Mixed-member deliberative forums: Citizens' assemblies bringing together elected officials and citizens

Rarer than standard citizens' assemblies, mixed deliberative forums that include both randomly selected citizens and elected political representatives are having an emerging impact on our understanding of deliberative democracy and how deliberative democratic innovations can contribute to the wider deliberative system. This chapter presents a definition and a concise overview and analysis of these mixed deliberative forums with reference to the cases that have been established to date. Drawing from the literature on "democratic coupling", it explores their possible strengths and shortcomings, finding that the inclusion of politicians can enhance the diversity of opinion, add epistemic value and increase the visibility and impact of the process and its recommendations. However, it also notes, that these benefits risk being undermined by the potential for elite domination of the discussions and decisions. It concludes with a discussion of their possible future use within the wider deliberative system.