Voters across California will head to the polls on Nov. 4 in a statewide special election to decide whether to temporarily shift redistricting authority from the state’s independent commission to the Legislature.
The election features a single ballot measure: Proposition 50, which, if approved, would adopt a new congressional map drawn by lawmakers before the 2030 census.
This would possibly reshape what party will represent each district; meaning, for Democrats, it would add seats and for Republicans, it would take away seats. Republicans currently hold nine seats, which is fewer than in previous years.
The special election is a result of the Texas Legislature redrawing their maps to take seats away from Democrats after Gov. Greg Abbott approved the redistricting for his state.
As a response, California said it would do the same thing, but take seats away from Republicans. The new map is expected to take nine seats down to four if it’s passed.
Supporters, like Gov. Gavin Newsom and most democrats, argue it is a response to recent partisan mapmaking in Texas. Opponents say it undermines the nonpartisan process voters approved in 2010.
The special election was authorized after the Legislature passed a suite of bills enabling the ballot measure and implementing the proposed map. Newsom signed the legislation in August.
As mandated by state law, all active registered voters will receive mail-in ballots beginning in early October. Early in-person voting and ballot drop boxes will be available in most counties. Military and overseas ballots are currently being transmitted.
