Election 2024: Latest News, Top Stories & Analysis

2024 Elections

2024 California ballot measures: What you need to know

California voters will decide 10 propositions in November. Here’s what you need to know about them, how they got on the ballot and how direct democracy works in the state.

By CalMatters • July 3, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his revised 2024-25 budget proposal at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on May 10, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

2024 Elections

Gavin Newsom backs down on crime measure

The governor withdraws the proposed ballot measure that he and Democratic legislative leaders just announced. He says he ran out of time to add amendments to ensure its success.

By CalMatters • July 2, 2024

A doctor treats a patient at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo on Jan. 27, 2022. Photo by Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

Health

California voters will decide who wins on health care tax: Gavin Newsom or doctors

The health care industry put a measure on the November ballot that would raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from spending it on general government services. Billions of dollars are on the line.

By Kristen Hwang • July 1, 2024

2024 Elections

California voters will decide an anti-crime measure in November. Democrats say this one is better

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders put forward a ballot measure to compete with one that would roll back Proposition 47 and increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking. The Democrats’ proposal calls for a new felony for drug dealers who cut fentanyl into other drugs and for increased penalties for repeat thieves.

By Nigel Duara • June 30, 2024

Voters cast their ballots on Super Tuesday at City Hall in San Francisco on March 5, 2024. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters.

2024 Elections

Ballot measure madness: How California lawmakers are scrambling the November list

In late deals with Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders, proponents are pulling measures off the Nov. 5 ballot. But the Legislature may add others by next week.

By Alexei Koseff • June 27, 2024

Prisoners from the McCain inmate crew from San Diego, prepare to clear brush from a road on in Calistoga on Oct. 11, 2017. Photo by Ben Margot, AP Photo

Politics

Californians will decide — in 2024 — whether to ban slavery. What will the measure do?

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

By Shaanth Nanguneri • June 27, 2024

Local residents in Tulare County register at the Voter Registration event held in downtown Tulare on Nov. 1, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

2024 Elections

Automatic voter registration in California takes a step back

The Assembly elections committee passes a bill to expand voter registration, but not the automatic sign-up that supporters originally wanted. Instead, the proposal would create a “preapproved” list for registration.

By Sameea Kamal • June 26, 2024

A real estate sign in front of a home in the Tower District in central Fresno on June 28, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Housing

California real estate group won’t fight affordable housing measure, for a price

The California Association of Realtors agrees not to oppose a constitutional amendment to reduce the voter approval threshold for housing bonds. In exchange, the measure will not apply to single-family homes. Some housing advocates are angry about the carve-out.

By Ben Christopher • June 21, 2024

The California Supreme Court during a court session at the Ronald Reagan State Office Building in Los Angeles on April. 3, 2024. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Politics

High court blocks anti-tax measure from California ballot

The state Supreme Court takes a business-backed initiative to make it more difficult to raise taxes off the Nov. 5 ballot. Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders sued to kick it off.

By Alexei Koseff • June 20, 2024

Rally attendees cheer as Sen. Monique Limón speaks in support of SB 299, which would expand voter registration efforts, at the Capitol in Sacramento on June 12, 2024. Photo by Cristian Gonzalez for CalMatters.

2024 Elections

‘Automatic’ registration would boost California’s voter rolls. What’s the downside?

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.

By Sameea Kamal • June 18, 2024