Californias Diversity Flashcards
What are the three kinds of population growth? What is the current trend across these population patterns?
Births, deaths, and migration: The vast majority of the annual increase comes from what demographers call “natural increase, the difference between births and deaths, a figure that has averaged more than 320,000 in recent years. Additionally, migration has contributed to growth, although lifetime migration has declined in California. Net migration from other states and overseas now accounts for less than 1/4 of new residents. Instead, California has maintained a stronger hold than ever on its natives, as 2/3 of Cal natives live in Cal. (crack up ch.1)
What are the implications of these trends?
These trends have made California more Californian. If they hold, by 2040 a majority of Calis middle-aged citizens will be active to the state. This suggests that it will become a more self-contained society that depends on tis present members, Californians need to govern themselves. (crack up, ch.1)
How is the electorate similar or different to the population?
Latinos became the states largest ethnic group in 2014 (39% of pop) yet have been known for low voter turnout as many are not yet citizens or are too young to vote. Even so, they are increasing in presence in public office.
White non-hispanic represent 35% of state pop but tend to have highest turnout.
Older voters are typically overrepresented in the California electorate compared to the general population.
California has a significant divide between urban and rural areas, which is mirrored in the electorate. Urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego tend to have more liberal-leaning voters, while rural areas (particularly in the northern and central parts of the state) lean more conservative.
Who are the most and least likely voters?
As has long been true, the Californians who are most likely to vote also tend to be white, affluent, college educated, and homeowners. Today, white adults make up 50% of likely voters but 38% of the California population. This is in part because White residents of California have historically had higher rates of citizenship and voter registration. Higher-income individuals tend to have more time, resources, and political engagement. Education increases political awareness and engagement, as well as the likelihood of registering to vote.
Young people in California, like elsewhere, tend to have lower turnout rates compared to older age groups. This is partly due to lower levels of political engagement, less experience with the voting process, and a sense of disillusionment or apathy towards politics. While Latinos make up a significant portion of California’s population, they are less likely to vote compared to White voters. This is due to factors such as lower rates of citizenship (many Latinos are immigrants), language barriers, and historically lower levels of political engagement. Rural residents are less likely to have easy access to polling places or voting information, and political engagement can be lower.
Define “Decline-to-state” voters
“Decline-to-State” (DTS) voters, also known as “No Party Preference” (NPP) voters, are individuals who are registered to vote but do not affiliate with any political party. Abot 20% of voters are independents. California uses a top-two primary system, which allows all registered voters, including DTS voters, to vote in the primary election for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation. DTS voters often reflect a more moderate or centrist political stance. Although DTS voters don’t participate in party-specific primaries, their votes are crucial in general elections, and they can be a key swing group, especially in closely contested races.
