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.

Farmworkers in wide-brimmed hats bend over rows of leafy crops in a field, with vehicles and utility poles in the background.

For Central Valley farmworkers, a court order brought calm. Now it's on hold — and LA is watching

The order, issued after disruptive immigration raids in January 2025, placed new restrictions on immigration agents arresting people without warrants.

Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be released under bill going to Newsom

A slightly blurry photo of two people wearing dark blue jump suits with text on the back that reads "Inmate" as they walk down a hallway.

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

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

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

More Stories

Karen Bass Will Be The Next Mayor Of Los Angeles. How Will She Lead The City?

The Congressmember will become the first woman and second Black Angeleno to ever hold the office.
Republicans Narrowly Retake Control Of The House, Setting Up Divided Government

Focusing on the rising costs of groceries and gas, and promising new investigations of President Joe Biden's administration, Republicans won a slim majority in the House in the midterm elections.
LA’s Contentious 2022 Election Now Has Highest Number Of Votes Ever Cast For Mayor

Turnout is the highest since Richard Riordan was elected in 1993. The low mark for turnout was 2013, when just 23% of voters cast their ballots in the runoff.
Donald Trump, Who Tried To Overturn Biden's Legitimate Election, Launches 2024 Bid

Donald Trump is officially running again, trying to avenge his loss to Joe Biden, even as Trump still refuses to admit he lost. Trump's push to overturn the 2020 outcome helped spark an insurrection.
McCarthy Nominated Speaker In Internal GOP Vote But He Faces Conservative Resistance

House Republicans have nominated Kevin McCarthy to serve as Speaker of the House in the next Congress. It's the first step on McCarthy's path to presiding over the House chamber.
Republicans Are Now Just One Short Of A House Majority. Here's Where Things Stand

Tight California seats are still to be decided.
Why Does It Take Weeks To Count Votes In LA?

We track the sometimes-circuitous journey of a ballot cast in L.A. County.
Will This Be The Most Diverse California Legislature Ever?

While votes are still being counted, it appears the next Legislature will include the most women and LGBTQ members ever.
The Midterms Didn't Produce A Wave. Here's What That's Meant Historically

Historically, first midterms are cold showers for the occupant of the White House.
Control Of The House Is Still Up In The Air. Here's Where Things Stand

Democrats' long shot chance to keep control of the House may come down to tight California seats.
Here's How Close The Votes Are For Outstanding House And Senate Races

As of Friday morning, with control of Congress still undecided, 32 seats have yet to be called in the House, and four are outstanding in the Senate. California has more than a dozen uncalled races.
Asif Mahmood Concedes House Race to Young Kim

Kim, the Republican incumbent, has retained her House seat in California's 40th District, which mostly covers Orange County.

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Civics & Democracy