California Elections

Commentary

248 years after America’s independence, is Biden vs. Trump the best we can do?

The battle between two very flawed presidential candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, symbolizes the nation's polarized and dysfunctional politics.

By Dan Walters • July 4, 2024

Elections

2024 California ballot measures: What you need to know

California voters will decide 10 propositions in November. Here’s what you need to know about them, how they got on the ballot and how direct democracy works in the state.

By CalMatters Staff • July 3, 2024

Commentary

California Legislature makes a flurry of big changes to November ballot measures

A wave of last-minute deals, mostly negotiated in secrecy, has changed the lineup of measures that will appear on California's November ballot.

By Dan Walters • July 2, 2024

Politics

Californians will decide — in 2024 — whether to ban slavery. What will the measure do?

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

By Shaanth Nanguneri • June 27, 2024

Elections

Automatic voter registration in California takes a step back

Gov. Newsom vetoes a pared-back bill to expand voter registration that wasn't the automatic sign-up that supporters originally wanted. Instead, the proposal would create a “preapproved” list for registration.

By Sameea Kamal • June 26, 2024

Commentary

California Democrats score big win as Supreme Court blocks anti-tax ballot measure

The California Supreme Court blocked a pending ballot measure that would have made it more difficult to raise taxes, adding another chapter the state's history of writing laws through the ballot.

By Dan Walters • June 20, 2024

Capitol

California business and labor make a deal on workplace violation lawsuits

Business and labor groups announce an agreement to limit a California law on class-action workplace lawsuits and avoid a battle at the ballot box in November.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 18, 2024

Elections

‘Automatic’ registration would boost California’s voter rolls. What’s the downside?

Advocates say expanding voter registration will help more Black and Latino Californians have a say at the ballot box. But other voter groups say registering to vote should still be voluntary — and they don’t see the bill as an effective way to increase voter diversity.

By Sameea Kamal • June 18, 2024

California Divide

Homeless California council member fights for others like her: Five key questions

Just before she was elected to Ventura City Council Liz Campos was evicted. Now she lives in a van and she has ideas about how to help others who have no home.

By Wendy Fry • June 14, 2024

Commentary

Rick Caruso is considering another political run. His best shot might be California’s highest office

Despite losing the Los Angeles mayoral race two years ago, billionaire businessman Rick Caruso is showing signs that he's still eyeing political office. His ambitions may even extend to California governor.

By Jim Newton • June 13, 2024