Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Voter Turnout In LA And OC Might Be Higher Than Usual
Larry Castruita takes a celebratory selfie at the vote center inside Metro headquarters near Union Station. Chava Sanchez / LAist
()
Over a million people turned out to vote in Los Angeles County. At least half million voted in Orange County. But there’s still a whole lot of counting to left do in the 2020 primary.
As of Thursday afternoon, votes tallied are good for 23% turnout in L.A. and 31% turnout in Orange County.
But — and this is important — those numbers will rise as more ballots are counted. Some observers are optimistic. Mindy Romero of USC’s California Civic Engagement Project told me:
“I think it’s going to be a very good year for turnout. The question is just how close we get to 2008.”
Support for LAist comes from
Romero said to keep in mind that some ballots are in the mail right now. Election officials still haven't counted every vote.
Romero says we could see above-average turnout, even if we don’t hit 2008 numbers.
She added that the issues with long lines at L.A.’s new vote centers need to be worked out before November, when turnout will be much higher.
Powerful reflection about people who braved long lines at LA vote centers from @MindySRomero: "That's a testament to our democracy. But voters shouldn't have to be put to that test." pic.twitter.com/fzXjs7uHgP
— Aaron Mendelson (@a_mendelson) March 5, 2020
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist