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 woman wearing a red blazer and blue and white blouse stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone. A group of people stand behind her.

California bill would let abuse victims use trauma as legal defense for violent crime

For the fourth year in a row, California lawmakers are weighing whether to give violent criminals the legal right to cite abuse in their defense.

More people are showing up to hospitals in ICE custody. A new report teaches staff how to respond

Feds move to drop case against LA labor leader David Huerta

David Huerta, a man with medium skin tone with a gray beard, speaks into a microphone. There are people behind him out of focus holding up signs, with one that reads "Unions for all."

Will becoming a charter city solve Orange's financial struggles? Voters will decide this fall

A man wearing black pants and a blue long sleeve walks across a plaza with a large water fountain at its center.

Nearly 150,000 mail ballots rejected in California’s primary despite efforts to count every vote

A man pushes a cart with several green baskets containing stacks of ballots. On both sides of him are tall carts with white baskets and people are pictured in the background seated at long tables.

More Stories

Live Results: What We Know So Far In The LA County Supervisors Race

Follow the latest results for Los Angeles County's districts 2, 4 and 5.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The US House Of Representatives Race

Here are the final results for U.S. House of Representatives races in Southern California.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The LA Superior Court Judges Race

See the final results for L.A. County Superior Court judges.
Final 2024 Primary Results: In Crowded Race For LA DA, Incumbent Gascón And Challenger Hochman Head To Runoff

Former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman will face the incumbent D.A. in November.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The Pasadena Races

See the final results in the races on the Pasadena ballot, including the mayor and city council races and the Pasadena City College Trustees.
Final 2024 Primary Results: LAUSD School Board Will See Runoffs In 3 Of 4 Races

Four of the seven LAUSD board districts were on the March primary ballot. L.A. Unified is the nation's second largest school district.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The US Senator Races

Watch this space for live results once the polls close.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The Measure HLA Vote

Follow the latest results for L.A.'s Measure HLA.
Live Results: What We Know So Far In The California State Senate Race

Here are the final primary results for California State Senate in Southern California.
What we know so far about LA and OC voter turnout in the 2024 primary election

A look at how many showed up to vote in the March 5 primary, either in person or by mail, and how it compares to previous elections.
Voting Rights: California Lawmakers May Translate More Ballots, Help More Non-English-Speakers To Vote

Advocates say California’s immigrant citizens who need it should get ballots and voting help in their own language.
Why California Election Workers Are Returning After COVID And Conspiracy Theories

They had to get through the pandemic, election denial and suspicious envelopes. While some left, counties now say they’re having better luck recruiting poll workers.

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Civics & Democracy