On Tuesday, November 4 (week 11 of the fall semester), California will hold a statewide special election for Proposition 50. 

Whether it be on a billboard on the freeway or an unskippable ad on YouTube, you may have run into someone advocating for support or opposition to Prop 50.

The intent and purpose of this proposition is clear in its title: “Authorizes Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps in Response to Texas’ Partisan Redistricting. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.”

Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau collects data and conducts research on the nation’s population, including each state. States use the census results to redistrict fair congressional districts satisfying federal guidelines, specifically in accordance with the 1965 Voting Rights Act regarding race.

The majority of states redistrict through their own state legislatures drawing up the lines. California is one of ten states that delegate redistricting to an independent redistricting committee called the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC).

In August, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill from the Texas State Legislature approving early redistricting of its congressional districts.

Now, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democrats seek to respond by having their own early redistricting. California’s redistricting sees various tweaks in districts across the states, but also critical changes that threaten at least five Republican held seats.

So, what are the two sides pushing for Proposition 50?

FOR: California Democrats, Governor Gavin Newsom

The main argument for Prop 50 advocates that it is necessary to stop President Donald Trump from stealing the 2026 midterm election. Historically, the president’s party always loses seats in Congress, but redistricting by Texas Republicans negates that effect by dividing up districts that would have voted Democrat. Additionally, Prop 50 advocates reassure that the congressional districts are only temporary until the next census in 2030. 

AGAINST: California Republicans, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charles Thomas Munger Jr.

Opponents of Prop 50 focus on the proposition circumventing how redistricting in California works through the CCRC, how much it would cost to enact these changes, and accusations of hypocrisy by engaging in the same election fixing that the proposers of Prop 50 accuse Texas of. 

Those critical of President Trump contend Newsom and California state representatives’ decision to use Prop 50 to stand against him believe this is incorrect and detrimental to California’s constitutional consistency.

Local Effect

In  APU’s home city of Azusa, Prop 50’s effect is clear: A part of California Congressional District 31, the district will expand south-east to include the city of Chino.

Never have the two cities in recent history been in the same congressional district. 

It seems legislators simply followed the 71 south to create CA-31’s new boundary.

It does not seem this change favors the Republicans. CA-31 will likely continue to be Democrat, as it has been since 2012.

Voting

Citizens of California can check if they are registered to vote through voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. 

The state is mail-in-ballot friendly, so options are available for voters who are unable to vote in person.

Be sure to watch and read both proponents and opponents of Prop 50 to see what truly aligns with your beliefs.

Voting is not only a right, but it is a privilege to challenge yourself with two opposing political views and decide on your own terms the one you best agree with. 

It is only a few more weeks until the November 4 election date comes, so start your research and inquiries now.