Why Isn't The Karen Bass Versus Rick Caruso LA Mayoral Race On My Ballot?

Published Oct 11, 2022 5:00 AM

In a rush? Try our Election Quick Guide.

We know that voting can be complicated. That’s why we made this free cheat sheet that breaks down the most critical races in L.A. and tells you who the candidates are.

The race for L.A. mayor is everywhere you look — on television, on the radio, on billboards, and on Angelenos' front lawns.

But it might not be on your ballot.

If you got your ballot for the November general election and you don’t see the L.A. mayor race on it, it's probably not an error. You probably live in L.A. County, but not in the City of L.A. — and the L.A. mayor only represents the city of L.A.

There are 88 cities in L.A. County, each with their own mayor. Plus, a lot of L.A. County is unincorporated, meaning it isn't a part of any city. If you live in unincorporated L.A. County, the county, led by the Board of Supervisors, serves as your local government and takes care of your local services.

We recommend putting your address in Voter’s Edge to look up your ballot. Be sure to put your whole address, not just your ZIP code. It will tell you what should be on your ballot. If the mayoral race doesn’t appear, it’s likely you don’t live in the City of L.A. If it does appear, and you suspect there is an issue with your ballot, contact the L.A. County Elections office.

You Asked, We Answered

- How do I register to vote?
- How do I vote by mail?
- How do I vote in person?
- How do I vote if I am experiencing homelessness?
- Why isn't the L.A. mayor on my ballot?

More Voter Guides

City of Los Angeles

Mayor: Learn more about Karen Bass and Rick Caruso, and who is funding their campaigns
City Controller: Learn who is running and why it matters
Measures: Make sense of Measure LH, Measure SP, and Measure ULA
City Council: There are four districts on this ballot

L.A. County

Sheriff: Compare the two candidates for L.A. County sheriff
Water Agencies: Learn what they do and what to look for in a candidate

How to evaluate judges

Superior Court: What you need to know to make a choice
Court of Appeals: Why this in on your ballot
State Supreme Court: What your vote means

California propositions

Propositions 26 and 27: The difference between the sports betting ballot measures
Proposition 29: Why kidney dialysis is on your ballot for the third time
Proposition 30: Why Lyft is the biggest funder of this ballot measure

Head to the Voter Game Plan homepage for guides to the rest of your ballot.

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