California Elections

Commentary

California made primary elections boring. Voter participation reflects that

Changes to California's primary election system were meant to be an improvement but have instead made the elections boring, which in turn has reduced voter participation.

By

Dan Walters

• February 29, 2024

A courtroom at the San Diego County Superior Court in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Elections

Why does California elect local judges?

Of all the races on your ballot, the least information is often available on local judges. Here are some ways to find out more about these candidates.

By

Sameea Kamal

• February 23, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses attendees during his inauguration for a second term at the Plaza de California in Sacramento on Jan. 6, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

Gavin Newsom wants to resolve California’s long debate over mental health

California's efforts to care for the mentally ill date back to its admission as a state in 1850. The latest wrinkle is Proposition 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom's overhaul of mental health services.

By

Dan Walters

• February 20, 2024

U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-California, addresses delegates at the Democratic Party convention in Sacramento on Nov. 18, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Elections

What would Katie Porter do as California’s U.S. senator?

The Democratic U.S. representative from Orange County is trying to get into the top two in California's U.S. Senate primary. In a nearly hour-long interview with CalMatters, she talked about her philosophy and priorities.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• February 16, 2024

Protestors Natalie Conrad and Debi Davis try to engage with pedestrians during a “Vote No on Prop. 1” protest on the west steps of the Capitol on Feb. 1, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Commentary

Decades of progress are at stake. California voters must reject mental health ballot measure

California voters are deciding the fate of Proposition 1, which appears on the March primary ballot. A mental health advocate says the proposal is a taxpayer giveaway to private facilities and will gut effective programs.

By Clare Cortright • February 12, 2024

Kimberlee Booth, center, of San Luis Obispo marches with other supporters following speeches at a rally in support of Prop. 1 at the state Capitol on Jan. 31, 2024. The proposition aims to reform mental healthcare in the state. Photo by José Luis Villegas for CalMatters

Commentary

California’s mental health ballot measure is the best chance in decades to change the system

California voters are deciding the fate of Proposition 1, a mental health funding reform and bond measure, on the March primary ballot. A parent who lost a loved one after she received inadequate care says Prop. 1 can help change a failing system.

By Alison Monroe • February 12, 2024

Poll worker Regina Jasperse, left, helps Joey Knighten, right, fill out his mail-in ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake on Nov. 7, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Elections

How to make sure your ballot gets counted first in California’s primary

It’s a common complaint that it takes so long for election officials to finish counting votes. But there are ways to get your ballot to count in the first round of results.

By

Alexei Koseff

• February 12, 2024

Elections

Gavin Newsom raised millions for his mental health ballot measure. His opponents have $1,000

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March ballot measure would raise billions of dollars for mental health housing and treatment facilities, but some clinics fear it would strip them of revenue they need for services they provide today.

By

Kristen Hwang

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• January 29, 2024

Commentary

U.S. Senate debate raises key question: Will Republican Steve Garvey advance to November?

The four leading candidates for California's U.S. Senate race had their first debate Monday night. The question it raised is whether Republican Steve Garvey can finish second in the March primary to win a spot on the November ballot.

By

Dan Walters

• January 23, 2024

A voter casts their ballot at a voting site at the California Museum in downtown Sacramento on June 7, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California’s unique employee lawsuit law could be repealed if ballot measure passes

The Private Attorneys General Act is a unique California law making it easier for employees to sue their bosses. For two decades, it's been the subject of political and legal infighting but a pending ballot measure would decide its fate.

By

Dan Walters

• January 23, 2024