Large districts create distance between them and their representatives.
  • These citizens were somewhat aware that California districts are very large – although they were shocked to learn the exact numbers of persons per representative.
  • The vast majority did not know the name of their state representative or state senator.
  • They feel that there is too much distance between people and their representatives:
    • “I never hear from them outside of election times”
    • “You see all the junk on TV during the campaign, then they disappear”
    • “Individuals can’t be effective with their vote, so they don’t show up”