Research for a Stronger, More Inclusive Democracy
The California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP) is a non-partisan civic engagement research and outreach initiative for the state of California and the U.S. Founded and directed by Mindy Romero, it is housed at the UC Davis Center for Regional Change.
The CCEP provides data and analysis to inform public dialogue about representative governance. We believe that inclusive civic engagement can help overcome disparities in social and economic well-being, and can improve health, education and employment outcomes for all Californians.
The CCEP has become a go-to source for electoral and civic engagement research, including the examination of nationally relevant election reforms such as automatic voter registration, online voter registration and vote centers. Legislators, public agencies, advocates, researchers, media (state and national) and community leaders use its pioneering research to track disparities and opportunities in civic participation by place and population.
The CCEP invites inquiries and feedback on its research from all interested audiences. Click here to share your thoughts.
News
New Research on California Voters
CCEP ISSUE BRIEF THREE: THE CALIFORNIA VOTER EXPERIENCE Study - A Statewide Survey of Voter Perspectives on Vote-By-Mail and Vote Centers
New Release!
In 2016, nearly 58% of ballots cast in the general election were VBM ballots–up from 27% in 2002. Encouraged by this rising usage, some counties are now planning to expand access to VBM balloting, and are making plans to switch to a new Vote Center Model. This new model provides that all registered voters in a participating county be mailed a VBM ballot while, at the same time, also replacing neighborhood polling places with Voter Centers.
The CCEP’s new statewide survey research examines California voters' use of VBM and their perceptions of the Vote Center Model. The findings identify some of the opportunities and challenges that may arise when switching to a Vote Center Model, particularly for electorally underrepresented populations. This research will help inform implementation strategies by election officials and community leaders as they work together in their planning for a new election model.
California Voter Experience Statewide Survey: Voter perspectives on vote centers - Fact Sheet
The CCEP is releasing a fact sheet on its new research findings on the perspectives of California voters.
See more CCEP research on our Publications page.