Proposition 50

As the midterm elections rapidly approach, most young voters don’t know what they're voting for. Proposition 50 is the only point of the special election, as advertisements are all over the internet both for the proposition and strongly against it. 

The “Election Rigging Response Act”, or Prop 50 as it is more commonly known, is a direct response to redistricting efforts in the state of Texas. If it is approved during the election, which is happening on November 4, it would allow California to obtain a temporary Congressional District Map. It will be drawn by the state legislators and will run from 2026-2030 with the normal redistricting process resuming in 2031. 

A CDM is the division of districts within the state. A representative is selected from each district to have a say in both the legislative portions and laws within the state. Changing the CDM will only change the areas that are represented rather than the number of representatives. 

Among the ad campaigns that are running rampant on sites like YouTube, the majority of ads are supporting the proposition. Around 75% of the funding–about $97 million–is from the supporting side of the proposition. The other 25%, around 41 million dollars, is on the opposing side. 

If you want to vote yes, then you will be supporting the temporary redistricting of California. It is an active response to gerrymandering in states like Texas, which is changing the Congressional districts in favor of  fully Republican legislation within the state. 

If you vote no to Prop 50, then you are against the temporary change. You will support the continued usage of the current congressional map until 2031. People who are voting no on Prop 50 believe the act will change California’s golden standard of fair elections. 

In conclusion, make sure to vote for the side you believe in (if you are the legal age of 18) in the upcoming election. Every vote counts in the election, and your vote can make a huge difference in this upcoming election. Remember that you’re voting for not only yourself but others as well.