News · CA
California bans electric shock gloves in law enforcement
Public safetyA new California law prohibits law enforcement personnel from using electric shock gloves.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
Editors · Elections and campaigns
The Ballot California Desk
Nonpartisan election coverage for California
The Ballot California Desk tracks who is running in California, where each candidate stands on the issues, and the key dates on the ballot. Every story is sourced to public records: FEC filings, Open States, Congress.gov, and state election offices. The desk does not endorse candidates or parties.
48 stories published
News · CA
Newsom signs Rubio measure targeting court abuse
Foreign policyGov. Gavin Newsom signed state Sen. Susan Rubio’s legislation aimed at stopping abusers from using courts against survivors.
The Ballot California DeskOct 4, 2026
News · CA
California limits use of AI in employee dismissals
Elections and votingA new California law restricts how artificial intelligence may be used when employers decide to dismiss workers.
The Ballot California DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
California and six states sue over federal funding
Elections and votingThe states accuse the Trump administration of withholding money that Congress approved.
The Ballot California DeskOct 3, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California Home Energy Choice Act
Energy and environmentAB 2313 creates a voluntary electrification incentive when a home’s gas service line is due for replacement.
The Ballot California DeskOct 2, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs immigration bills challenging Trump tactics
ImmigrationThe California governor signed measures intended to protect immigrant communities and counter immigration tactics associated with Trump.
The Ballot California DeskSep 30, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs 10 firearm-related laws
Public safetyThe governor described the 10 new laws as gun-safety measures, while Guns.com characterized them as restrictions on guns.
The Ballot California DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
California governor signs marijuana policy bills
Elections and votingThe new laws address marijuana testing, product tracking and consumers’ access to information.
The Ballot California DeskSep 29, 2026
News · CA
Five races highlighted in California’s 2026 elections
Elections and votingCalifornia voters will choose statewide officers and representatives to Congress in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
The Ballot California DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs California gun-safety bill package
Public safetyThe new laws address firearm storage, protective orders, state reporting, youth cases, violence prevention and 3D-printed guns.
The Ballot California DeskSep 28, 2026
News · CA
California court orders return of 650,000 seized ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court directed the Riverside sheriff to return 650,000 ballots that had been seized.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026
News · CA
California expands species permits for renewable projects
Energy and environmentThe governor signed a law broadening species take authorizations for renewable energy projects in California.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs Braun’s Law and DUI bill package
Elections and votingGov. Gavin Newsom signed Braun’s Law and other measures intended to strengthen California’s response to DUI offenses.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs Braun’s Law and DUI bill package
Elections and votingBraun’s Law is part of a group of signed bills aimed at strengthening California’s response to DUI offenders.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026
News · CA
California court orders sheriff to return seized ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court ruled that a sheriff may not continue holding ballots that had been seized.
The Ballot California DeskSep 27, 2026
News · CA
California court orders sheriff to return 650,000 ballots
Elections and votingThe California Supreme Court directed the Riverside County sheriff to give back 650,000 ballots the office had seized.
The Ballot California DeskSep 26, 2026
News · CA
Why California declared an emergency ahead of El Niño
Energy and environmentGov. Gavin Newsom’s order lets California prepare state personnel, equipment and infrastructure for possible winter flooding and landslides.
The Ballot California DeskSep 25, 2026
News · CA
California senator seeks tax to deter gas price gouging
Economy and jobsThe proposal would use a tax to discourage price gouging at gasoline pumps, with its impact depending on how lawmakers structure it.
The Ballot California DeskSep 25, 2026
News · CA
California voter ID argument centers on election rules
Elections and votingA Los Angeles Times contributor is urging California to adopt an identification law intended to ensure votes count.
The Ballot California DeskSep 24, 2026
News · CA
Newsom orders review of tougher California AI safeguards
Economy and jobsThe California review will consider stronger AI safety rules, including mechanisms that could halt an AI system’s operation.
The Ballot California DeskSep 22, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs law naming Sept. 25 Dolly Parton Day
Elections and votingCalifornia will recognize the late country star with a commemorative day established in state law.
The Ballot California DeskSep 21, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs bill on military deployment authority
Elections and votingThe California measure is intended to protect state sovereignty and guard against military deployments that lack authorization.
The Ballot California DeskSep 21, 2026
News · CA
Governor signs California Voting Rights Act of 2026
Elections and votingSenator Cervantes is championing the newly signed measure, which concerns elections and voting in California.
The Ballot California DeskSep 21, 2026
News · CA
Newsom signs bills limiting election interference
Elections and votingThe California laws seek to restrict law enforcement interference with ballots and election administration before November.
The Ballot California DeskSep 21, 2026