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

Mission Viejo City Councilmembers Must Step Down, Appeals Court Rules

The three city councilmembers who illegally overstayed their terms and must step down immediately are all on the November ballot.
Reader Question: How Many Ballots Are Left To Be Counted?

The vote count, explained. Our Voter Game Plan team answers questions from readers like you.
At Election Night Parties, City Council Candidates And Their Supporters Wait On Future Of District 13

Challenger Hugo Soto-Martinez is a labor organizer who says the council is too slow to act. Incumbent Mitch O'Farrell says the council is plenty active.
Gavin Newsom Sails To Victory For Another Term As California's Governor

With a resounding lead in early voting, Newsom was declared the winner just moments after the polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
6 Takeaways From The 2022 Midterm Election That's Not Over Yet

These midterm elections show why it's always important to never assume you know exactly what's going to happen in advance — and to keep an open mind for potential surprises.
Democrat John Fetterman Beats Trump-backed Dr. Oz In Pennsylvania Senate Race

The seat, which flips from Republican to Democrat, was vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey.
Those (Sometimes Provocative) Candidate Statements In Your Voter Pamphlet Are Super Expensive

Turns out paper isn’t cheap.
LAUSD Election Results: District 2 And 6 Candidates Declare Victory, But Votes Are Still Being Counted

Rocío Rivas and Kelly Gonez both say they've won their very tight races.
LACCD Measure LA Results: What We Know So Far About The Community College Bond

Watch this space for live results.
LA County Measure A Results: What We Know So Far About The Measure To Remove The Sheriff for Just Cause

Watch this space for live results.
Prop 29 Results: Push For Dialysis Clinic Requirements Is Defeated Again

This was the third time California voters said no to this effort.
Los Angeles City Council Results: All Four Races Are Now Decided

Yaroslavsky, Park, Soto-Martinez, and McOsker all are heading to City Hall.

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Civics & Democracy