In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline are joined by Richard von Glahn, a longtime ballot initiative strategist with Missouri Jobs with Justice. Together, they explore what happens after the win—when implementation battles begin and the work of organizing deepens. From California’s Proposition 50 and Maine’s defense of voting access, to Colorado’s tax reforms for school meals, they trace 2025 ballot trends that shape the road to 2026.
Richard shares stories from Missouri’s fight to uphold Proposition A, lessons from campaigns won and lost, and how movement-building becomes the foundation for long-term power. This episode highlights why organizing doesn’t end at the ballot box—and how every campaign is a step toward collective agency.
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[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:13] Discussion of California's Proposition 50 and its implications on gerrymandering.
[00:02:24] Introduction of Richard von Glahn and the significance of Maine's ballot measures.
[00:04:35] Overview of Colorado's Measures LL and MM and their impact.
[00:06:03] Richard’s advocacy background and ballot initiative involvement.
[00:10:34] Missouri’s coalition building and strategy after winning ballot measures.
[00:14:24] Implementation challenges of Proposition A in Missouri.
[00:20:31] Power building lessons from union and worker organizing.
[00:23:33] Lessons from failed campaigns and the importance of movement building.
[00:27:31] Powerful stories that shaped campaign narratives.
[00:31:04] Gerrymandering and initiative process threats in Missouri.
[00:33:09] BISC's role in ballot measure strategy and campaign support.
[00:36:20] Importance of early campaign funding for power building.
[00:38:47] Lessons from organizing against authoritarian structures.
[00:41:33] Advice for new and seasoned advocates in ballot measure work.
[00:46:24] Ballot measures as love letters to communities.
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If you’re interested in the work that Richard and Missouri Jobs with Justice are doing, you can learn more at:
To learn about the effort to stop gerrymandering in Missouri, check out https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/
To learn more about ‘Building Power Beyond the Ballot Box’, go to:
https://ballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Building-Power-Report.pdf
BISC Official Website:
BISC on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy
BISC on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/
BISC on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter
Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields
Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn:
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