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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No, the holes in your mail-in ballot are not for showing how you voted. Here’s what they’re actually for

Viral videos have spread false claims about the envelope holes, but they’re there for specific reasons.

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How Prop 50 could slice and dice Republican strongholds in OC

California Republicans say the Democratic redistricting measure unfairly targets GOP districts.
No Kings protests will take place across SoCal on Saturday. Here's what you need to know

It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
CalOptima's audit into work of ex-Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do could soon be made public

The board voted to release the audit report, but it will first notify named individuals and give them a chance to challenge its release.
LAPD wants judge to lift an order restricting use of force against the press

The police department filed an emergency order ahead of this Saturday's No Kings protest.
USC rejects Trump proposal for funding in exchange for policy changes

The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence.
Feds announce charges alleging LA-based developers misused public homelessness money

Prosecutor says the cases are 'just the beginning' in the federal government’s investigations into the use of billions of public funds for homelessness.
Mistrust in Santa Ana City Hall brews within City Council over questions about canceled state contract

City management dropped a $7M contract with the state for childcare without telling the council.
Newsom vetoes car dealers’ bill to hike fees on buyers

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have raised the fees when buying a vehicle in California and signed another to make purchase terms clear.
A Supreme Court ruling on voting rights could boost Republicans' redistricting efforts

A Supreme Court case over Louisiana's congressional map could determine the future of Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination and allow Republicans to draw 19 more House seats.

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Judge pauses shutdown layoffs at more than 30 federal agencies

In a hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said the layoffs have brought a human cost that cannot be tolerated.

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Supreme Court hears case that questions major plank of voting rights

The Supreme Court on Wednesday hears a case that could strike down the last major part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that remains standing.

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Civics & Democracy