Choosing a leader is usually about policy. Today, millions of voters are just trying to find someone they can trust.

WHAT HAPPENED

People in California and five other states are voting in primary elections today. Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota are also picking candidates for big jobs. The results will decide who moves on to the final vote in November.

In California, the race for governor is in total chaos. The man who was expected to win, Eric Swalwell, quit the race very recently. He left after people accused him of sexual assault.

California uses a special "top-two" system. This means the two people with the most votes move on, even if they are in the same party. With the front-runner gone, the race is wide open for anyone to take the lead.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

6 states are holding primary elections today.

• 1 top candidate, Eric Swalwell, dropped out of the race.
• 2 winners will move on in California, regardless of their party.
• 5 other states are also picking people for Congress and local offices.
• 1 major city, Los Angeles, is voting for a new mayor.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Does a "top-two" system actually give voters better choices? When a major candidate leaves late in the game, it can leave voters feeling stuck with whoever is left. We should ask if our current way of picking leaders is too fragile when a scandal hits.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The winners from today will start their real campaigns for the fall. In California, we might see two people from the same party fighting for the same job. This could change how candidates talk to voters who do not agree with them on everything.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Who will take the lead now that the main candidate is gone?

• Will voters show up in high numbers despite the mess in the news?
• How will the claims against Swalwell affect other races in the state?