election 2020

Commentary

Republicans and Democrats in California prefer a mail ballot, but safe, accessible options are important

In the November election, California will have to meet the bipartisan demand from voters for mail ballots and redesign sites for safe, in-person voting.

By

Guest Commentary

• July 2, 2020

Facing a dozen ballot measures on their November ballot, voters will be asked to decide the fate of hot issues from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more. Photo via iStock

Elections

Props to you, Californians: A preview of what’s on your November ballot

California voters will directly decide the fate of 12 ballot propositions on their November ballot — from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 29, 2020

California is moving to an (almost) all-mail election for 2020. Image via iStock

Politics

California’s (mostly) all-mail 2020 election, explained

Now that the coronavirus has turned Election Day into a latent superspreader event, the state’s Democratic lawmakers are making the 2020 general election an (almost) all-mail affair. Here's what that might look like.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 25, 2020

Esteban Nunez visits the Capitol to advocate for voting rights for Californians on parole. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Politics

From prison to the halls of power: A politician’s son lobbies to let people on parole vote

In early March, before the pandemic closed the state Capitol to visitors, Esteban Núñez led former prisoners through the regal building where his father was once one of California’s most powerful politicians. He exuded know-how, his shiny loafers clicking across marble floors as they moved toward an elevator. Down a hallway. Into the office of […]

By

Laurel Rosenhall

and

Adria Watson

• June 22, 2020

Commentary

Referendum on SB 10: Vote ‘No’ to an injustice we can’t afford

A constitutional amendment on the November ballot is a referendum on 2018’s Senate Bill 10, which replaces cash bail with risk assessments for detained suspects.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 19, 2020

California's governor wants a mail ballot issued to all state voters, with some in-person voting options. But a judge just issued a restraining order against one of two orders, suggesting Gavin Newsom has overstepped his authority. Photo via iStock

Elections

Courtroom win for Newsom’s vote-by-mail strategy as Legislature presses on

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants every registered voter to receive a ballot in the mail for the November 2020 election, but a judge just put one of his executive orders on hold.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 12, 2020

A group of progressive California lawmakers and district attorneys announce they will reject donations from police unions. Image via iStock

Elections

California progressive politicians turn away campaign cash from cop unions

Two state senators and a group of District Attorneys say thanks, but no thanks to campaign contributions from unions representing law enforcement officers.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 6, 2020