Game Changer? Calmatters’ Digital Democracy project aims to try

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by longtime journalist, and co-founder of CalMatters, David Lesher. Last year David stepped down as editor-in-chief to direct a new project at CalMatters: Digital Democracy. Using the latest technology, including AI, Digital Democracy will gather a tremendous amount of data from California’s state government: “every word uttered in public hearings, every dollar given to a politician, every bill introduced, every vote taken and more.”

After more than a year of development, Digital Democracy launched this month. David tells us how the system works, how it can be used by journalists, and ultimately by anyone interested in public policy, and how he hopes it will change the legislative process.

Plus, Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.

Scroll down  to sign up for a live demonstration and see what’s possible with Digital Democracy.

1:14 What is Digital Democracy?

3:56 “Phenoms”

5:46 The three pieces

7:17 Where can people find it?

7:26 The AI component

10:25 The fingerprint analogy

11:40 The scale of the project and the infrastructure

13:38 How will it work for reporters?

17:33 The challenge of tracking donations

19:25 Reaction from lawmakers

20:51 The three goals for Digital Democracy

22:52 “The Nastyness Scale”

27:26 The State of the State speech

30:06 #WWCA

Join CalMatters for a live demonstration and see what’s possible with Digital Democracy.

When:  Wednesday, May 1st from 5:00 to 7:00.  Demonstration begins at 5:30. 

Where:  CalMatters Studio, 1303 J Street, Suite 200, Sacramento

“This reception will feature a demonstration from the journalists and computer scientists who have spent much of the past year building Digital Democracy. And as we continue to develop this tool, we look forward to your thoughts and questions. So please join us for this introduction of Digital Democracy and an opportunity to visit the CalMatters newsroom and meet our reporters, editors and leaders.”

Beverages and appetizers will be served.

Registration is required.