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

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

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Federal government has no right to California voters' sensitive data, judge rules

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made the ruling Thursday in a case with national significance.

Listen 26:32
As requests for birth certificates shoot up 36%, OC's Clerk-Recorder has gone mobile

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is bringing his office to you — with a new van on wheels.
Should SoCalGas be allowed to close all of its branches? You can help decide

A small portion of the utility’s customers still rely on the in-person service, but the utility says there are several alternatives.
Newsom plans no new journalism funding despite $175 million funding deal with Google

Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his budget proposal last week.
US to suspend immigrant visas from 75 countries over public assistance concerns

The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance.
Federal judges uphold California’s new congressional maps favoring Democrats

The ruling denies a request by California Republicans and the Trump administration for a preliminary injunction blocking the maps created by Proposition 50.
Huntington Beach's Michael Gates launches a campaign for Attorney General

Huntington Beach’s controversial former city attorney is running for state attorney general.
Hotel workers want tax on companies with 'overpaid' CEOs

Unite Here Local 11 has launched signature gathering for "Overpaid CEO Tax" ballot proposition, adding tax on companies where executives make 50 times the media worker wage.
Debate over Irvine veterans cemetery hits same frustrating roadblock

The City Council voted to table the conversation after debate over how to even find a location.

Listen 0:43
LA city has a ‘silly’ law that makes playing sports illegal. Lawmakers want to repeal it

Want to play catch on the sidewalk or in a park? You’d technically risk jail time under this over 80-year-old law.
As Iran's protests continue, Israelis and Palestinians watch closely

There is broad support for the protests among Israeli officials, but Palestinians say they hope the Iranian regime stays in place and the protests die down soon.
Eastside communities, officials condemn ICE detentions on first day back to school

Advocates say multiple people were detained in Council District 14, prompting a response from city leaders and school officials, as LAUSD resumes classes after winter recess.

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Civics & Democracy