Public Policy Institute of California

California has long relied heavily on voting by mail, and since 2015 the state has counted mail ballots that arrive within a post-election time frame—currently set to 7 days—as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day. This policy has saved thousands of ballots from being rejected as late. But the share of ballots rejected for lateness has been rising in r...

Recent federal policy changes have imposed new requirements on a broad group of adults with CalFresh. In this changing environment, how can state policymakers comply with federal rules while helping low-income adults maintain food assistance and achieve employment goals? PPIC researchers will discuss their findings from a new report.

California’s political geography reflects both growing national polarization and enduring regional differences. Using survey data and sophisticated modeling to estimate public opinion across 46 areas of the state, this report shows that while partisan alignment increasingly shapes views on major issues, Californians broadly agree on several policy topics....

Heading into November, several issues and concerns weigh heavily on voters’ minds. From living costs and immigration to climate change and abortion, Californians will go to the ballot hoping to elect leaders who will represent their interests and improve their communities.

How do Californians’ political views differ across state? Using PPIC Statewide Survey data...

CalFresh helps low-income families afford groceries and stabilize budgets; it also has the potential to improve economic mobility. In 2025, federal legislation (HR1) made significant changes to the program. In particular, the legislation’s expansion of strict time limits could reduce access to CalFresh even for many who are workers. To inform efforts to h...