News Updates

November 4th Special Election Could Alter the Future of Fair Elections in California

Californians face a pivotal decision on November 4th: whether to preserve the independence of fair elections or allow politicians to take back control. Proposition 50 is being sold as a “temporary fix,” but in reality, it is a dangerous power grab that undermines voter-approved reforms and paves the way for election rigging.

A Threat to Voter Power

In 2008 and 2010, California voters—Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike—approved ballot measures creating an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The goal was clear: stop partisan gerrymandering and put voters, not politicians, in charge of drawing legislative and congressional districts.

Proposition 50 would suspend that system and hand redistricting power back to state lawmakers. This move would undo one of the most important voter-led reforms in California’s history and re-open the door to political manipulation of electoral maps.

Why Prop 50 is bad for California

• • It overturns voter-approved reforms: Californians voted twice for an independent commission to keep politicians out of redistricting. Prop 50 reverses that decision and puts power back in the hands of Sacramento politicians. 
  • Concentrates Power in Politicians’ Hands: Instead of citizens deciding fair district boundaries, Sacramento politicians would regain the ability to carve out “safe seats” for themselves.
  • Erodes Public Trust: Allowing lawmakers to rewrite the rules mid-decade creates the appearance—and the reality—of rigged elections.
  • Dilutes Minority Representation:Mid-cycle map changes often diminish the voice of minority communities, undermining decades of progress in civil rights protections.
  • Fuels Polarization: Gerrymandered districts create fewer competitive races, leaving politicians catering only to partisan extremes instead of working across the aisle.
  • Wastes Taxpayer Resources: The independent commission already exists, already works, and already protects fairness. Suspending it for short-term political gain is costly and unnecessary.
  • It destroys accountability:Independent redistricting was created to stop politicians from protecting themselves. Prop 50 gives them that power back, eroding checks and balances.
  • It hurts trust in democracy: When voters can’t trust the system, turnout drops and cynicism grows. Prop 50 is a step backwards for fair and transparent elections.

Gerrymandering: A Political Tool, Not a Democratic Value

“Gerrymandering” refers to drawing district lines to benefit one political party or protect incumbents. It’s a practice the U.S. Supreme Court has long battled against. In Reynolds v. Simms (1964), the Court affirmed that legislative districts must uphold the Equal Protection Clause, ensuring equal representation.

By allowing mid-cycle redistricting, Prop 50 defies that principle. Once politicians start changing maps whenever it suits them, every election becomes a rigged contest, and voters lose the very foundation of democracy—fair representation.

Warnings From Leaders

California Republicans have already sounded the alarm. State Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) declared, “If anybody’s rigging the election, it’s Gavin Newsom. What he wants is to make sure we have no competitive elections in California and have a predetermined outcome.”

Even President Donald Trump warned of legal action, stating, “I think I’m going to be filing a lawsuit pretty soon, and I think we’re going to be very successful.”

A Step Backward

The independent redistricting commission was created precisely to prevent this kind of political abuse. Proposition 50 threatens to undo that progress. It’s not just about one election—it’s about whether Californians will allow their hard-fought reforms to be reversed for partisan gain.

The Bottom Line

Prop 50 is more than a “procedural” change. It’s an attack on voter power, minority representation, and the integrity of California’s elections.

On November 4th, Californians have a choice: allow politicians to rewrite the rules in their favor—or stand up for fair elections.

Send a clear message: NO on Proposition 50. Defend democracy. Protect your vote.