California Elections

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

A woman wearing a red pattern shirt raises her among a room with attendees at a voter information event.

Events

‘Democracy at its best’: How VotingMatters creates space for civil dialogue

CalMatters election events sparked lively discussions in San Fernando, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.

By

Dan Hu

• October 7, 2024

People sit in round-shaped tables with voting information materials in a conference room at a university.

Events

We’re hosting voter education events across the state. Here’s what young Californians told us

CalMatters’s visited high schools and colleges in Stockton, Sacramento, and Fresno, to dig into ballot propositions with students.

By

Dan Hu

• September 30, 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

A person wearing a grey hat with a black band holds a paper with the words "Prop 33" printed on it. The scene is a bar, with other patron drinking beer and sitting at tables.

Events

VotingMatters 2024 brings landlords and renters together

CalMatters’s brought its in-person voter event series to Redding, Chico, and South Lake Tahoe.

By

Dan Hu

• September 23, 2024

A voter casts a mock-ballot at a voting booth adorned with an American flag and the word "VOTE." The scene is set against a vibrant backdrop, featuring Día de los Muertos decorations and an altar with colorful papel picado, marigolds, and framed photos of loved ones. The cultural ambiance adds depth to the act of civic participation.

Commentary

Imagine if Los Angeles fully activated the voting power of its Latino majority

New polling suggests Los Angeles and California could skew even more liberal if Latino voters turned out in greater numbers, challenging the more consistent bloc of aging and homeowning voters.

By

Jim Newton

• September 19, 2024

A security guard stands by the front entrance of a luxury retail storefront in downtown San Francisco on April 15, 2024. Retail theft has plagued the area, and numerous storefronts sit vacant. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Commentary

Californians back measure to crack down on crime despite Newsom’s opposition

A poll shows most voters support for Prop. 36, a sign Gavin Newsom's governorship is approaching lame duck status.

By

Dan Walters

• September 19, 2024

Commentary

California’s Constitution doesn’t recognize marriage equality. Prop. 3 would fix that

While Proposition 3 will not necessarily change anything for LGBTQ+ Californians, it will end a decades-long struggle for marriage equality, and demonstrate the state's broader support amid a recent backlash.

By

Kate McQuarrie

• September 16, 2024

Attendees gather in chairs and couches at a bar while reading flyers with information on ballot propositions.

Events

CalMatters kicks off VotingMatters 2024 in Eureka

CalMatters launched its voter event series to provide in-person information to voters statewide.

By

Dan Hu

• September 16, 2024

Commentary

Learning what motivates first-time voters can inspire other Californians to participate

Every voter has their own reasons for casting a ballot — nonvoters do, too, they just might not realize it yet. By hearing from first-time voters about their passion, disaffected voters might find a reason to participate this fall.

By

Kate McQuarrie

• September 11, 2024