California Proposition Guide
Confused about what Prop. 23 means for AB32? And what's the difference between a tax and a fee? Don't panic.
Online Voter Resources
- California Voter Guide
See what's on the state ballot, learn about the propositions, legislative and congressional races and find out how to cast your vote.
- SmartVoter.org
Learn about your local ballot measures, and find your polling place.
- Project Vote Smart
Database of the voting records, campaign contributions, public statements and interest group ratings for state and national officials.
- MapLight.org
Database connecting campaign contributions, voting records of every legislator on every bill, and which interest groups support and oppose various bills.
- TheHill.com: Endorsements
See who and where campaign contributions are coming from.
- PollingReport.com
Tracks public opinion polls from various major media outlets and polling organizations.
- Register to Vote
Download voter registration forms.
Capital Notes
KQED's John Myers blogs from Sacramento on the election.
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Election 2010: Bay Area Propositions and Races
Forum | Thursday, Mar 21, 2013, 10:00 AM
First Person: Rose Pak
Rose Pak has been called the most powerful woman in San Francisco. Many credit the Chinatown political activist with being the kingmaker behind Mayor Ed Lee's election, and the person most responsible for the increasing political power of Asian-Americans in the city. Pak joins us as part of our First Person series, profiling the leaders, innovators and others that make the Bay Area unique.
Forum | Friday, Nov 09, 2012, 9:00 AM
A Supermajority for California Democrats
For the first time in almost 80 years, one political party now controls two-thirds of both California legislative houses. This supermajority will allow Democrats to raise taxes, override vetoes by the governor and put constitutional reforms before voters. But as Governor Jerry Brown noted, "desires are endless." So which desires will be fulfilled? Will it be giving back dental care to 3 million poor Californians, or restoring slashed funding to state courts? And can a supermajority fix California's dysfunction?
Forum | Wednesday, Nov 07, 2012, 10:00 AM
Election 2012: California and Bay Area Results
Californians decided major issues in Tuesday's election, including whether to abandon the death penalty, label genetically modified foods and raise taxes to fund schools. We discuss those propositions and more results from local and state races.
Forum | Monday, Oct 22, 2012, 9:30 AM
Measure A1: Oakland Zoo Parcel Tax
The 90-year-old Oakland Zoo is home to giraffes, tortoises and African elephants. Now Zoo officials are asking Alameda County residents for additional funds to take care of those animals. Under Measure A1, a parcel tax would pay for repairs, veterinary care and field trips for schoolchildren. But opponents of Measure A1 claim the Zoo intends to use part of the $114 million proceeds for a controversial expansion project.
The California Report | Friday, Sep 28, 2012, 4:30 PM
Silicon Valley Republicans Frustrated With GOP Performance
This election season, we're hitting the road to talk to voters in various parts of California. Today, we begin with a trip to Silicon Valley. You might think its famously entrepreneurial business culture naturally fosters Republican sentiments -- but the Republicans we talked to say they're wandering in the political wilderness.
Forum | Thursday, Sep 27, 2012, 10:00 AM
Prop. 37: The Food Fight Over GMO Labeling
Should California require labeling of genetically modified foods? That's the goal of Proposition 37 on the November state ballot. Supporters say GMO labeling will provide California consumers with valuable information, while detractors claim it will simply add unnecessary confusion and cost to the food system.
Forum | Friday, Sep 21, 2012, 9:00 AM
District 3 Debate: Garamendi vs. Vann
We present a special live debate from our Sacramento studio in the race for California's 3rd Congressional District. We'll hear from both Democratic Congressman John Garamendi and his Republican challenger Kim Vann, the former supervisor of Colusa County. What are their plans for the newly drawn district? The new 3rd district spans eight counties in Northern California, including most of Sacramento County.
Forum | Wednesday, Sep 12, 2012, 10:00 AM
Proposition 34: The Death Penalty in California
Should California end the death penalty? If approved by voters, Proposition 34 on the November state ballot would convert the sentences of death row inmates to life in prison without the possibility of parole. We'll debate the measure as part of our election series, "What's Government For?"
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Jun 08, 2012, 7:30 PM
News Panel: Election Results, Pension Reform, and Stockton Update
Voter turnout was low but Tuesday's primary, which put California's newly drawn districts and the top two primary system to the test for the first time, produced some surprising results in candidate races throughout the state. Voters also overwhelmingly approved new term limits for state lawmakers while Proposition 29, a cigarette tax, appears to be headed for defeat. There are already legal challenges to the pension reform measures that passed by wide margins in San Jose and San Diego, sending a signal to Gov. Brown and the Legislature to take similar action for the state and other struggling local governments. In Stockton, financially strapped from having the second-highest foreclosure rate in the country, the City Council has authorized the city manager to seek Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection if an agreement can't be reached with its creditors through mediation by June 25.
Forum | Wednesday, Jun 06, 2012, 9:00 AM
Election Results: California Primary 2012
The morning after the June primary election, we check in with a few of our favorite political junkies about the results, and ask how California fared using the new "top-two" primary system. We'll discuss the outcomes of key races and hot ballot measures like the cigarette tax, pensions in San Jose and funding for San Francisco's Coit Tower.
The California Report | Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012, 7:00 PM
Primary Election Special
We present a live election night special focused on the candidates and issues at stake in today's California primary. Host Scott Shafer will be joined by guest analysts and reporters from around the state. We'll also look ahead to this fall's general election.
Forum | Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 9:00 AM
Prop. 28: The Term Limits Debate
On June 5, California voters will decide whether to adopt new rules on term limits. Proposition 28 would reduce the total number of years lawmakers can serve in the Legislature, while also allowing them to serve out their term in one house. Supporters say it would increase government stability and preserve institutional knowledge. Critics say it will empower incumbents and keep new faces and ideas out of Sacramento.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Mar 16, 2012, 7:30 PM
California Attorney General Kamala Harris
Atty. General Kamala Harris in conversation with Belva Davis on her continuing efforts to help bring relief to struggling homeowners, a privacy policy for mobile devices, her views on criminal justice, same-sex marriage, and her role as co-chair of President Obama's re-election campaign.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Feb 10, 2012, 7:30 PM
Interview with John Burton
Belva Davis speaks with John Burton, Chairman of the California Democratic Party, about some of the pressing issues facing the party as Democrats gather for their convention this weekend in San Diego.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Feb 03, 2012, 7:30 PM
News Panel: The latest on Facebook's IPO announcement, Occupy Oakland, and more
On Saturday an estimated 50,000 voters in Nevada will participate in the "first in the West" Republican presidential caucuses. We'll hear why Californians make the trek to Nevada to help get out the vote, and which candidates may benefit from their efforts. Speculation runs rampant in the wake of Facebook's IPO announcement. The multi-billion dollar offering has the potential to turn up to a third of Facebook employees into millionaires. Could it boost California's struggling economy? In the wake of heated clashes during Occupy Oakland protests last Saturday, an Alameda county judge orders activists to stay away from the plaza where protesters burned an American flag stolen from City Hall.
Forum | Wednesday, Nov 09, 2011, 9:00 AM
Election Results and Analysis
Who won, who lost and how did the ballot measures fare? Guest host Scott Shafer takes a look at results in Bay Area elections including analysis of ranked-choice voting and the political clout of Asian-Americans.
The California Report | Wednesday, Nov 09, 2011, 8:50 AM
SF Keeps Counting, Vernon Votes to Reform
Though a final result from ranked-choice voting won't be available for days, interim San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee came close to declaring victory at his election party last night. And voters in the tiny town of Vernon approved four measures designed to avoid the kind of corruption that made them the subject of headlines earlier this year.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Oct 28, 2011, 7:30 PM
Ranked Choice...Easy as 1, 2, 3?
San Francisco voters passed ranked choice or "instant runoff" voting in 2002. But this is the first time it will be put to the test in a competitive mayoral race. And, as KQED's Scott Shafer discovers, it's changing not only the way voters cast their ballots, but also how candidates campaign for their vote.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Oct 28, 2011, 7:30 PM
News Panel: The latest on Occupy Oakland, the SF Mayor's Race, and more
Governor Brown proposes a sweeping pension reform plan, raising the retirement age and trimming benefits for many state workers. The police crackdown in Oakland gets national attention. In the aftermath, both sides ponder what's next for the Occupy movement. The San Francisco Mayor's Race grows heated amid allegations of voter fraud, questionable funding practices and discrimination.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Oct 14, 2011, 7:30 PM
News Panel: Gov. Brown signs and vetoes bills, Anthony Batts resigns, and early voting kicks off in SF
Gov. Brown signs and vetoes hundreds of bills, and the state falls short more than $700 million in expected revenues. Oakland's police chief Anthony Batts announces his resignation after two challenging years leading the department. Early voting kicks off in San Francisco's first mayoral race using ranked-choice voting, with eleven major candidates vying for the job. Netflix abandons its three-week old plan to split its services into two for online streaming and DVD-by-mail, but keeps its sixty percent price increase after losing both subscribers and stock value.
Forum | Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011, 9:00 AM
Assessing San Francisco's Mayoral Race
Early voting began Tuesday in San Francisco, and with a crowded field of 16 candidates, voters have a lot of research to do in picking their mayor. We review the major issues in the race, assess the candidates and discuss the impact of ranked-choice voting.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, May 06, 2011, 7:30 PM
Pension cuts, Wells Fargo protests, and the crowded mayoral race
Two new proposals on pension reform in Sacramento could cut up to 40% from California public employee pension benefits. Protestors angry over Wells Fargo's foreclosure policies disrupt the company's annual meeting in San Francisco. The already crowded San Francisco mayoral race is off to a dramatic start, as nine major candidates face off in their first debate.
Forum | Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011, 9:00 AM
Asian-American Political Engagement
In recent months, the profile of Asian-Americans in elected office in the Bay Area and beyond has risen, with newly sworn-in mayors in Oakland and San Francisco, and an increased presence in Sacramento. We look at the political evolution, and what it may signify.
KQED News | Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010, 8:33 AM
Asian-Americans Enjoy New Political Clout in Bay Area
There?s a new buzz among Asian Americans in the Bay Area over recent big city political victories. Oakland elected its first Asian American mayor, and San Francisco may be poised to do the same.
THIS WEEK in Northern California | Friday, Nov 19, 2010, 8:00 PM
The Next Mayor of Oakland
A conversation with Mayor-elect Jean Quan about her surprise victory, her vision for Oakland and her plans for dealing with the city's problems.
Forum | Thursday, Nov 11, 2010, 9:00 AM
Oakland Mayor-elect Jean Quan
In a surprising upset, Oakland Councilwoman Jean Quan has defeated former State Senate President Don Perata in the Oakland mayor's race. Quan joins us in the studio.
Forum | Wednesday, Nov 03, 2010, 9:00 AM
Election Results
Our election coverage continues with a discussion of local and state results from Tuesday's balloting.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 10:54 PM
Alameda County Update, Lt. Governor and SF Board of Supervisors Races Tight
We look at the most recent results from Alameda County, which have Berkeley's Measure R winning handily. In the Oakland mayoral race, former State Senate leader Don Perata is leading with 38 percent of the vote. That's with a third of the vote counted. We also look at the lieutenant governor's race and at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors with Corey Cook, professor in the Department of Politics at the University of San Francisco.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 10:30 PM
Pension Reform Measures Trailing in SF, Winning in San Jose
San Francisco's Proposition B continues to trail tonight. The measure aims to get city workers to contribute more to their pensions and pay more for health benefits. With nearly a third of the vote counted, Prop. B appears to be failing with 57 percent voting "no." But in San Jose, another pair of pension reform measures are winning.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 9:54 PM
Examining Mayoral Races in Oakland, Richmond
In the Oakland mayor's race, former State Senate leader Don Perata is facing city councilmembers Jean Quan and Rebecca Kaplan, communications professor Joe Tuman and six other candidates. With 11 percent of the ballots counted, Perata is leading with 38 percent. We also examine Richmond's mayoral race. Host Cy Musiker talks with Corey Cook, professor in the Department of Politics at the University of San Francisco.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 9:30 PM
Bay Area Ballot Measure Roundup
We get the latest numbers on ballot measures around the Bay Area.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 9:04 PM
Oakland Mayoral Race
Among the issues we're following tonight is Oakland's mayoral race. KQED's Mina Kim is at the Z Cafe with former State Senate leader and mayoral candidate Don Perata.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 7:48 PM
Alameda County Registrar Confident on Ranked-Choice Voting
Voters in Oakland, Berkeley and San Leandro are using ranked-choice voting for their mayoral and city council candidates for the first time this election. Alameda County's registrar says his office has done lots of outreach to educate voters on the new system.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 7:19 PM
Santa Clara County Voter Turnout Steady
Voter turnout in Santa Clara County has been steady according to Elma Rosas, spokeswoman for the registrar. She says the country is on track to have a majority of voters vote absentee.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 6:19 PM
Alameda County Debuts Ranked-Choice Voting
Three cities in Alameda County -- Berkeley, Oakland, and San Leandro -- debuted ranked-choice voting this year. So far, voting officials say, people coming to the polls seem to be dealing well with the new system.
KQED News | Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010, 6:19 PM
Oakland Voters Unravel Complex Ballot
Oakland voters are unraveling a ballot that includes a 10-candidate mayoral field, a new system of voting and ballot measures that could determine the future of the Police Department and health of the city's school district.
KQED News | Wednesday, Oct 27, 2010, 6:33 AM
San Francisco's Prop L: Sit-Lie
San Francisco's Haight district is at the center of a controversial ballot measure. Proposition L would make it illegal to sit or lie down on any city sidewalks during daytime hours.
KQED News | Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010, 4:32 PM
Pelosi Upbeat About Democrats' Election Chances
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she's heartened by reports that Democrats are turning out in good numbers in states with early voting.
KQED News | Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010, 12:04 PM
Contra Costa Ballot Errors
About 3,000 Contra Costa voters are getting new elections materials, after a mistake at the elections office. Officials say human error marred nearly 1,500 voter guides, and nearly 1,500 vote-by-mail ballots.
KQED News | Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010, 8:33 AM
Election Could Bring Big Changes to SF City Hall
With four members of the Board of Supervisors termed out, and Mayor Newsom possibly heading for Sacramento as Lt. Governor, San Francisco politics could be facing a big shake up.
Photos From KQED Reporters
Video Explainers and More
KQED's This Week in Northern California has been following the state's most important races and ballot initiatives. Explore the video archive to see our complete coverage.
The Prop. 23 Money Trail
Can California Get on Track?
For Educators
Visit our Civic Engagement Resources for Educators page for classroom-ready lesson plans, and other resources.
