Election 2020

Reader Reactions

Alternative proposal to Electoral College could make matters worse

If California awarded electoral votes on a proportional basis but other states did not, our impact on the national election would be diminished.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2020

Elections

Could Newsom’s big, bold car ban hurt Biden in swing states?

Yesterday Gov. Gavin Newsom leaned over the hood of an electric car and signed an executive order to phase out new gas-powered vehicles in California by 2035 and halt new fracking projects by 2024. It was exactly the kind of “big, hairy, audacious” move that Newsom has made his calling card: one guaranteed to generate […]

By Ben Christopher • September 24, 2020

Elections

Falsehoods about sex-offender law hit the campaign trail

For over a year a bill — signed into California law this month — that gives judges discretion over whether or not to require someone convicted of statutory rape to register as a sex offender, has been at the center of a storm of viral misinformation. Now it’s become an issue in a handful of […]

By Ben Christopher • September 23, 2020

Commentary

Gig worker bill: A lousy way to make law

California's political conflict over gig workers exemplifies irrational, opaque lawmaking.

By Dan Walters • September 23, 2020

Commentary

Abolish the Electoral College or award electors on a proportional basis

Here’s why California, with our 55 electoral votes, is largely useless when it comes to picking the president of the United States.

By Guest Commentary • September 21, 2020

Commentary

Forty-two years later, another property tax battle

Forty-two years after California voters overwhemingly passed Proposition 13, the state's iconic property tax limit, Proposition 15 proposes to alter it.

By Dan Walters • September 21, 2020

Commentary

Thousands of California voters will need language services to understand the November ballot

Arabic-speaking Californians will need translated ballots so their marginalized voices will have a say in the November election.

By Guest Commentary • September 17, 2020

Elections

In attack ad, California prison guards put bullseye on legislator

Maybe you saw the video on Facebook before it was deleted: Glen Stailey, president of the state prison guards’ union, rails against “failed public safety policies” and “cheap political points” and announces that “it is time to bring accountability back to the state Capitol.” Cut to a shot of the union president, with a horseshoe […]

By Ben Christopher • September 17, 2020

Elections

Election 2020: The California Crossword edition

Every election season has its ups and downs — now this one has acrosses as well. Think you know California, from its Capitol culture to its latest ballot props? This crossword puzzle will put your expertise to the test. Time yourself and let us know how you did. And if you need hints, avail yourselves […]

By Ben Christopher • September 16, 2020

Education

How to make sense of affirmative action in UC admissions

Context is king in how foes and backers of affirmative action use statistics, and race would still not play as large a part in the admissions process as some fear.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • September 15, 2020