Election 2020

Elections

Gimme Props: A guide to the 2020 California propositions

Use our interactive guide to figure out how you might want to vote on the 12 propositions on the 2020 ballot in California.

By John Osborn D'Agostino • September 15, 2020

Politics

Trump and Newsom: Political frenemies make nice amid California’s mounting disasters

The dynamic between Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump has turned out to be a surprise during Newsom’s short time as governor, as he’s navigated an extraordinary spate of disasters requiring federal aid and diplomacy.

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 14, 2020

Elections

Suburban blues: Where Democrats have gained most in California

Republicans are in rough shape in California, still trailing in third place behind not just Democrats but also those with no party. The GOP gained a bit on independents this summer, but primarily because more independents were re-registering as Dems. Also not a new story: The election of President Donald Trump and an increasingly diverse […]

By Ben Christopher • September 14, 2020

Commentary

Prop. 15: Ballot measure will stabilize California’s economy

Prop. 15 is an important step in rebuilding California's economy, generating up to $12 billion a year for our schools and local governments.

By Guest Commentary • September 11, 2020

Commentary

Prop. 15: The Legislature should reform California’s tax system

Any repeal of Prop. 13 should be comprehensive, careful and be a part of a wholesale review of California’s broken tax system.

By Guest Commentary • September 11, 2020

Politics

Democratic squabbling doomed California’s ‘Year of housing production.’ What will happen in 2021?

Despite entering 2020 with the governor and many legislators pushing for an increase in housing production, none of the bills put forth went into effect. The coronavirus pandemic has also put prospects for such bills in 2021 in doubt.

By Matt Levin • September 11, 2020

Elections

GOP’s route to California wins: Hailing a ride from gig workers?

As Election Day nears, GOP congressional hopefuls in California swing districts are zeroing in on a particular strategy:  Running for Washington by running against Sacramento. That means reminding voters that Democrats are in charge of California, and that life in California kinda sucks at the moment. Cue the attack ads featuring tent encampments, raging wildfires, […]

By Ben Christopher • September 11, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Elección 2020: Preguntas frequencias

Read our voter guide in English. Lo que necesitas saber sobre las votaciones Fechas importantes: 19 de octubre: Último día para registrarse en línea para votar.  27 de octubre: Último día para solicitar una boleta de voto por correo si no la obtuviste automáticamente. 3 de noviembre: Último día para votar por correo o en […]

By CalMatters Staff • September 10, 2020

Elections

Californians — what to know before you vote

In addition to the high-stakes Trump vs. Biden presidential match, the 2020 ballot asks you whether to raise property taxes, expand rent control, ban cash bail, further protect consumer data privacy and resurrect affirmative action. It also will determine if the state Legislature remains in the control of a gigamajority of Democrats, and if the "blue wave" that swept away half of GOP-held congressional seats has receded. Confused about anything? Our best-on-the-market voter guide has got you covered.

By CalMatters Staff • September 8, 2020

Economy

California’s coronavirus stimulus was a bust…what now?

State lawmakers aimed for a $600-a-week unemployment extension and billions in tax vouchers. Federal inaction, economic anxiety and the pandemic derailed those plans.

By Lauren Hepler • September 2, 2020