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 small drone is set on a table in the foreground in front of a row of nameplates and people talking amongst themselves out of focus in the background.

Drones will be used to crack down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July

Police departments around SoCal are starting to embrace new technologies this Fourth of July that cracks down on illegal firework use.

Half-cent sales tax to fund LA city fire department heads to the Nov ballot

A red fire engine is parked in a street intersection. A firehouse attached to the engine is connected to a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. A firefighter stands beside the hydrant on the sidewalk.

California leaders yet to reach deal to keep billionaire tax off the ballot. Time is running out

People inside a large theater stand, cheering, while holding signs that read, "Billionaire Tax Niw."

In symbolic vote, Congress directs Trump to remove forces from Iran war

California may force the release of 911 calls at immigration detention centers

People walk outside a building signage that reads "GEO. Adelanto ICE Processing Center." A gated fence is out of focus in the foreground.

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Former OC Supervisor Do pleads guilty to felony bribery

As part of the deal, his daughter Rhiannon Do, will be on probation for three years.
Republican strategist on the rise of the third generation Latino voter and their impact on the U.S. presidential election

Mike Madrid says Democrats and Republicans have failed to unlock the Latino vote, which increasingly is U.S. born and growing rapidly.
These cities could see big changes in rent control if Prop. 33 passes

As voters weigh whether to allow local governments to expand rent control, elected officials in San Francisco and Los Angeles have already shown interest in doing so.
¿Qué es un bono? ¿Por qué siempre me piden que vote por uno?

Decenas de distritos escolares en los condados de Los Ángeles y Orange están pidiendo a los votantes que aprueben $17 mil millones en fondos para mantener y reemplazar las instalaciones escolares.
The Huntington Beach City Clerk's race is hot — because of voter ID

The seat has often gone uncontested, but not this year.
Look it up: Check candidates and elected officials for campaign law violations

Use our tool to search through investigations opened by the state’s campaign law watchdog. The data updates weekly.
Former OC Supervisor Andrew Do makes first court appearance

Do entered a not guilty plea, which he is expected to change on Thursday.
These are the 2 paths either Trump or Harris has to follow to become president

With seven states up for grabs, here are the likely scenarios that would put either candidate in the White House.

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These swing-state counties are key to understanding the presidential race

These counties will help tell the story of how either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris will become the next president.
The LAist guide to LA and OC's many voting guides

As the Nov. 5 election draws closer, many of us have yet to vote and are looking for some help. We hope you start with our Voter Game Plan. Since we don't do endorsements, we've also put together a list of other popular voting guides across the political spectrum.
O.C.’s Vietnamese community reacts to former Supervisor Andrew Do's resignation and plan to plead guilty to conspiracy

Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was one of the state’s highest elected Vietnamese American politicians. He resigned on Tuesday.
How Do I Register To Vote In California?

The deadline to register to vote in California for the Nov. 5 general election is Oct. 21.

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Civics & Democracy