What to Know About California’s Redistricting Ballot Measure

The ballot measure, Proposition 50, would temporarily override an independent commission in order to authorize new maps favoring Democrats.
What to Know About California’s Redistricting Ballot Measure
People stand in line to vote at the Joslyn Park vote center in Santa Monica, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2024. Apu Gomes/Getty Images
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On Nov. 4, Californians will go to the polls to vote in a referendum over whether to authorize replacing the state’s current congressional map with one designed to favor Democrats—a decision usually made by an independent commission.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Aug. 21 to authorize the referendum. Democrats say the measure is meant to “fight fire with fire” after Texas moved forward with redistricting efforts to favor Republicans in the next election.