California voters are preparing for a pivotal special election that may affect congressional boundaries, with mail-in ballots already being returned.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is two weeks away from a special election that could temporarily redraw the state’s congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
With ballots already being returned, both the “Yes on Proposition 50” and “No on Proposition 50” campaigns are ramping up efforts as Election Day approaches on Nov. 4.
“California, the whole nation is counting on you. Democracy is on the ballot November 4,” one campaign ad urged, while another told voters to “sign it, seal it and vote no on Prop 50.”
“It’s still competitive, and it’s not done, which is why you see the governor’s operation continue to put their pedal to the metal,” said Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta.
Amy Thoma Tan, spokesperson for the No on Prop 50 campaign, said her side is confident as voters learn more about the measure.
“Speaking to voters, and we feel good that once they really dive in and learn the particulars of what this does, they’ll vote no on Prop 50,” she said.
According to the California Secretary of State’s Office, more than 2.5 million ballots have been received and counted as of Tuesday morning — about a 10% return rate so far.
“Special elections in California tend to be more partisan,” Thoma Tan said. “They tend to be more highly educated, whiter, more partisan electorate.”
According to Political Data Inc., older voters have turned out at higher rates, with those 65 and older leading participation, followed by those aged 50 to 64. White voters currently make up the only group in double-digit turnout percentages.
“This is a world where if people aren’t paying attention to this, and we’re two weeks out, I’m not sure what magic you have to get them to pay attention,” Acosta said.
A survey by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report earlier this month found that 50% of registered voters said they would support Proposition 50, 35% oppose it, and nearly half said they are undecided or only loosely committed to their choice.
“If you want to have your voice heard, make sure you go out and vote,” said data scientist and demographer Fabian Valdez Jr.
State officials say ballots will be counted if postmarked by Election Day, but they are asking voters — particularly in rural and urban areas including the Central Valley, Central Coast and Palm Springs — to send them early.
“If you live in a certain area, the postal office is saying kind of remote — that’s six or seven areas — that you may not have your ballot stamped on the day of the election,” said California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
Voters who missed Monday’s registration deadline can still cast ballots through same-day or conditional registration at county elections offices, vote centers or polling places. More information is available at sos.ca.gov.
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