Priority Population(s):
- Academics,
- Activists,
- Adults (19+)
Executive Summary:
As statehouse reporting has declined, oversight of government has weakened, driving trust in the system downward. Voters receive little independent information about their elected officials between elections and have few opportunities to engage with them, while lobbyists remain constant voices in the room. Digital Democracy closes that gap. Built by CalMatters, the platform gives the public and journalists direct access to comprehensive legislative data in one free, easy-to-use site: every vote cast, every dollar donated, every word spoken. Custom AI tools analyze the data to surface patterns and generate story leads, giving reporters a head start and strengthening accountability. Proven in California and successfully adapted in Hawaii, Digital Democracy is ready to expand to additional states and levels of government, and further improve usability and public access. By bringing transparency to government, Digital Democracy strengthens accountability, empowers informed civic participation, and helps rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.
