Santa Clara County Local News: Elections & Politics


All Local Elections & Politics News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: Translated from the Greek, “Democracy” means “people power.” How much power do the people have in California?
People Power! What Is Democracy, and How Does It Work in California?

Democracy is a 2,500-year-old system of government still looked on today as the best system, because under a democratic system, the people govern themselves. But is that all there is to it? What is democracy? And how does it work …

Image caption: The California Supreme Court has defined the state’s legal and political agenda for more than 170 years.
How the California Supreme Court Blazes Legal Trails

The California Supreme Court has kept the state at the forefront of legal issues surrounding abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage, starting in its earliest days in the Gold Rush era.

Image caption: The cycle of crime and homelessness is escalating, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Homelessness and Crime in California: Even More Complex Than You Think

The links between homelessness and crime are complex, and the idea that unhoused individuals present a danger to their community seems to be exaggerated.

Image caption: California continues to work on legislation that would make voting easier.
Voting Rites

California keeps on taking legislative steps that will keep it ranked in the top 10 of voter-friendly states.

Image caption: There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained

Community service districts can do most anything a city government can do. Here’s how they work and how to start one.

Image caption: California cities switch to more inclusive, district-based elections system.
Voting Rights...the Final Frontier

Pushed by activists, cities move from at-large elections to district races.

San Jose Spotlight logo From San Jose Spotlight...

07/23/2024
Image for display with article titled Silicon Valley Campaign Contributions Expose Financial Loophole

Money pouring into a tight Silicon Valley congressional race is drawing attention to a loophole in campaign finance rules that obscures the influence of special interests.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/23/2024
There never was much of a chance that California Gov. Gavin Newsom would be running for president this year, even if President Joe Biden were to step aside.

California Local Pin Marker From Mountain View Voice...

07/20/2024
Former Mountain View Whisman School Board Trustee José Gutiérrez announced he is running for Mountain View City Council.

San Jose Inside logo From San Jose Inside...

07/17/2024
Image for display with article titled City of Santa Clara to Place $400M Infrastructure Bond on November Ballot

Bond proceeds would pay for street, fire station, police, parks, storm drain and historic building projects across the city.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/17/2024
California failed to ban private detention centers. Now, it’s focusing on their working conditions, for immigrants who toil for $1 a day.

San Jose Spotlight logo From San Jose Spotlight...

07/16/2024
Image for display with article titled Campaign Filings Reveal Silicon Valley Recount Donors

Tech CEOs and business leaders were the main sources of funding behind a contentious Silicon Valley congressional recount earlier this year.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/16/2024
The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.

San Jose Spotlight logo From San Jose Spotlight...

07/15/2024
Image for display with article titled Silicon Valley Candidates Spent Hundreds of Thousands on Recount

New campaign finance filings show Assemblymember Evan Low significantly outspent his opponent, former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, on lawyers related to the April recount that solidified both their spots in the November runoff for Congressional District 16.

California Local Pin Marker From The Mercury News...

07/12/2024
A $400 million bond to fund infrastructure upgrades and repairs in Santa Clara is advancing to the November ballot.

San Jose Spotlight logo From San Jose Spotlight...

07/11/2024
Image for display with article titled Santa Clara Asks Voters to Pass Multimillion-Dollar Bond

Santa Clara voters will decide in November whether to give the city roughly $400 million for various infrastructure fixes around the city.

Los Gatan logo From Los Gatan...

07/10/2024
Image for display with article titled Gail Pellerin Among Top 4 Stock Investors in California Legislature

The total stock portfolio of the Legislature was worth as much as $112 million last year but experts say the public should know more about a politician’s total wealth.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/08/2024
CalMatters launched Digital Democracy in April, and its impact has rippled across the Legislature.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/04/2024
California lawmakers met into the night on July 3 to finish the November ballot before heading off on summer vacation until Aug. 5.

California Local Pin Marker From The Mercury News...

07/02/2024
In a special meeting on July 1, the Los Gatos Town Council voted to not put a sales tax measure on the November ballot.

San Jose Inside logo From San Jose Inside...

07/01/2024
Image for display with article titled Gail Pellerin Among Top Four Stock Investors in CA Legislature

The total stock portfolio of the Legislature was worth as much as $112 million last year but experts say the public should know more about a politician’s total wealth.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/01/2024
Small and low-income school officials say the bond measure deal is unfair. The money is allocated through matching grants, so wealthier districts that can raise more local funds will get more money from the state.

San Jose Inside logo From San Jose Inside...

06/27/2024
Image for display with article titled Bay Area Will Decide California’s Biggest Housing Bond Ever

A newly created regional housing finance authority for the entire San Francisco Bay Area will send a bond of up to $20 billion to the ballot. But the fate of its statewide counterpart looks bleak.

San Jose Spotlight logo From San Jose Spotlight...

06/25/2024
Image for display with article titled Santa Clara County Loses Top Election Official Before November Races

Santa Clara County’s top elections official is bowing out four months before the November election and shortly after her office landed in the hot seat over a historic recount.

California Local Pin Marker From Mountain View Voice...

06/21/2024
Three out of five seats on the Mountain View Whisman school board are open for election on the November ballot.
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