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 Latina speaks at microphones during a press conference, with others standing behind her and a sign reading 'Shut Down Adelanto' nearby.

A federal judge ordered fixes at Adelanto. Now a congresswoman wants the state to step in

Rep. Norma Torres of Pomona is calling on California to intervene to protect people detained at the facility where federal officials are under orders to improve conditions.

Replay: Watch LA mayoral candidates talk environmental strategy

Two women in suit jackets hold mics and gesture as the address an audience.

The Trump administration still aims to make state citizenship lists ahead of midterms

What to know about the mail-in voting fight at the Supreme Court

California kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows

A person wearing sunglasses and a hat holds signage depicting, and text written on it reading, a Flock Camera with an eyeball.

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Dear LAist: Why do some elections have more votes than others?

We look at what undervoting means and how it can affect elections.
Democrat Derek Tran pulls ahead of GOP's Michelle Steel by 36 votes in the 45th House District

The change in leading candidate came after days of GOP Rep. Steel's lead declining. It's one of the last Congressional races not yet called.
After LAist investigation, high-profile nonprofit refunds Orange County $275K in taxpayer funds for work never completed

The contracted work on mental health equity was supposed to be performed by the longtime partner — now wife — of a top aide to disgraced former county Supervisor Andrew Do. County officials cited LAist reporting in their demand for the money to be returned.
Huntington Beach scores early legal victory in its voter ID battle

Huntington Beach says it will not be intimidated by Sacramento.
Trump promised the 'largest deportation' in US history. Here's how he might start

Andrew Selee of the Migration Policy Institute tells NPR that President-elect Donald Trump could begin his focus on newer arrivals and other immigrants on shaky legal grounds.
‘A pivotal moment?’ Why many Latino voters in California chose Trump

In part due to economic and border security concerns, Latinos in California appear to have moved toward Donald Trump. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re abandoning the Democratic Party.
Meet the (likely) new LA City Council members

A look at who they are and what’s next for L.A.’s city government.
Residents like you — not politicians — will now control redistricting in LA

Here’s how it will work, and how you can get involved.
LA releases sanctuary city ordinance ahead of second Trump term

President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations in his second term.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, especially on China and Mexico, could hit California hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.
Democrat Levin holds onto San Diego and Orange County-area House seat

Republicans had hoped to flip the seat after Levin turned it Democratic in 2018. The seat covers coastal north San Diego County and parts of southern Orange County.
Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer

Google spent $10.7 million on lobbying the Legislature and governor between July 1 and Sept. 30, far more than ever before.

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Civics & Democracy