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.

Close up a white t-shirt being worn by a person. On the t-shirt is a blue outline of the state of California with the words "Tax the billionaires" superimposed

California unions, hospitals strike deal — but billionaire tax heads to ballot

Hospitals and a healthcare union have agreed to pull rival initiatives from the ballot, but a proposed one-time 5% tax on billionaires remains headed to November voters.

Inglewood’s video billboards score a major win in court battle with stadiums

A low angle view of a person walking down a sidewalk past a vertical digital billboard. On that side of the street are apartment buildings and homes, and across from it is a movie theater and a stadium at the corner.

Judge orders Huntington Beach to adopt 'ranked-choice' voting to settle dispute over Latino votes

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Aerial view shows the ocean in the foreground with a long pier with a red-roofed building at the end. Beyond the beach you you see homes and buildings.

Local advocates respond to Supreme Court ruling on refugees: ‘How do you prepare to say goodbye?’

A person holds a sign that reads "Protect TPS" as they stand in a crowd. A large stone building is in the distance.

This new California law lets you give public officials a piece of your mind — remotely

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People gathered in a meeting chambers as a large screen projects "Corruption Has No Place in OC!" and "#DoMustGo"

More Stories

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.
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.

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Civics & Democracy