Proposition 50: What You Need to Know Before Nov. 4
Your vote is your power. On Election Day, Californians will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that could shape how our congressional districts are drawn for the rest of the decade.
What you need to know to vote in California’s Nov. 4 special election on redistricting via Cal Matters
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September 15, 2025
All eyes are on California this fall as voters decide whether to approve Proposition 50, a partisan gerrymandering plan with significant stakes far beyond California’s borders — for control of the federal government, for President Donald Trump’s agenda and for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions.
Proposition 50 is the only measure on the statewide Nov. 4 special election ballot. If voters approve it, California would temporarily set aside its nonpartisan citizen redistricting commission and adopt new congressional lines that favor Democrats for the next three election cycles.
Here’s what your vote would mean:
Voting “YES” means: You want California to redraw its congressional districts to give Democrats a potential advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives. This would counter redistricting efforts in other states seeking to give Republicans an advantage.
Voting “NO” means: You want California’s congressional district lines to remain the same, as they were drawn by the state’s nonpartisan citizen redistricting commission.
OCT 6 | Your county elections office will begin mailing out Nov. 4 ballots. You can also pick up a ballot (or vote) at an Early Voting site. |
OCT 7 | Secure ballot drop-off boxes open |
OCT 20 | Last day to register to vote online for the special election. After Oct. 20, to register or re-register to vote, you must complete same-day voter registration and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. |
OCT 25 | Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties |
NOV 4 | SPECIAL ELECTION 2025 |
Recent Election News
What you need to know to vote in California’s Nov. 4 special election on redistricting via Cal Matters
September 15, 2025 – All eyes are on California this fall as voters decide whether to approve Proposition 50, a partisan gerrymandering plan with significant stakes far beyond California’s borders — for control of the federal government, for President Donald Trump’s agenda and for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions.
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