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 meeting of people sitting around tables facing a crowd of people sitting in chairs, with one person with long hair sitting in the foreground with a laptop facing away.

LA neighborhood councils: 3 things to know before attending a meeting

Want to get involved in your neighborhood? You don’t have to be a policy expert. Here’s how to find your neighborhood council, check meeting agendas and speak up at a meeting.

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

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

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.

More Stories

Need A New Vote-By-Mail Ballot? The Deadline To Request Is Today, Nov. 1

If you’re in L.A. County, drop off the application to get a replacement. If all else fails, you can still vote in person.
An OC City Council Faces Unprecedented Legal Issues. Will Anyone Care When Voters Mark Their Ballot?

Technically, city council elections are non-partisan. But are they really?
Backlash From AAPI Groups Grows Over Rep. Steel’s ‘Red-Baiting’ Campaign

Multiple groups have condemned the campaign of GOP U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel for portraying Democrat Jay Chen as a Communist sympathizer.
Prefer To Vote In Person? Starting Saturday More Than 100 Vote Centers Will Be Open

If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, you’ll have a lot more places to do so before Nov. 8.
LA City Council Has Voted To Censure De León And Cedillo. But What Does ‘Censure’ Mean, Exactly?

Former Councilmember Nury Martinez was also included in the public reprimand. Here’s what a censure does and what options could be left.
Cómo elegir entre dos candidatos demócratas

Cómo entender las luchas de poder clave entre dos candidatos demócratas.
Eleccion 2022: Descifrando La Votación Por Los Jueces

Estamos aquí para ayudar a entender quién se postula para este cargo.
Cómo votar respecto al agua

¿Ha escuchado hablar del distrito de riego? Deje que le expliquemos..
Eleccion 2022: Lo Básico Sobre La Legalización De Las Apuestas Deportivas

Todo lo que necesita saber sobre el dinero que está en juego.
Eleccion 2022: Comprender Las Medidas De Vivienda En L.A.

Lo que hay que saber antes de votar.
California Supreme Court: Who's Running In The Nov. 8 General Election And Why It Matters

Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, California’s highest court is more obscure and rarely issues polarizing opinions.
Anti-Communist Ads In OC House Race Get Pushback In Little Saigon

Congress member Michelle Steel is accusing her Democratic rival of having Communist sympathies. Jay Chen is responding with his own ads.

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Civics & Democracy