Democracy Is

Who Gets to Vote: Why 16 Could Be the New 18

In the season finale of Democracy Is, we dive into the growing movement to lower the voting age to 16. From the historical evolution of voting rights in the U.S. to examples from around the world, we explore the research, arguments, and political realities shaping this debate. Hear from Vote16USA’s LaJuan Allen and members of the Vote16 Culver City campaign about their work, the challenges of implementation, and why this could be the next frontier in voting rights.

Are the Kids Alright? Exploring Gen Z’s Impact on our Democracy

What happens when an entire generation grows up with the internet at their fingertips? In this episode of Democracy Is, host Alexandra Leal explores how Gen Z, the first digitally native generation, is transforming our political landscape. From voting trends and activism to social media-fueled organizing, Gen Z is reshaping what civic engagement looks like in real time. Join us as we explore the values, motivations, and impact of this powerful generation, featuring insights from experts and youth leaders, including Sara Guillermo from IGNITE National and Tiana Day from Youth Advocates for Change. We’ll also highlight how California Common Cause is empowering young people to make their voices heard through free programs and paid internships. Whether you're Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or just Gen-curious, this episode is for you.

Backing Local News in the Bay Area

Dive into the intricate web of challenges facing San Francisco's local news landscape in this episode. From the decline of traditional advertising revenue to the dominance of social media platforms, we explore the obstacles hindering the viability of local journalism.  Hear firsthand accounts from publishers, city officials, and community advocates as they discuss the bureaucratic hurdles in city advertising contracts and the struggle to maintain editorial independence.  Explore innovative solutions, such as the California Local News Fellowship and the National Trust for Local News, which offer hope for the future of independent reporting.  Join us as we unravel the complexities and seek solutions to revitalize local news in the vibrant city of San Francisco.

Democracy for All: Advancing Disability Rights in the U.S.

This episode explores the ongoing journey toward empowering voters with disabilities to participate in our democracy fully. From historical barriers to recent advancements in disability rights, we highlight the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving equal access for all. Join us for an interview with Fred Nisen from Disability Rights California, who shares insights on the fight for disability rights and equal representation. We’ll also hear about how others have navigated an often inaccessible system, and discuss how CA Common Cause is working to create a more inclusive and equitable democracy for everyone.

Can California safeguard against AI’s threat to democracy?

In this special episode of Democracy Is, we feature CCC's newest project, the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy -- CITED, for short -- that seeks solutions to the dangers that AI, disinformation, and deepfakes pose to our elections. Today, we bring you a recording from CITED’s capitol briefing earlier this year. These two panels feature speakers with unparalleled experience and expertise on the topic. Join us as we tackle AI and answer the question -- is it too late to combat the threat of AI to our democracy?