Votebeat

Politics

If he had a home, he might have voted

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Joseph wanted a home and time to study the propositions.

By Michael Lozano • December 15, 2020

Elections

My vote wasn’t going to affect the outcome

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Gabe Kim, a college student at Humboldt State, said he doesn't feel ostracized for not voting.

By Freddy Brewster • December 14, 2020

Elections

He wanted Bernie for president so he didn’t vote

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Sergio Berrueta, a student at Humboldt State and a Bernie Sanders supporter, said he didn't like President-Elect Joe Biden or President Donald Trump so chose not to vote.

By Freddy Brewster • December 14, 2020

Elections

How Votebeat analyzed the election data

Editor’s note: Votebeat analyzed state and local voting data, using U.S. census data for context, to examine which voting blocs and counties drove the record ballots cast in the general election. Here is how we did the analysis. Statewide data on ballots cast, registered voters and voter turnout were obtained from the California Secretary of […]

By Phillip Reese • December 10, 2020

Elections

Poor and diverse voters fuel California’s record ballots cast

California’s decision to mail a ballot to every registered voter resulted in record ballots cast in the general election — but it was poor and diverse communities that fueled the increases.

By Phillip Reese and Lewis Griswold • December 10, 2020

Elections

Meant to clarify, BallotTrax confused some voters

Before 2020, the unassuming “I Voted” sticker was enough to satisfy most voters that their ballot had passed into trusted hands. But this past election, amid California’s plunge into mail-in voting and the Trump administration’s baseless claims of election fraud, the state offered higher-tech assurance: ballot updates sent to voters’ phone and email by BallotTrax, […]

By Aaron Leathley • December 8, 2020

Elections

Orange County staff planned election details down to the “I Voted” stickers

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their work differed from past elections. Election staff Tiffany Nevarez, Enedina Chhim and Roxana Castro say they enjoyed problem-solving their way past this year’s hurdles in Orange County.

By Michael Lozano • December 7, 2020

Elections

Retired colonel keeps the peace at Tulare County polling place

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff members in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their work differed from past elections. Poll worker Cheri Provancha of Tulare County used her military experience to keep things orderly at the polling place.

By Lewis Griswold • December 4, 2020

Elections

Subdued mood and happy moments at rural Shasta polls

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff members in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their work differed from past elections. Poll worker Jeannette Logue of Shasta County described the mood as “very serious.”

By Lewis Griswold • December 4, 2020

Elections

Between band gigs, he worked for democracy at home

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff members in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their job differed from past elections. San Diego elections staffer Andrew Pates said his job motivation was “to work on the truth.”

By Michael Lozano • December 4, 2020