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The California primary election is March 3. Here’s what you need to know.
Vote centers have replaced neighborhood polling places, and the old paper-and-ink system has changed too. In the presidential race, candidates will be awarded delegates based on district-level contests and statewide results. It’s complicated. The candidate field has winnowed. In Los Angeles County and other local races, voters will decide on the district attorney, Proposition 13, L.A. City Council, the LAUSD board and more. The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board has endorsements in many of the races on the ballot. Read on for more.
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What you need to know to vote
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Voting is changing in Los Angeles County. Here’s what you need to know and how to find a vote center
Nearly 1,000 new vote centers have dreplace the precinct polling places used in past L.A. County elections. Angelenos will no longer be confined to voting in their neighborhoods. These centers will also be open for days before the election. Find one that’s convenient to you.
Need a ride to the polls? L.A. Metro offering free fares on election day.
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California decides: A five-part series looking at California’s diverse electorate
The San Joaquin Valley remains an upbeat bastion for Trump, even as Democrats dominate the state government and make preparations for the March 3 primary election.
In the eastern Coachella Valley, a new generation of Latinos is winning seats on school boards and water districts, and joining city commissions.
Even in the left-wing heart of California, the Democratic Party electorate is far from monolithic heading into the March 3 presidential primary on Super Tuesday.
The younger-generation vote has proved elusive for Democrats in conservative parts of California such as Placer County.
To come out on top in California’s primary, Democratic contenders must appeal to a patchwork of ethnic constituencies, among them the large Iranian American population that spans San Diego, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
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How Democratic delegates are chosen in California
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On March 3, the Democratic presidential campaign will be far from over and the arcane rules for winning in the Golden State will come into play.
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Where the candidates stand on key issues
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Many of the Democratic candidates for president rarely mention the housing crisis. Some have released bold plans; others have promised little or nothing.
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The Democratic presidential candidates have robust climate action agendas. The differences lie in how far, how fast and how much to spend.
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Assault weapons bans, red flag laws, gun buybacks: Here’s where the Democratic presidential candidates stand on combating gun violence.
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Where do the Democratic presidential candidates stand on ‘Medicare for all,’ abortion and combating the opioid crisis?
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Dreamers, the border wall, asylum seekers, refugees: Where do the Democratic candidates for president stand on immigration issues?
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Hometown: America as seen from the candidates’ front doors
Burlington shaped Sanders as Sanders shaped Burlington, so much so that it’s hard to consider one without the other.
The rich, brainy city of Cambridge, Mass., reflects Elizabeth Warren’s have-a-plan approach as well as inequality issues at the center of her campaign.
After decades of malaise, South Bend went through big changes during Pete Buttigieg’s tenure as mayor. But there is fear that the gains have been uneven and that its fragile progress could slip away.
More Coverage
Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilmington is known for its small size and relationship-based politics. But just as in national politics, backlash has been brewing against the status quo.
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Stay up to date with the latest news on the presidential primary
Campaign 2020
Joel Greenberg faces charges in a sex-trafficking inquiry. His friend, Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, is being investigated.
The State Department’s internal watchdog has concluded that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife violated federal ethics rules.
Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland rescinded Friday restrictions on Justice Department’s use of consent decrees to force police departments to reform.
The leaders’ talks Friday focused on economic and security threats from China, as well as climate change and deterring nuclear-armed North Korea.
The memo allows Justice Department prosecutors to more easily use the tool, which mandates changes at some police departments and other agencies.
Biden signs emergency determination that leaves the annual cap of 15,000 refugees in place, but outrage from Democrats brings a White House reversal.
The Constitution leaves it to Congress to decide on how many justices will serve on the Supreme Court.
Republican leaders of Congress have been making the trip to Mar-a-Lago to see Donald Trump, with the notable exception of Mitch McConnell.
Republicans capped state and local tax deductions in 2017. California Democrats aren’t joining their East Coast colleagues in insisting on a fix now.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has arrived in Washington for talks with President Biden meant to show the strength of the two nations’ security alliance.
Biden was joined by Vice President Harris, herself an American of Asian descent, in the meeting Thursday at the White House with the members of Congress.
The legislation would add four seats to the Supreme Court in a bid designed to counter its rightward tilt during the Trump administration.
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Los Angeles County and local races
A look at what George Gascón, Jackie Lacey and Rachael Rossi bring to the table.
Rivals to Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas say the district needs a fresh perspective. He says they don’t understand how government works.
Charter school supporters attack teachers union-backed incumbent L.A. school board campain
Charters school backers and the teachers union have much at stake in upcoming LAUSD school board elections in which a majority of seats are up for grabs.
The candidates running for L.A. County supervisor have pledged to ease homelessness, but many were in elected office as it became a crisis.
California’s largest school district has not taken an official position on a bond measure that would raise billions of dollars for schools. A clause on developer fees may be part of the reason.
City Council candidates Kevin de León and Mark Ridley-Thomas have declined to rule out running for mayor in 2022, drawing criticism from rivals.
Rivals for L.A. County supervisor, Herb Wesson, Holly Mitchell and Jan Perry, are fighting over the L.A. County Democratic Party’s endorsement of Wesson.
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Behind the money in local races
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Incumbent Councilmen David Ryu and John Lee have benefited from outside spending, as has council candidate Kevin de León.
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The donations represent the political canyon between incumbent Jackie Lacey and George Gascón — law enforcement unions on one side, progressive donors on the other.
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L.A. City Council candidates are refusing to accept campaign contributions from fossil fuel companies and their executives — and criticizing rivals who won’t make the same promise.
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There is only one statewide proposition on the ballot
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This year’s Proposition 13 proposes the sale of $15 billion in general obligation bonds to finance construction projects for K-12 schools, community colleges and state universities.
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Recommendations from the Los Angeles Times editorial board
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Jackie Lacey is not the energetic innovator and leader that the L.A. County district attorney’s office needs. The better choice is George Gascón.
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Despite some concerns about her approach to several important issues, Supervisor Kathryn Barger is a better choice for county supervisor than either of her challengers
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Janice Hahn has been a decent, caring supervisor. She deserves to be reelected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
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Of the 10 candidates running to succeed Mark Ridley-Thomas on the Board of Supervisors, the standout is Holly Mitchell, an impressive state lawmaker who has focused her work on justice, equity and fiscal issues.
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Measure FD deserves support so that county firefighters and paramedics can provide needed service amid growing fire dangers and increasing need for paramedics.
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Measure R would significantly strengthen civilian oversight of the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and improve psychiatric care for people we currently send to jail.
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The Santa Clarita assemblywoman and former school board member is the best prepared candidate in the race to replace Katie Hill.
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The Times recommends a yes vote on this year’s state bond measure for public school, community college and college funding, Proposition 13.
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Voters would have a hard time finding another candidate with Mark Ridley-Thomas’ experience and knowledge, as well as his list of accomplishments.
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The former state Senate leader has proved himself as someone who can get big, tough projects done. The L.A. City Council needs someone like that.
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Lundquist has experience working within and for the community and — more importantly — a vision for a cleaner, healthier, more humane city.
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In L.A. City Council races, there’s value in experience, particularly when leaders embrace change and are willing to do the work to make it happen.
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In the coming election, the incumbents, flawed though some may be, are the best candidates and should be returned to their seats.
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Los Angeles Times editorial board endorsements for the U.S. House, California ballot measures and more.
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Mark your calendar
Stay updated with The Times’ presidential election calendar. Add these events to your phone or desktop by subscribing (compatible with Apple, Google and Outlook calendars) and sign up to receive updates on our coverage.
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Did you vote at an L.A. County vote center?
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