Participate in the California election, it’s already underway

This November 4th is the special election day. You can vote yes or no on Proposition 50, which asks whether California should allow the state Legislature to redraw congressional district maps for the 2026 elections, instead of continuing with the maps drawn up by the Citizens’ Redistricting Commission, an independent body.

A “Yes” vote means approving this temporary change.

A “No” vote means maintaining the current system until the next census (2030).

It’s important that you participate in this decision. You still have these days and the election day itself, November 4th. Voting has begun, and more than 23 million Californians have their ballots.

Approximately 5 million have already voted, and millions more are expected to participate and make their voices heard by voting before Election Day through early voting, either in person at drop boxes or by mail.

To exercise this right, it is important to remember to verify your registration.

You still have time; California allows registrations up until Election Day, but your vote will be marked as provisional and will not be counted until after your registration is validated.

Every registered voter in California has received a ballot by mail for the election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Ballot boxes have been available since Tuesday, October 7.

Ballots can be returned by mail, to a ballot box, or to your county election office.

If you chose to mail your ballot, you can do so from anywhere, as long as the ballot is postmarked on or before November 4 and is received no later than November 12.

Remember that the ballot only has one question, which you must answer by marking yes or no.

“Should the State Legislature be authorized to temporarily adopt new congressional district maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 federal elections, replacing the current maps produced by the Citizens Redistricting Commission, until the 2030 census is completed?”

Remember to submit your ballot by mail. It must be postmarked on or before November 4 and received by November 12. Alternatively, you can drop it off at an official ballot drop box or voting center.

If you prefer to vote in person, voting centers will be open from Saturday, November 1, through Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

It is very important to remember that your participation matters. Your vote not only gives you a voice but also gives a voice to those who do not have the right to vote.

The proposal promoted by California Governor Gavin Newsom is a temporary measure, and the new maps, if approved, would be in use until after the 2030 census, when the independent commission resumes the redistricting process.

You can participate and explain why this measure impacts how congressional districts are drawn, specifically in the U.S. House of Representatives, and could change which parties or what type of representatives are elected.

As you know, Proposition 50 arose after the Texas Legislature changed district maps to favor Republicans, and California has stated that this measure is a response to level the playing field.

While supporters say it is necessary to protect democracy and that it is a consultation with the people that would reflect the will of the voters in congressional representation, opponents argue that it weakens the commitment to nonpartisan maps.

That’s why it’s important to make your voice heard and participate, because this is one of the few state measures where California voters decide something that has a direct impact on federal policy.

Don’t forget to vote in the election next Tuesday, November 4th, and make sure your ballot is received before the deadline required by state law to be valid.