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 close up of white U.S. Postal Service mail containers. The top container is full of green and white mail-in ballots as a worker's hand reaches in while wearing a blue glove.

Californians love mail-in voting. That may have to change come November

Voters could see a significant difference in how ballots are handled and counted by the next election.

This lawmaker’s proposal could make California ‘the most secretive state in the country’

Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a woman with medium skin tone, wearing a violet suit, holds a packet of papers.

LA City Council places non-citizen voting proposal, police reform on November ballot

A row of American flags hang from a gray building against a sunny sky. A tall gray building is visible beyond in an angle looking up.

Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

Listen 3:43

Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

Listen 3:45

More Stories

As ICE raids continue, volunteers say grocery deliveries are still critically needed

With fear keeping some immigrant families inside, a program to bring groceries directly to their doors is seeking to expand.
Extremist rhetoric is often found in government messaging. Who's the target?

In a rare move, the White House recently took down a racist post from one of President Trump's social media accounts. Extremism researchers say it fits a pattern.

Listen 5:07
At Santa Ana Immigration Court, church members keep a watch on changing deportation policy

This court observer program started last summer when the Trump administration’s deportation campaign ramped up in Southern California.

Listen 29:31
The Justice Department is not acting like it used to, criminal defense lawyers note

Criminal defense lawyers are tracking when the Justice Department appears to rely on irregular charging practices.
Top DHS spokesperson who became a face of Trump immigration policy is leaving

Tricia McLaughlin has become the public face defending the Trump administration's mass deportation policy and immigration tactics over the past year.
Little-used ICE agreements with local police have exploded under Trump

Partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement agencies has expanded widely under the second Trump administration, data analyzed by NPR shows.

Listen 3:41
LA revives zoning law that could ban some private detention centers from contracting with ICE

The changes would prevent private facilities for unaccompanied children from contracting with federal immigration agencies.
Your quick guide to the LA mayor's race

Forty people are running for mayor, including incumbent Karen Bass.
New CA bill seeks to stop local police from helping ICE racially profile or detain observers

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez said her bill would crack down on collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agents clamping down on free speech.

Listen 0:46
DHS says immigration agents appear to have lied about shooting in Minnesota

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg during the incident. Another Venezuelan man was also accused of attacking an immigration officer.
‘It’s time’: California leaders unveil biggest crackdown on drunk drivers in decades

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers has introduced 10 bills, an unprecedented package designed to stop deadly drivers.
House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters

House Republicans rushed to approve legislation on Wednesday that would impose new proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the midterm elections.

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Civics & Democracy