Voting

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.

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.

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.

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

California's early history was chocked full of voting barriers, a legacy that persists today. A bill aiming to update the state's motor voter system could help register more eligible voters.

Advocates say expanding voter registration will help more Black and Latino Californians have a say at the ballot box. But other voter groups say registering to vote should still be voluntary — and they don’t see the bill as an effective way to increase voter diversity.

California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.

The official state voter guide comes with printing, postage and other costs. The March primary guide cost $13.2 million, with only one ballot measure. What will be the price tag for November, with many more propositions?

Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley jointly sue the city over its new voting requirement. Local voters approved the city charter change in March.

Fifteen days after the California primary, only 16 of 58 counties have finished counting votes. While election officials say they need time to verify ballots, two new laws could help speed up the count.