It's no exaggeration to say that Nov. 5 may be the most important election in a generation. And we're not just talking about the presidential race. From top ballot positions to local ballot measures, California voters this year are grappling with important decisions that will shape their lives and communities for years to come.
The Times editorial board will begin releasing its voting recommendations this week. The board sets the positions of The Times as an institution and operates independently of the newsroom. Board members spend the months leading up to each election interviewing candidates, campaign committees and policy experts, examining facts and claims and conducting research to inform our recommendations.
The November general election is typically filled with controversial proposals, and the 2024 election is no exception. There are five measures the state legislature has put on the ballot and five more from activists and special interests who used the state’s direct democracy process to put their policies directly before voters. The measures raise big questions. Among them: Should we backtrack on criminal justice reform? Should it be easier to raise taxes to pay for local infrastructure such as roads, parks, water treatment facilities and affordable housing? Should California set the highest state minimum wage in the country?
In Los Angeles County, voters will decide whether to give a second term to District Attorney George Gasconwho was elected in 2020 to undo the excesses of his predecessors who locked up too many people for too long without considering how to help them live crime-free lives. Or they could replace him with Nathan Hochman, who has pledged to Return to tougher anti-crime policies from previous DA
They will also decide whether Increase county sales tax indefinitely to fund more affordable housing, rental assistance and programs to help prevent and reduce homelessness, including case management and mental health and substance abuse treatment. It would replace a quarter-cent tax to pay for homeless services that was approved by voters in 2017 and expires in 2027.
The outcome of the district attorney race and Measure A could affect how the county deals with people living on the margins, and will reflect the public's patience — or impatience — with the difficult work of trying to fix deep-rooted social problems that developed over decades.
Efforts to restore trust and accountability in local government are also on the November ballot. Proponents of Measure G argue that Los Angeles County’s bureaucracy can be made more efficient and transparent by adding an elected county executive position and increasing the number of members on the Board of Supervisors from five to nine.
Voters have rejected this idea before, but there has been a groundswell of support for structural reforms that could mean a different outcome this year.
In fact, Los Angeles City voters will also consider charter amendments that developed in the wake of the Leaked audio scandal of 2022when three council members and a top labor official were caught making racially divisive comments about their colleagues and constituents while plotting how to redraw council districts to their benefit. The ballot measures would, among other things, create independent redistricting commissions for the city and Los Angeles Unified, and strengthen the independence of the city’s Ethics Commission.
Of course, it will be impossible to escape the news, campaign ads and commentary surrounding the presidential race. The editorial board has not been shy about sharing our opinion on Donald Trump over the years and will continue to do so this election season. We will also be making recommendations in some key congressional races in Los Angeles and Orange County. competitive half dozen The California elections could help decide whether Democrats win control of the House of Representatives.
We'll also have endorsements in a selection of open state legislative seats in Los Angeles and in little-known races like the Los Angeles Community College District board and Los Angeles Superior Court judges. (Yes, we elect judges, but only some. Find out why by clicking here.)
Recommendations will continue to be posted until early October, when voters receive their ballots in the mail. We welcome your comments and feedback.
