Guide to Election 2014: What you need to know
Are you ready for Election Day? Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Completed ballots, including vote-by-mail ballots, must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Find your polling place here.
Top 7 races to watch
▪ 7th Congressional District: Freshman Rep. Ami Bera and former Rep. Doug Ose face off in a nationally watched race.
▪ Sacramento Measure L: The strong-mayor ballot measure would change the way things work at City Hall.
▪ Superintendent of Public Instruction: Incumbent Tom Torlakson faces a challenge from political newcomer Marshall Tuck.
▪ Proposition 1, water bonds: Should the state sell $7.5 billion in general obligation bonds to fund water-related programs?
▪ 6th Senate District: Democrats Richard Pan and Roger Dickinson compete to replace Sen. Darrell Steinberg in the California Senate.
▪ Sacramento City schools: The Sacramento City Teachers Association is seeking to remake the board after battles with district leaders over seniority protections, contract negotiations, teacher evaluations and a shift in health insurers.
▪ U.S. Senate control: Republicans need a gain of six seats to capture the majority.
Election coverage
On Election Day, get results and expert analysis from The Sacramento Bee’s political team. Stay up to date with election coverage at Sacbee.com wherever you are, from whatever device you choose: desktop/laptop, tablet, smartphone or app (iPhone, iPad, Android).
▪ Voting results: Get instant updates shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m. Choose the races you want to track: Congress, state races and propositions, local races and measures.
▪ Live blog: Chat live with columnists Dan Walters and Marcos Breton as election night unfolds. Stay up to date with key races in the Sacramento region, across California, and in the nation.
▪ Expert analysis: Go beyond the results for the real story. The Sacramento Bee’s political team will analyze the results as they come in. Get their expert analysis in stories and video.
▪ Interactive map: Track the contest for control of the U.S. Senate.
Key resources for voters
Use these resources from The Sacramento Bee as you cast your ballot and follow election results.
▪ Voter Guide 2014: Enter your address to create a personalized sample ballot. Learn about the issues and candidates.
▪ Election endorsements: Recommendations from The Sacramento Bee editorial board.
▪ Ad Watch: Truth-checking the campaign ads, from The Bee’s Capitol Bureau.
▪ Pick Your Candidate: Who are all those people on the ballot? Do they represent your views? Here’s how to find compatible legislative and congressional candidates.
▪ Follow the money: California legislative battles.
For more information
▪ Secretary of state elections & voter information
This story was originally published October 25, 2014 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Guide to Election 2014: What you need to know."