Is This What Direct Democracy Looks Like?

Saturday, Apr 23

“This Is What Democracy Looks Like,” a catch phrase introduced by Seattle activists in the ’90s, is a common refrain heard at government protests today. But have you ever asked yourself what does direct democracy—which describes initiatives, referenda, and recalls—look like? And can it really live up to its promise to be the “people’s process”? Register below to find out how we can put more democracy into direct democracy.

Plus: Catch an L.A. Opera string quartet performance live at the ASU California Center and read the Takeaway from this week’s event at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum that makes the case for why "good conflict journalism would look like streaming TV."

Is This What Direct Democracy Looks Like?

Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 7:00 PM PDT

A Zócalo Event in Partnership with the Berggruen Institute, the Public Policy Institute of California, and the Pepperdine School of Public Policy

Illustration by Joycelyn Cabrera. From left to right: John Matsusaka, Shirley Weber, Nathan Gardels, and Mark Baldassare

Moderated by Nathan Gardels, Editor-in-Chief, Noēma Magazine and Co-founder, Berggruen Institute

Direct democracy is supposed to be a people’s process, allowing everyday citizens to enact their own ideas for laws or constitutional amendments. But does California’s system live up to that promise?

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Public Policy Institute of California president Mark Baldassare, and Initiative & Referendum Institute president John Matsusaka, author of Let the People Rule, visit Zócalo to explore what it would take to bring more democracy into California’s direct democracy.

Zócalo invites our in-person audience to continue the conversation with our speakers and each other at a post-event reception with complimentary drinks.

Join us in-person or live online