With just a week until Election Day and only 8% of ballots returned so far, millions of California voters are still making up their minds about the election. But here at CalMatters, we listen, we don’t judge — so we have a last-minute voter guide to catch you up on what you need to know, such as:
Who’s ahead in the polls?
The latest Democratic Party poll shows Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra leading with 22% and 21% respectively, and Tom Steyer in third at 15%.
What’s an open primary and why do we have it?
California’s open primary allows the two candidates who receive the most votes to move on to the general election in November, no matter what party they belong to. The state adopted this system after voters approved Proposition 14 in 2010, which allows voters to pick any candidate in a primary, regardless of their own party affiliation.
This system allows two candidates from the same political party to potentially advance, which is a real possibility this year because of the sheer number of candidates running for governor and the fact that there’s no clear frontrunner.
Is it too late to vote by mail?
Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by election offices within seven days. To make sure your ballot is counted, it’s best to mail your ballot at least five days before June 2, or Thursday.
How can I vote on Election Day?
Besides mailing it in, you can submit your ballot at a drop-off location or vote in-person at the polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your nearest polling place here and your closest ballot drop-off location here.
Check out our last-minute voter guide here. And for more comprehensive info, read CalMatters’ full voter guide, which has the lowdown on other statewide offices, state legislative races and congressional elections, as well as a governor Q&A with the leading candidates.
We’re bringing our voter guide to life through VotingMatters events across California this month, in collaboration with on-the-ground partners: Local news organizations, colleges and nonprofits. Our next event is this evening in Merced and Fresno and Wednesday in Modesto. Plus, we have a DIY kit to host your own event.
Other Stories You Should Know
Worst threat at Garden Grove chemical tank is over, officials say
The most catastrophic threat from a chemical emergency that forced 50,000 Orange County residents from their homes has passed, fire officials said Monday — but risks and questions remain.
- Craig Covey, Orange County Fire Authority division chief, in a statement: “The tank has released its pressure. Additionally to that, the temperature has been stabilized and actually reducing. … That is incredibly positive news as we turn the corner on this incident.”
Crews continue to monitor a cracked and damaged 34,000-gallon tank at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, after the company first reported a vapor release last week. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County, and President Donald Trump signed a federal emergency declaration after Newsom requested federal assistance.
Meanwhile, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer opened a criminal investigation, deployed drones to survey the site and ordered GKN Aerospace to preserve its records against potential litigation. At least one couple who was evacuated is suing the company for negligence.
CA courts are putting AI to work. Any objection?
Two of California’s largest courts are experimenting with a new artificial intelligence tool and considering whether it can be used in high-stakes criminal cases.
So far, superior courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are primarily using the tool made by the company Learned Hand for civil cases. It can help research attorneys draft orders and write research memos.
- Samantha Jessner, L.A. County superior court judge: “I think we have a duty and obligation to explore whether or not there is a place for artificial intelligence in what we do as a judicial branch and that’s exactly what this pilot is intended to afford us the opportunity to do.”
But CalMatters’ Cayla Mihalovich and Khari Johnson report today that use of AI in courts has been controversial because of the propensity of AI models to cite falsehoods and to produce sycophantic text. They also learned that L.A. judges floated using the tool to evaluate appeals from people who believe their conviction or sentence was tainted by racial bias.
Officials from L.A. County Superior Court said those decisions are months or years away, and will only be made after thorough testing.
California Voices
The use of “forever chemicals” in California agriculture is growing, and state lawmakers must pass a bill that would phase out the use of these substances, writes Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity.
With state agencies operating in silos, California lacks a coordinated system that can help families before they lose housing, writes Tangela Babbitt, a former county services specialist at Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance.
Other things worth your time:
Khanna says Dems should run against Supreme Court after voting rights ruling // San Francisco Chronicle
He name-drops Ocasio-Cortez in his bid to succeed Pelosi in Congress. She doesn’t talk about him at all // The New York Times
After purge of judges forced SF immigration court to shut, asylum cases in chaos // Los Angeles Times
Equity advocates to ask CA court to suspend billions in school construction funding // EdSource
Four ways Silicon Valley billionaires are influencing the election // The San Francisco Standard
Rising diesel prices pinching profits for CA farmers, spiking costs for consumers // The Fresno Bee
LA is safer than it’s been in decades, but crime is an issue dominating the mayor’s race // Los Angeles Times
