If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, California’s special election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voters will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that could reshape the state’s congressional districts. Here’s what to know before polls close.
What is Prop 50?
Prop 50 would set aside California’s nonpartisan citizen redistricting commission, which created the current congressional districts. Instead, new congressional lines would be drawn and would last until 2030.
Gov.Gavin Newsom said the proposition was a retaliatory response to redistricting efforts in Texas earlier this year to keep the republican majority in the House of Representatives. If the maps are approved, California could gain five more democratic seats in the house.
The measure is the only item on the statewide ballot.
Here’s what’s at stake for Californians whose districts could get rewritten by Proposition 50
Here’s also a voting guide from CalMatters to learn more about the proposition.
Your voting options
Polls open Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Ballots can also be dropped off at any official drop box, voting center or polling place. Here’s where to find Voter Assistance Centers, drop box locations and polling places throughout the state.
People can still vote by mail, as long as their ballot is postmarked by Election Day. It also must arrive at your county elections office by Nov. 12.
You can still register and vote by doing Same Day Voter Registration through election day.
If you’ve already voted, you can track your ballot on the Secretary of State’s website using the “Where’s My Ballot?” tool.
More on Voter Assistance Centers
Butte County Clerk-Recorder Keaton Denlay said there are some specific steps to take if you’re going this route, including going to one of the area’s Voter Assistance Centers.
“You’ll have to register and vote there, and that’s a conditional voting process, so your vote will be counted conditional on us verifying your eligibility,” explained Denlay.
There are five Voter Assistance Centers spread across the county, including two in Chico and one in Oroville, Paradise and Gridley. By this Saturday, all centers will be open daily through election day. You can find polling places,
Denlay said these centers are a lot more than just a polling place.
“A Voter Assistance Center is much more like a satellite office for our building, so that way, you can register to vote, change your address, get a replacement ballot, language assistance, all that stuff's available at the Voter Assistance Center,” he said.