Campaigns

Campaigns cover the initiatives, races, and ballot questions where independent-minded voters could decide the outcome. IVN.us reports on contests at every level, from local measures to statewide elections, with nonpartisan coverage and information so independent-minded voters can make informed choices.

No, You Don’t Need to Register with a Party to Vote in California’s Primary

When Independent Voter posted a series of videos about primary turnout on its Facebook page, the comments revealed a startling reality: Many voters think California’s semi-closed presidential primary rules apply to the 2026 midterm elections.

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 19, 2026

Every registered California voter can participate in the June 2 Top Two primary election

A Top-Two Democrat Race for Governor? In California, That May Be What a Healthy Democracy Actually Looks Like

The state’s nonpartisan Top-Two primary was never designed to produce a Democrat vs. Republican Race or to prevent two Democrats or two Republicans from being in the final contest.

Steve Peace and Dan Howle

/ May 19, 2026

A potential two-Democrat California governor's race has some people concerned, but what if this is what voters want?

Independent Power Watch: Candidates Rise as Voters Sour on Both Parties

Independent candidates surge in several states, while 30% of independent voters are so unhappy with their choices that they plan to sit out the midterm election entirely.

Matt Shinners

/ May 18, 2026

Independent Power Watch: Candidates Rise as Voters Sour on Both Parties

'Brazen and Unlawful': California GOP Tells Republican Carl DeMaio to Stop Deceiving Primary Voters

While California voters are making their decisions ahead of the June 2 primary election, the state Republican Party has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, one of its own, over mailers the party says is a “calculated deception."

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 17, 2026

The California Republican Party is accusing Assemblymember Carl DeMaio of intentionally deceiving primary voters with mailers and website.

Latinos Will Be the Most Powerful Voting Bloc, Once They Start Voting in Primaries

California’s nonpartisan primary system is built around a simple promise: Every voter gets a say. But, not every voter takes advantage of this. There is a noticeable turnout gap with Latino voters, in particular, who could completely reshape the electoral landscape if they participate.

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 15, 2026

A large crowd of diverse protesters rally in downtown Los Angeles.

Nebraska's Senate Race Is a Mess – And We Have Our Voting System To Thank

How first-past-the-post voting turned a primary election into accusations of planted candidates, strategic surrenders, and a Democrat who ran to withdraw.

Matt Shinners

/ May 14, 2026

Dan Osborn is running as an independent in the 2026 Nebraska Senate race.

Los latinos serán el bloque de votantes más poderoso, en cuanto empiecen a votar en las primarias

El sistema de primarias no partidistas de California está construido sobre una promesa muy sencilla: cada votante tiene voz. Pero no todos los votantes aprovechan esto.

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 14, 2026

Los latinos serán el bloque de votantes más poderoso, en cuanto empiecen a votar en las primarias

NEW POLL: Pratt and Becerra Lead Among Los Angeles General Election Voters

If the November general election were held today with the same electorate that turned out in 2022, Spencer Pratt would lead at 27%, followed by Karen Bass at 24% and Nithya Raman at 23%.

IVN Editorial Board

/ May 12, 2026

Spencer Pratt (left) is currently leading among general election voters in the Los Angeles mayor's race.

California Nonpartisan Primary is Throwing a Wrench in the Democratic Party’s Prop 50 Gerrymandering Effort

The national story is about which party gains seats. However, this obscures the local impact. Even if temporary, many voters in California will not have the same voting power they had in previous election cycles.

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 12, 2026

California Nonpartisan Primary is Throwing a Wrench in the Democratic Party’s Prop 50 Gerrymandering Effort

California’s Election Referee Is on the Ballot – And Almost No One Is Watching

Mail-in ballots are out, and voting has begun in California’s June 2 primary. This election, though, is not just about who wins power. It is also a fight over who voters trust to run the system.

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 11, 2026

California election office with mail ballots, ballot drop box, and election administration checklist representing the secretary of state race and voter trust.

Both Parties Are Fundraising Off a California Primary Crisis that Polls Show Doesn’t Exist

The message from party leaders on both sides is predicated on a hypothetical – a “doomsday scenario” that will scare their voters into thinking the worst possible outcome will happen if they don’t “chip in.”

Shawn Griffiths

/ May 7, 2026

Xavier Becerra rally in California governor race.

California Governor Debate Takeaways: What Independent Voters Need to Know

Topic-by-topic takeaways from the final debates in the California governor's race.

Cara Brown McCormick

/ May 7, 2026

California Governor Debate Takeaways: What Independent Voters Need to Know