convention on climate" met and deliberated for months before releasing 149 proposals on how the government should address climate change. Although only 10 made it into law without being altered, and 36 others were included form, the final legislation was one of the most comprehensive passed in the history of the country. The recommendations also garnered conversations and inspired the creation of other assemblies.

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