Elections

A group of inmates dressed in orange uniforms and helmets are working together outdoors, bending down to manipulate a long metal rod in a dirt area surrounded by trees. In the foreground, a person in a beige police uniform is slightly blurred, observing the scene.

Justice

No one is fighting a proposition to ban forced labor in California prisons. Why it could still fail

Supporters of a proposition to ban forced labor in California prisons believe they have a strong message centered on rehabilitation. But as Election Day nears, polls show it's a toss-up or trailing.

By Joe Garcia • October 17, 2024

Illustration of the back of a person sitting in front of a judge; to the left of the judge, there is a vignette of a person standing in a cell; to the right, there is a line of people wrapping around a medical building

Justice

California ballot measure promises ‘mass treatment’ for drug crimes. Can counties provide it?

Prop. 36 pledges to send more people convicted of drug possession to treatment instead of prison. Behavioral health directors say that's easier said than done with workforce shortages across the state.

By Cayla Mihalovich • October 16, 2024

An image of protesters holding pink and white signs that read "BANS OFF OUR BODIES" during a march in support of abortion rights. The photo is focused on the signs and the bottom of the frame is filled with people.

Elections

Abortion isn’t on the ballot in California, but state candidates can’t stop talking about it

Democrats in key legislative races say that abortion rights are under threat nationally so it’s a relevant issue. It could also be a winning issue.

By Alexei Koseff • October 15, 2024

Four people sit at a panel table in front of microphones, speaking to an audience. The background features a brick wall, and the room is a conference or meeting setting.

Elections

‘Notoriously slow:’ Lengthy investigations into California politicians leave voters in the dark

A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s campaign finance watchdog has sometimes taken years to resolve cases, sometimes after politicians have won election or left office.

By Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman • October 14, 2024

A close-up view of two people standing behind individual podiums on a stage during a debate

Elections

Garvey, Schiff clash on abortion, guns and Trump in only one-on-one debate

In their only TV face-off before Election Day, U.S. Senate contenders Steve Garvey and Adam Schiff also tussle over immigration and other issues.

By Yue Stella Yu • October 8, 2024

Dr. Shura Alexis Moreno sees a patient at Gabriel Medical Center in East Los Angeles on Sept. 14, 2021. Jessica Pons for CalMatters

Health

This California ballot measure promises money for health care. Its critics warn it could backfire

A California ballot measure would dedicate tax revenue to pay doctors more if they see low-income patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Its critics worry the plan could run afoul of the federal government.

By Kristen Hwang • October 8, 2024

Tents line the curb at a homeless encampment in the Rampart Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters

Homelessness

LA County voters face huge decision on homeless services funding

In Los Angeles County, where more than 75,000 people have nowhere to call home, voters will decide whether to tax themselves to help get people off the street.

By Marisa Kendall • October 8, 2024

A person deposits a ballot into an official ballot drop box on a city sidewalk. Another person stands nearby, holding a phone and election pamphlet, observing the process. The ballot drop box has an American flag design with "OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP BOX" clearly visible in bold text. The backdrop shows a large, historic building with cars parked on the street.

Elections

What you need to know about California’s ballot propositions

Voters will decide 10 California propositions on the November ballot, on issues including crime, health care and rent control.

By CalMatters Staff • October 7, 2024

Photo illustration of a raised fist holding up crumpled up one-hundred dollar bills, a rifle and bullets

Technology

How Meta brings in millions off political violence

Ads connected to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and Israel’s war in Gaza brought Facebook millions.

By Colin Lecher and Tomas Apodaca • October 4, 2024

Four people stand on a stage behind individual podiums, each of them holding one hand up in the air in front of an audience at a governor candidate forum. Blue, red and gray lights illuminate the stage curtains the background.

Politics

Candidates for California governor mostly agree as they face off two years before the election

Four Democrats running for governor in 2026 answer questions before the National Union of Healthcare Workers, even before California voters have their November 2024 ballots. Tony Thurmond won a non-binding straw poll.

By Alexei Koseff • September 29, 2024