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.

At an intersection in a residential neighborhood, a colorful sign reads "Oak View" and there is a pink, white, yellow, blue, and green pattern painted on the asphalt across the intersection.

Trial starts over whether Huntington Beach undermines the power of Latino voters

Huntington Beach is one of a handful of cities that has chosen to fight in court against efforts to force it to adopt geographic districts for city council elections.

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A major census test faces cutbacks — with postal workers tapped to help count

Newsom blasts Trump's immigration crackdown; touts California’s drug enforcement efforts

Closeup of a man with greying hair wearing a dark suit standing against a black background

LA Mayor outlines the city’s road to hosting the World Cup, Olympics in annual State of the City

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on a stage in front of a banner that reads "Games for All."

Why California is years late on mandated disaster reports — and why it matters for the next big fire

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More Stories

Live Results: What We Know So Far In The California State Assembly Races

Here are the final primary for California State Assembly races in Southern California.
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: Orange County's Top Race Results

Follow latest results in the races on the Orange County ballot. Huntington Beach also passes flag measure.
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.
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 Senator Races

Watch this space for live results once the polls close.
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.
An election ratings guide for LA's judges can’t shake bias allegations. How do you decide your vote?

Multiple judicial candidates shared that the L.A. County Bar Association rating’s process left them with different fairness concerns.
Would Prop. 1 Divert Money From LA County’s Unarmed Crisis Response Efforts?

Some at the county level are concerned that, if passed, Prop 1’s focus on housing could mean less money for mental health crisis teams.

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Civics & Democracy