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 storefront of a restaurant with pink-painted door and exterior covered in variations of pink flowers. A sign hangs inside the window that reads in Spanish "All with Minnesota! ICE out!"

LA businesses are closing to protest ICE — even though it’s a financial hit

It’s not easy to lose a day of revenue, but these businesses are joining L.A.’s “ICE Out” day of action on Friday.

DOJ releases tranche of Epstein files, says it has met its legal obligations

Feds arrest Don Lemon in LA and 3 others over Minnesota church protest

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California state employees alarmed by demand to prove their citizenship or work eligibility

Signage outside a building reads "1501 Capitol Avenue. Department of Health care services. Department of Public Health."

Huntington Beach's controversial voter ID law is illegal

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A man with a white hat, gray shirt, and red shorts drops a white envelope into a yellow and white metal box with large black letters that say "Official Ballot Drop Box."

More Stories

Trump promised the 'largest deportation' in US history. Here's how he might start

Andrew Selee of the Migration Policy Institute tells NPR that President-elect Donald Trump could begin his focus on newer arrivals and other immigrants on shaky legal grounds.
‘A pivotal moment?’ Why many Latino voters in California chose Trump

In part due to economic and border security concerns, Latinos in California appear to have moved toward Donald Trump. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re abandoning the Democratic Party.
Meet the (likely) new LA City Council members

A look at who they are and what’s next for L.A.’s city government.
Residents like you — not politicians — will now control redistricting in LA

Here’s how it will work, and how you can get involved.
LA releases sanctuary city ordinance ahead of second Trump term

President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations in his second term.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, especially on China and Mexico, could hit California hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.
Democrat Levin holds onto San Diego and Orange County-area House seat

Republicans had hoped to flip the seat after Levin turned it Democratic in 2018. The seat covers coastal north San Diego County and parts of southern Orange County.
Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer

Google spent $10.7 million on lobbying the Legislature and governor between July 1 and Sept. 30, far more than ever before.
Santa Ana rejects ballot measure that would have allowed non-US citizens to vote

Santa Ana would have been the first city in California to allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in city council and mayoral races.
Democrats nab 2 wins in tight SoCal races that could decide if the House goes red or blue

With Republicans just two seats away from snagging control of the House, three historically tight SoCal races were in play. Now all eyes are on the tightening Michelle Steel vs. Derek Tran race.
Whitesides takes back California's 27th Congressional District for Democrats in pivotal race

The race was one of the most closely watched in the country.
California beat Trump in court his first term. It’s preparing new cases for his second

California sued the Trump administration more than 100 times in his first term and secured some major victories on the environment, immigration and health care.

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Civics & Democracy