How DD&SA Works
DD&SA is a simple, repeatable democratic process built around three stages: residents choose the issues, a randomly selected assembly deliberates, and the public votes on the outcomes. It is designed to be transparent, fair, and structurally honest — a democratic system where residents, not parties, shape decisions.
1. Residents choose the issues
DD&SA begins with the public. Residents propose issues online or in person, and the most urgent or widely supported topics are selected for assemblies. This ensures that the agenda reflects real community priorities, not party manifestos or political strategy.
- Anyone can propose an issue.
- Residents vote on which issues matter most.
- Topics with broad support move forward to an assembly.
Why this matters
In the current system, parties decide which issues are “allowed” onto the agenda. DD&SA reverses this: the public decides what gets discussed.
2. A sortition assembly deliberates
Once an issue is selected, a group of residents is chosen by sortition — a random selection method similar to jury service, but with demographic balancing to ensure fairness. This assembly receives time, evidence, and expert input to understand the issue in depth.
- Residents are selected randomly, with safeguards for diversity.
- Assemblies hear from experts, stakeholders, and affected groups.
- Members deliberate, question, and evaluate evidence.
Why sortition?
Sortition removes party loyalty, career incentives, and ideological pressure. It creates a space where residents can think honestly, without fear of political consequences.
3. The public votes on the outcomes
After deliberation, the assembly publishes clear recommendations. These are then put to a public vote, giving every resident a direct say in the final decision. This ensures that assemblies inform decisions, but do not replace the public’s authority.
- Assemblies publish transparent reports.
- Residents vote on the proposed options.
- Results are binding within the DD&SA process.
Why this works
Assemblies provide depth. Public votes provide legitimacy. Together, they create a democratic process that is both informed and accountable.
Transparency at every stage
DD&SA is built on the assumption that residents deserve to see how decisions are made. Every stage is documented:
- Issue proposals
- Assembly selection
- Evidence packs
- Expert submissions
- Deliberation summaries
- Final recommendations
- Public vote results
This transparency is essential for trust — and trust is essential for legitimacy.
Scaling the model
DD&SA is designed to scale from local pilots to a national resident‑led democratic network. As more assemblies run and publish decisions, the system grows in legitimacy and capability.
To explore the next stage, visit: The DD&SA Blueprint →