If you have been reading the news, or even just walking around campus, you might have heard of the upcoming special election in CA. Unlike a traditional, planned election, there is only one thing on the ballot — Proposition 50.
As it’s written on the ballot, “Prop 50 authorizes temporary changes to congressional district maps in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting.” Similar to most CA ballot props, the language could be simpler and more context might be needed to determine if you should vote YES or NO.
First, let’s revisit what Prop 50 is, why it is on our ballot, and who led the effort to get it there.
Prop 50, also termed the “Election Rigging Response Act,” is a temporary change to the way California undergoes their congressional redistricting. Currently, California is one of only 8 states whose redistricting is decided by an independent commission. That means that our maps are drawn without any regard to how many Democrats or Republicans might reside in each district. The intention of the independent commission is to draw districts which reflect the best interests of those within them.
Prop 50, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is in response to Texas’ recent overhaul of their congressional maps.
In response to a request from President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas state legislature pushed through new congressional maps that aim to flip 5 seats in Congress in favor of Republicans. Typically congressional districts are redrawn every 10 years to coincide with the census: this act in Texas is a departure from the normal process.
Newsom’s bill to change California’s congressional maps is in direct response to Texas’ partisan redistricting. Unlike Texas, Prop 50 is temporary, handing the reins back to the independent commission in 2030, just in time for the next planned redistricting. The proposed maps going along with Prop 50 aim to flip 5 seats in favor of Democrats, to directly make up for those that might be lost in Texas.
So, to conclude:
A YES vote is a vote to allow California to redraw its district maps to give Democrats an advantage in a few congressional races, in response to the efforts made by Republicans in other states to do the same.
A NO vote is a vote to keep California’s independent commission’s current district maps. This might result in an advantage for Republicans in their efforts to keep their majority in the House.
For more information from unbiased resources, take a look at CalMatters or the CA voter’s guide. Regardless if you are planning to vote YES or NO, it’s an important election.
If you are registered to vote in CA, you should have received your mail-in ballot by now. You can drop this off at a local drop box or mail it back as long as it is postmarked no later than Nov. 4. Luckily for Foothill students, there is a drop box on campus by Lot 8 and the 8000 buildings. If dropping it off on campus is inconvenient for any reason, you can find your local ballot drops and polling places here.
If you are not yet registered in California, do not worry! Luckily, California offers same day voter registration. For more information on registering to vote within the 14-day period leading up to Nov. 4, look here. The closest location to Foothill for same day voters registration is the Woodland Branch Library, located at 1975 Grant Rd, Los Altos, CA.
