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Reformers Debate Rewriting Calif. Constitution

Following the bruising effort to fix California's budget deficit, political reformers are debating a novel idea to end the state's political gridlock.

Following the bruising effort to fix California's budget deficit, political reformers are debating a novel idea to end the state's political gridlock.

They want to rewrite the state Constitution to fundamentally change how California governs itself.

The Constitutional Convention Summit convened Tuesday in Sacramento, bringing together office holders and government experts to hash out ideas about how to do it. The gathering was organized by the Bay Area Council, a business group.

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Among the suggestions brought by participants: scrap term limits for legislators, redraw political districts to make them smaller, allow voters to register on Election Day or when they renew their driver's license and combine the two houses of the state Legislature.

California voters first would need to approve an initiative allowing a constitutional convention, then decide who gets to participate.
 

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.