November 3rd midterm elections are here. California voters are now preparing to decide on a statewide ballot measure and congressional races amid growing tensions between the state and President Donald Trump’s administration over election rules and federal authority.
Midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters elect members of Congress and decide state and local races, influencing which political parties hold power.
In California, voters can not only just elect statewide officials but also County officials and decide on ballot propositions addressing issues that could affect residents across the state.
What’s On The Ballot?
According to CalMatters, California will vote on 14 statewide ballot propositions covering issues such as housing, education, healthcare, taxes as well as leading to competitive races that could influence which party next controls congress. (https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2026/propositions/)
For example, Proposition 1 would authorize $11.25 Billion in bonds to support veterans and housing affordable programs, while Proposition 3 would extend an existing tax on high-income earners to provide continued funding for schools and healthcare. There is also Propositions 39 which would require voters to present government-issued identification when voting.
These measures could affect how state funding is used and what policies California follows. Voters can read nonpartisan explanations of each Proposition through the California Secretary of State’s Quick Guide to Propositions.
The Trump Administrations and California
One major issue surrounding the election is the conflict between Trump administration and California over voter registration records
On October 15 2026, The U.S. Department of Justice sued California, alleging that more than 20,000 people identified by federal agencies were likely noncitizens registered to vote.
The department is seeking to prevent the counting of ballots from individuals it considers potentially ineligible.
Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the federal government’s actions, stating “State-facilitated voter fraud is unacceptable in the United States of America.” (U.S. Department of Justice, “Justice Department Sues State of California over Voter List”)
California officials have challenged the administration’s demands.
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the lawsuit as “a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day.” (Calmatters, “Trump sues california over allegations of noncitzen registering to vote”)
This dispute rasies questions about the balance of power between state and federal government and how elections should be administered.
Both federal and California law requires U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, while state officials are responsible for maintaining voter registration systems and administering elections.
What Does This Mean for Los Angeles County Students?
The election also includes local races and measures that affect Los Angeles County residents. Depending on where you live, voters may see county offices and local measures on their ballots in addition to statewide and congressional contests. These local elections can affect services and public policies such as public health, law enforcements, and other community programs within your community.
County voters will consider 2 Measures:
- Measure A, which would establish a binding arbitration process for certain labor disputes involving county public saftey employees organizations, including firefighters and sheriff’s department employees.
- Measure E would strengthen the independence and investigative powers of the county’s new Ethic Commission, which oversees potential misconduct involving county officials, candidates, lobbyists and contractors (Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk; LAist, 2026 Los Angeles County Voter Guide).
In addition to countywide decisions, some communities will vote on measures specific to their cities and school districts. For example, Bell Gardens voters will decide whether the city of Bell Gardens can sell its municipal water system to Golden State Water Company.
Hacienda La Puente Unified School district voters will consider term limits for school board members, while Balle Lindo School district voters decide on a $9.2 Million School bond intended to improve classrooms, heating and air conditioning systems, restrooms, and other school facilities. (Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Measures Appearing on the November 3rd, 2026 Ballot).
As the midterm elections approach, HPHS students are can be involved in the election process through mock trial elections and voter drives organized at the school. The activity gives students an opportunity to learn about the voting process, become familiar with the candidates, and understand the importance of participating in elections.
For students who are not old enough to vote, the election is still an opportunity to learn about how the government works and how decisions are made. Students can read candidate statements, research ballot propositions, and follow local election coverage to understand how the result can affect your schools and communities.
California residents who are 16 or 17 can preregister to vote and will be automatically registered when they turn 18.
Election Day is here! Understanding the candidates, propositions, and local races helps students and residents better understand the decisions shaping California’s future.
By: Jasmine Prado, News Editor