Californians hit the polls on Super Tuesday to cast their votes in a series of hotly contested races, including the bid for US President, the contentious US Senate seat, and a slew of local positions such as LA County DA and assorted US House seats. The "top-two" primary system in place, a unique feature of the California elections, pits candidates against each other regardless of their party affiliations, with only the top two contenders slated to advance to the November general election, according to a report by FOX LA.
Nationally, attention is glued on the Democratic and Republican frontrunners, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, as they eye potential victories to strengthen their positions for an anticipated general election showdown. Nikki Haley, struggling to gain traction in the GOP, finds herself squeezed out in states loyal to Trump. With a massive delegate prize on the line, candidates are gunning for a victory in California, though the Golden State's outcome won't immediately crown a "presumptive nominee" for either party. Rather, as FOX LA notes, that moment could come for Trump as early as March 12 and for Biden on March 19.
The race to fill the late Senator Dianne Feinstein's boots has turned into a four-way dance at the top of the polls. Democratic U.S. Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee are vying for the seat, alongside Republican hopeful and former Los Angeles Dodger Steve Garvey. Schiff was an early favorite, but a Berkeley IGS poll released on March 1 revealed a close race, with Garvey and Schiff in a statistical tie. This year, voters have the unique task of deciding on two separate votes for the Senate seat - one for Feinstein's remaining months and another for the full term commencing January 2025.
The statewide ballot measure, Prop. 1, is another critical issue Californians are weighing in on. Governor Gavin Newsom backs the proposition, which aims to revamp the state's mental health system and mitigate the homelessness crisis. If passed, Prop. 1 would grant the state more control over the nearly $2 billion to $3 billion in annual revenue from a tax on millionaires enacted in 2004, which currently finances county-level mental health services. The measure also proposes borrowing $6.38 billion to fund housing and treatment beds, with significant allocations for veterans. The specifics of Prop. 1, including the construction of thousands of housing units and an expansion of treatment beds, could dramatically influence the state's approach to its mental health and homelessness challenges, FOX LA reported.
Local races are just as heated, with the LA County District Attorney's race featuring eleven candidates challenging the current DA, George Gascón. Critics argue for a leadership overhaul in the DA's office, a sentiment echoed by 51% of likely LA County voters, who disapprove of Gascón's performance, according to the California Elections and Policy Poll. A USC Dornsife/Price Center poll had Gascón in the lead at 15%, but most voters remain undecided.
For LA County residents, the Measure HLA proposition is pivotal, poised to transform city streets to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety if approved. HLA would enforce the city's Mobility Plan 2035 and create transparency through a public tracking website, while also empowering citizens to take legal action should the city fail to comply.
With polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Californians have a clear window to exercise their right to vote. Registration for this primary closed on February 20, yet same-day voter registration is available for those who still wish to participate. Voting locations and ballot drop boxes were accessible through a QR code provided in the ‘Official Sample Ballot’ or via the SOS website.
