On Tuesday Nov. 4, California voters across the state cast their votes. There is only one issue on the ballot in this year’s special election: Proposition 50. At the time of reporting, polls have closed and there is a clear result that California voters are in favor of this proposition and that it will pass.
“Voting is such an empowering thing to do,” freshman Annie Jeong said. “Being able to join others in an effort to express your opinion and make a difference in our state and country is something that I look forward to,”
Every 10 years, California redraws its district lines based on changes in population recorded through the U.S. Census Bureau, and the last time this occurred was in 2020. These districts determine what neighborhoods vote together to decide members of Congress, and if Proposition 50 goes through, California may gain up to five more Democratic Congress members.
Proposition 50, however, changes this system. Instead of the districts being drawn by the California Census Bureau in 2030, they will be redrawn in 2026 by state lawmakers. Then, in 2030, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, a nonpartisan group, will redraw them again.
“The changes in the districts across the country will amplify uncertainty in students because the district lines will be different in 2026 than they were in 2024,” Community Life Chair Michael Buckley said. “Since this is happening all over the country, it will cause more uncertainty until the congressional midterm election in 2026, because we will not know the effects of the proposition until the election.”
The proposition was written in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting. The Democratic voters who support this proposition want to redistrict California to counteract the redistricting of Texas and other primarily Republican states.
“Voting is a good opportunity because I feel like I have more responsibility,” senior Adania Cooper said. “It is a chance to put myself out there.”
With the breaking news of this passed proposition, it shows the influence that peaceful protesting can have. The numerous No Kings protests across California promoted this proposition, and increased visibility on the issue. Awareness on the topics on the ballot in other states are important as well, because if one is informed about the issues, they will be a better voter.
“Even though I can’t vote yet, I’m excited about my chance to influence the election for the first time,” Jeong said. “It is inspiring to see what a difference you can make through a single vote.”
