election 2024

A side view of four people, a mix of lawmakers and officials, sitting behind a dais on the left side iof in a conference hall with attendees on the left side.

Elections

‘Steam engine’ or cautionary tale? Experts weigh in on AI role in California elections

At its 50th anniversary event, the state’s campaign finance watchdog looks to the future with a discussion on artificial intelligence. Attorney General Rob Bonta warns AI companies about state laws against voter deception.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• September 11, 2024

Commentary

For Californians with immigrant parents, voting becomes a sacred privilege

Barriers to voting disproportionately impact marginalized members of California's communities. Voting is a privilege, and one that people with access should exercise.

By Namrata Venkatesan • September 11, 2024

Commentary

Learning what motivates first-time voters can inspire other Californians to participate

Every voter has their own reasons for casting a ballot — nonvoters do, too, they just might not realize it yet. By hearing from first-time voters about their passion, disaffected voters might find a reason to participate this fall.

By

Kate McQuarrie

• September 11, 2024

A person stands smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting, holding a small American flag in one hand and a large envelope in the other, which reads 'A Message from President Biden.' They are surrounded by a joyful crowd, some holding papers and colorful piñatas. The group is gathered near a glass building, and there are trees in the background. The person in front is wearing sunglasses, hoop earrings, and a white top with colorful embroidery.

Commentary

As a new citizen, I’m voting in California to honor the community that shaped me

As a DACA recipient in San Diego completed her citizenship ceremony, she thought of "the community that poured into the cup of this once-undocumented Mexican girl with big dreams."

By Itzel Maganda Chavez • September 11, 2024

A person with a green, blue and white, checkered, button-up shirt stands in a residential street for a portrait.

Commentary

After years in California prison, voting is a personal triumph over my silent past

For a formerly incarcerated person, the opportunity to vote for the first time is filled with mixed emotions. After years of disenfranchisement, voting is an act of empowerment.

By Richard Richardson • September 11, 2024

Commentary

California’s young voters must participate if we want a livable climate future

Even if young voters are disillusioned with the American democratic process, they need to participate in our elections and support climate change protections and advocates, writes a Eureka teen.

By Bella Tarlton • September 11, 2024

Commentary

Many Asian Americans don’t vote. I will so our California communities can be heard

Advocacy groups fight for causes that matter to their communities, demonstrating what is possible when people come together, writes a teen first-time voter.

By Sunshine Thao • September 11, 2024

Two people are walk off pushing a cart with three crates of bottled water stacked on top of each other, as more crates are seen in the foreground of the frame.

Commentary

Climate costs will only go up if California fails to act. Voters should back a $10 billion bond

In November, California voters will decide whether the state should authorize a $10 billion bond to help shield against worsening climate change. As roughly 1 million Californians live without clean water, a Salinas resident says Proposition 4 will bring relief to long-overlooked communities.

By Horacio Amezquita • September 10, 2024

Solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 25, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California has enough debt. It doesn’t need $10 billion more for a climate bond

California voters will soon decide whether the state should authorize a $10 billion bond to help respond to climate change. The state's highest-ranking Republican legislator argues California can't afford the additional debt, especially for a questionable list of projects and programs.

By Brian Jones • September 10, 2024

A group of inmates dressed in orange uniforms and helmets are working together outdoors, bending down to manipulate a long metal rod in a dirt area surrounded by trees. In the foreground, a person in a beige police uniform is slightly blurred, observing the scene.

Commentary

Civil rights on the ballot: Why California voters should end forced prison labor

Proposition 6 would amend the state Constitution and abolish forced prison labor in California. The November ballot measure is a critical step toward justice and equality.

By Donald Hooker • September 4, 2024

Election 2024