Long ballots often result in voters knowing more about some races than others. This year’s California governor and Los Angeles mayor elections are heated contests. However, several lesser-known races could also have significant consequences. We examine three that deserve attention.
L.A. Superior Court Judge Races
One of the challenging decisions facing voters involves the L.A. Superior Court judge elections. There are 15 races, with 11 being competitive. These judges oversee a broad range of cases:
- All civil cases, including family law, probate, juvenile, and other civil matters.
- All criminal cases, covering felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions such as traffic tickets.
- Small claims cases and appeals of such cases.
- Appeals of civil cases involving $35,000 or less.
- Appeals of infractions and misdemeanor cases.
Source: California Courts Self-Help Guide
Health Care Sales Tax
Health care remains a pressing issue in L.A. County. A proposed half-cent sales tax on the ballot aims to support local hospitals and clinics. This initiative follows a planned reduction of more than $2 billion from the county’s health services budget over three years, attributed to President Trump’s policy changes. While supporters argue the tax is necessary, critics fear it might harm businesses and increase taxpayer burdens.
L.A. County Sheriff Election
The L.A. County sheriff’s role is high-profile and has recently been fraught with controversies. The upcoming election, however, has remained relatively low-key. Robert Luna, seeking a second term, faces seven challengers including his 2022 opponent, Alex Villanueva. The race focuses on issues like jail deaths, deputy morale, recruitment challenges, and departmental oversight.
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