California Elections

A person wearing a gray shirt and blue jacket sits on a chair in front of a table with ballot envelopes. They hold up a ballot with both hands to examine it closely.

Commentary

Amid threats and harassment, California election workers persist to protect our vote

In recent years, election officials have increasingly become the targets of threats and harassment. Still, these committed public servants persist to ensure that elections in California and nationwide are safe, secure and accurate.

By Tommy Gong and Tina Barton • November 6, 2024

California prison laborers and an excavator operator help construct an emergency pipeline to increase supplies of potable water in Willits in 2014. REUTERS/Noah Berger

Politics

California proposition to ban forced prison labor trails in early election results

The California Constitution permits involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, a practice that advocates liken to slavery. Prop. 6 would repeal that language and allow incarcerated people to prioritize rehabilitation.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• November 5, 2024

A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake, California, during a special election in Shasta County November 7, 2023.

Commentary

California’s representative democracy isn’t very representative of democracy

If California adopted proportional representation, its state legislature would have more political parties, resulting in more coalitions, compromise and responsive policies.

By Caledon Myers • November 5, 2024

A close-up view of a person's hands as they flip through a booklet with information on ballot propositions while they hold a pen with their right hand.

Commentary

Biggest potential impact in California’s election? Hundreds of bonds and tax measures

Three statewide ballot propositions and hundreds more local measures will test California voters' appetites for higher taxes and more debt for public works projects.

By

Dan Walters

• November 5, 2024

A close-up and angled view of the "Beach Cities Health District" sign at the medical complex in Redondo Beach. The building is visible in the right corner, and the sky above is hazy and blue.

Elections

California voters could make it easier for cities to build fire stations and fix hospitals — right away

Proposition 5 would lower the threshold for local bond measures to pass. It could immediately benefit fire, hospital and housing measures in the 2024 election.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• October 29, 2024

Attendees sit on wooden benches with drinks, food and flyers laid out on wooden tables in front of them as they listen to speakers at a brewing location with barrels of beer around the room.

Events

At a VotingMatters event, students realized they can run for their county school board

VotingMatters dived deeply into local issues in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz.

By

Dan Hu

• October 21, 2024

A person in boots, denim jeans and a tucked in button up shirt stand in the middle of a dairy farm. The persons hands are set at their hips. The dairy farm is covered by a metal roof, and cows are visible in the far end.

Elections

Outside groups are spending millions in California’s swing U.S. House races. Will it make a difference?

Campaigns in California’s hottest congressional races are being boosted by outside groups. That money is on top of fundraising by the candidates, where Democrats are besting Republicans.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• October 18, 2024

A large group of people sit in a conference room, with some standing in the back. The attendees include individuals of diverse ages and appearances. One person in the front row uses a wheelchair, and many others hold notepads or bags, appearing attentive. The room is lit with overhead lights, and the walls are a neutral beige tone. A microphone is visible near the front of the scene, indicating an event or discussion taking place.

Events

At VotingMatters events, attendees share personal stories related to ballot propositions

CalMatters election events sparked lively discussions in Los Angeles, Riverside, and online.

By

Dan Hu

• October 15, 2024

A child jumps over a cracked portion of an asphalt yard at a school. Other children playing can be seen in the background.

Commentary

California’s needy school districts back a $10 billion bond even though it favors richer schools

School officials in California communities with fewer resources and greater campus infrastructure needs are reluctantly embracing Proposition 2 on the November ballot. As written, the measure favors richer districts, but the needs are too great for district leaders to oppose it.

By Jen Byers • October 9, 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