For many, this special election on Proposition 50 isn’t just about lines on a map. It’s about making their voices heard during a tense political moment.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gloomy skies and a breeze Sunday didn’t keep voters away from Sacramento’s Oak Park Community Vote Center this weekend, the first when in-person vote centers opened for California’s special election to redraw congressional districts.
“I was definitely excited to get my ballot in,” said a Sacramento County voter.
For many, this special election on Proposition 50 isn’t just about lines on a map. It’s about making their voices heard during a tense political moment.
“I definitely had reservations about the long term,” said that same voter. “This feels like high stakes. It feels like this has become a much more important election.”
More than 23 million ballots were sent to Californians, and Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data, Inc., says as of Friday, more than four million have already been returned.
“That 4 million is essentially on pace or even a little bit better than the 2024 general election. But we don’t expect the final turnout to be close to the presidential turnout. We expect turnout to be around 50 percent statewide,” Mitchell said. “That amount coming in early probably has to do with the fact that there is only one issue on the ballot,” he added.
Mitchell’s firm, Redistricting Partners, was hired to draw the Proposition 50 maps a few months ago. Now, with that work complete, he is analyzing early turnout numbers.
“One striking thing in the data so far: young Latinos are at 5% turnout statewide, whereas older white seniors are over 30%, almost 40% turnout statewide,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell adds, voters shouldn’t wait until Election day to vote.
“It’s always best to vote early, because what happens if there is an unexpected shower on Election Day? What happens if a kids’ soccer game goes late, or you are left to cover for somebody at work?”
Vote centers are prepared for the surge in ballots, with staff ready to help voters fix any issues.
“Definitely come in. We can reissue a new one,” said Macie Chervunkong, Oak Park Vote Center inspector supervisor. “I do want people to exercise their rights and to come out and make a difference,” she added.
With just over a week left until Election Day, the message is clear: vote early, before weather or life gets in the way.