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# LA Elections In June: Now A Decisive Civic Duty, Not A Spectator Sport
May 11 2026
Written by NICK PATSAOURAS.
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NICK'S VIEW - In under thirty days we will have the opportunity in the scheduled Los Angeles city elections of June 2, 2026, to vote, a right earned and safeguarded through historical struggles that places a heavy civic responsibility on our shoulders. Without our participation, the system collapses.
Democracy demands participation, not observation. It is a dynamic practice, not a spectator sport. And voting is an active part of the maintenance work that keeps democracy alive.
More than ever, it is critical that we participate in voting. Abstaining reduces the representativeness of the system and increases its susceptibility to manipulation. This can create vulnerabilities that may ultimately be advantageous for extremists.
In summary, voting is a civic responsibility that upholds legitimacy, fosters greater public trust, and enables clearer mandates. The process is not contingent upon ‘liking’ candidate; rather, it ensures the effective operation of self-governance and allows individual perspectives to influence the broader community.
Be certain, however, that a vote matters most when it follows a clear-eyed review of the candidate. We must take the time to examine each candidate — their record, their character, and the consequences of the power they seek if elected. When we vote we should not just choose, we must evaluate, and that is the part of democracy that gets lost in the noise.
I like to use a metaphor to define the voter participating in the voting process: think of yourself as the hiring manager performing due diligence on someone you want to hire for a job that has consequences. Hiring the wrong person can affect millions. Hiring is about substance, not the theatrics of campaigns. By so doing, politics is not something that is done to you, it is something you actively shape.
Begin by determining whether the individual is truly capable of performing the job and comprehends the duties associated with the position. Assess if they possess relevant experience and have shown proficiency in handling people, budgets, emergencies, or complicated systems. Consider their ability to communicate effectively and make decisions under pressure. Finally, keep in mind that competence is not the same as charisma; it is defined by one's capacity to deliver results.
We should review the candidates past decisions for true values, not slogans. Assess whether they accept responsibility, respect opponents, honor commitments, and display courage under pressure—since genuine character is vital in a crisis and hard to fake.
Consider the psychology behind a candidate’s motivations for seeking power. Are they driven by service, problem-solving, or recognition? Do their discussions focus on themselves or the public, and do they demonstrate genuine interest in those they aim to represent?
Judgement is essential to leadership. Assess if candidates have capable advisors, balance interests with their values, recognize priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Public office is not a performance; it demands that candidates understand their responsibilities and respect institutions and the rule of law. Have they demonstrated readiness for these challenges, and will they strengthen or weaken the office? Voters should look past party labels and focus on candidates’ records, temperament, integrity, and ability to handle pressure.
What, particularly, do we look for when we evaluate candidates?
We can start with their career timeline and experience, specifically the length and relevance of prior roles, levels of responsibility, and stability. Do they overstate accomplishments, or were there failures and responsibility shortcomings?
Candidates can be evaluated by looking at laws they have enacted, projects completed, and improvements in safety, transparency, and financial stability. For reelection, review their integrity by comparing promises to results, honesty about failures, transparency in decisions, and respect for the public trust. Did actions align with words?
For candidates’ voting records there are official government websites, and for city council and the county board of supervisors, meeting minutes, agendas, and roll-call votes are usually posted on city or county websites. The state legislature has a legislative portal with searchable bill histories and vote records.
Los Angeles faces critical issues in this election, including rising homelessness and housing costs, public safety challenges, political polarization, budget pressures, crumbling infrastructure, unpreparedness for the Olympics, and lingering distrust from recent corruption scandals.
What a person truly is and what others believe that person to be, is stated sharply by Abraham Lincoln: “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men" Plato
*(Nick Patsaouras is an electrical engineer, civic leader, and a longtime public advocate. He ran for Mayor in 1993 with a focus on rebuilding L.A. through transportation after the 1992 civil unrest. He has served on major public boards, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metro, and the Board of Zoning Appeals, helping guide infrastructure and planning policy in Los Angeles. He is the author of the book "The Making of Modern Los Angeles.")*
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