Election Reporter (Temporary)

Detroit Institute of Arts; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles Times is seeking a temporary reporter to cover 2026 election coverage with a focus on local races and the aftermath of results across the region. The successful candidate should be able to report breaking news on deadline and write longer‑term stories on topics including post‑fire recovery, homelessness and elections.

The reporter will regularly collaborate with others, including writers covering Los Angeles County, Sacramento and breaking news.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of journalism experience.
• Excellent skills in news writing and reporting, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style and deep knowledge of taste and legal considerations.
• Ability to foster excellent communication with peers, supervisors and the newsroom.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to navigate digital platforms and stay on top of current events.
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy and precision.
• An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration.
• Comfortable appearing on TV, radio and podcasts on behalf of the L.A. Times.

Responsibilities

• Report and write stories about local politics, including breaking news, enterprise stories and voter guides.
• Cultivate sources and contacts to aid in the execution of a range of stories.
• Identify unique angles that will advance a news story beyond what other outlets have already reported.
• Write engaging headlines and SEO components that are lively and conversational in tone (when appropriate) with a digital, diverse audience in mind.
• Work with fellow writers, editors, audience engagement staff and other reporters to achieve department and organizational goals.

Skills

News writing

Deadline reporting

Digital platforms

Communication

Ethical & inclusive

TV/radio/podcasts

Tools

SEO writing

Job description

The Los Angeles Times has an opening for a temporary reporter to work on 2026 election coverage, with a focus on local races and the aftermath of results across the region.

The successful candidate should have a strong interest in local politics and digging deeply into Los Angeles and the county's massive bureaucracies. They should be able to report breaking news on deadline and write longer‑term stories on a variety of topics, including post‑fire recovery, homelessness and elections.

The reporter will regularly collaborate with others, including writers covering Los Angeles County, Sacramento and breaking news. Experience covering L.A. city and county government is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Report and write stories about local politics, including breaking news, enterprise stories and voter guides
• Cultivate sources and contacts to aid in the execution of a range of stories
• Identify unique angles that will advance a news story beyond what other outlets have already reported
• Write engaging headlines and SEO components that are lively and conversational in tone (when appropriate) with a digital, diverse audience in mind
• Work with fellow writers, editors, audience engagement staff and other reporters to achieve department and organizational goals

Requirements:

• A minimum of five years of journalism experience
• Excellent skills in news writing and reporting, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style and deep knowledge of taste and legal considerations
• Ability to foster excellent communication with peers, supervisors and the newsroom
• Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks in a deadline‑driven environment
• Ability to navigate digital platforms and stay on top of current events
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy and precision
• An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration
• Comfortable appearing on TV, radio and podcasts on behalf of the L.A. Times

This temporary position will be based in El Segundo, Calif., and downtown Los Angeles. It is expected to last 60 days, with occasional night and weekend work. Reporters must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in good working condition, with suitable auto insurance coverage.