Civics & Democracy

LAist’s coverage of civic life and citizen issues in Southern California. We cover elections, examine who gets listened to and why, and provide a guide for anyone who wants to more fully participate in civic life.

A child holding a folder looks towards the camera as they stand in the distance next to two adults.

California courts will begin tracking ICE arrests at their facilities

The rule being considered comes as immigration arrests rise at state courts, discouraging victims, witnesses and others from showing up, according to lawyers and advocates.

California election officials face false choice: Count votes quickly or count them right

A group of people with multiple USPS boxes filled with ballots inspect and pull from those boxes. They sit in a warehouse.

Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132M campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race

Tom Steyer, a man with light skin tone, gray hair, wearing a dark blue suit, speaks into a handheld microphone as something in the foreground partially covers the frame on the right side.

Rivals target Steyer, Becerra in debate as California governor race tightens

Six people stand behind podiums in a tv studio with lights beaming on them and the background.

Senate votes to kickstart partisan funding process for ICE. Here's how that works

More Stories

This year’s Electoral College map may show another ‘blue shift.’ Here’s why

Differences in how quickly each state’s counties can report this year’s election results may lead to another “blue shift” or “red mirage” on the presidential electoral map.
LA County District Attorney: Who's running in the Nov. 5 election and why it matters

Incumbent George Gascón is running against criminal defense attorney Nathan Hochman to be L.A. County's District Attorney. It's a powerful and influential role that determines what crimes get prosecuted.
LA Superior Court Judges: Tips for choosing a judge in the Nov. 5 election

Evaluating judicial candidates is notoriously hard, but there are a few pieces of information you can look at to help with your decision.
California Proposition 33: Letting California cities pass stronger rent controls

Will the third time be the charm for efforts to repeal a state law restricting local forms of rent control?
California Proposition 4: Funding climate action

Proposition 4 is a $10 billion bond to pay for climate and environmental projects.
LA City Council District 10

Los Angeles City Council member Heather Hutt is fending off a challenge from Grace Yoo.
California Proposition 34: Controls spending of certain prescription drug revenues

This has been dubbed by opponents as a "revenge initiative." So far, it appears to target only one entity — the L.A.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Why? Observers says it's really all about rent control.
Charter Amendment FF: Pension equity for Los Angeles City law enforcement

The measure would allow certain peace officers — like those who work at LAX — and park rangers to transfer their pension plans to one some say will provide better benefits.
California Proposition 5: Making it easier to pass housing, infrastructure bonds

Should California let new housing and road bonds pass with 55% voter support, rather than today’s threshold of two-thirds?
Los Angeles, Orange County Water Agencies

Water in California is complicated and governing water use is arguably even more complicated. Here's what you need to know when water agencies show up on the ballot.
Measure MM: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District facilities bond

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District asks Malibu voters to approve a $395 million bond through increased property taxes.
Measure QS: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District facilities bond

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District asks Santa Monica voters to approve a $495 million bond through increased property taxes.

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Civics & Democracy