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.

Two men stand outside, one holds a decree.

LA man's case highlights gaps in care and oversight at DHS detention centers

Federal officers shot Ricardo Parias eight months ago during an ICE operation to detain him. His lawyer says he is still in pain, highlighting gaps in DHS oversight and care.

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

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.

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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Trump official signals potential rollback of changes to census racial categories

A White House agency official confirms Trump officials are reviewing changes to racial and ethnic categories approved by the Biden administration for the 2030 census.
Supreme Court agrees to hear arguments in Trump's birthright citizenship challenge

The Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether to uphold the longstanding principle that grants citizenship to the children of non-citizens born in the U.S.
‘We may be deporting the wrong people’: New poll shows doubts about immigration crackdown

A new poll adds to a slate of recent surveys suggesting Californians’ support is waning for Trump’s harshest immigration enforcement policies.
Gavin Newsom walks a fine line on tech’s Trump ties: 'It’s very situational'

Governor says law firms, universities and CEOs are 'selling out' to Trump. With tech, he says he understands.
Supreme Court lets Texas use gerrymandered map that could give GOP 5 more House seats

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a Texas congressional map that may help the GOP win five more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms.

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What you should know about the Trump administration's push to get California voters' private data

Judge hears first case in the federal government’s nationwide effort to get states’ voter data.

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Half of California voters turned out for Prop 50. Here's how SoCal voted

Statewide turnout was 50%. It was lower in L.A. County and higher in Orange County.

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Trump administration halts immigration applications for migrants from 19 nations

The Trump administration is pausing all immigration applications such as requests for green cards for people from 19 countries banned from travel earlier this year.
LAPD can continue to use military weapons, foam bullets and tear gas after City Council vote

Police chief says the weapons are needed for de-escalation, but the LAPD has come under scrutiny for its use of force during this summer’s protests.
LA City Charter Reform Commission wants your input

The commission is looking at a wide range of changes to the city's constitution, including increasing the size of the City Council.
Huntington Beach loses legal challenge of California’s sanctuary law

It marks the second time that the conservative Orange County city has tried, and failed, to challenge the legality of SB 54.

Listen 0:46
Abortion opponents coming before the Supreme Court on Tuesday

A faith-based center will challenge an investigation into whether it misled people to discourage abortions.

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Civics & Democracy