California voting season began on Oct. 5, when Californians began receiving their ballots in the mail. With 14 statewide propositions to consider this election cycle, that’s a lot of research to complete before making knowledgeable decisions by Nov. 3, when polls close.
To assist voters with this arduous task, the Rose Institute of State and Local Government offers the Video Voter Guide, a cogent, nonpartisan analysis of each proposition. Eleven Rose Institute students took part in the project this year, researching and producing the videos, which address topics such as taxes, housing, and voter IDs.
“We want to promote public understanding of California’s often complex statewide ballot measures and help citizens make informed choices,” said Professor Ken Miller, Director of the Rose Institute. In addition, he noted, “The project develops our students’ ability to analyze public policy issues and explain them in an objective, accessible way. They are gaining skills in real-world policy analysis and public communication.”
Since 2012, the Rose Institute has produced the series each election cycle, evolving with the times and technology. Throughout the various iterations, according to Miller, the intention remains the same: to offer voters “easy-to-understand, reliable information on the statewide propositions” that helps them “navigate a weighty ballot pamphlet or the messaging in partisan campaign ads.”
For the past few years, Rose alumni have returned to assist with the video series. For this cycle, Wesley Whitaker ’18 and Rose Board of Governors Member Deborah Gonzalez ’85 P’14 helped review the student research, while Jessica Jin ’16 designed the video graphics.
For Whitaker, who currently works as a Senior Consultant for the California Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, “providing feedback this year was an incredibly rewarding full-circle moment.”
As a student, Whitaker researched and presented on two ballot measures ahead of the 2016 election. “Much of my professional success traces back to my time at the Rose,” he said.
Series team lead, Toby Forster ’29, noted that he enjoyed working on the series, finding that “the video format is especially helpful for younger voters. I hope that Californians continue to find our videos informative, helpful, and clear.”
For voters seeking more detailed information, the student researchers have prepared longer-form written “backgrounder” analyses of each proposition, which are available, along with the videos, on the Rose Institute’s website. The videos can also be viewed on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.