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Mail-in ballots for California's special election are being sent out to voters starting today. The Nov. 4 election asks voters to weigh in on Proposition 50, which would allow the state to temporarily use new Congressional maps for elections in 2026, 2028 and 2030.
How we got here: The redistricting effort is part of a national power struggle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives. It kicked off when Texas approved new maps that give Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterms. California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his own redistricting plan in response. The state legislature passed a proposal that would redraw California's districts to favor Democrats this summer. Now the plan requires voter approval to go into effect.
How long do I have to send in my ballot? You have until Nov. 4, Election Day, to return your ballot or drop it in the mail. But state Attorney General Rob Bonta is warning voters that ballots sent in on Election Day might not be postmarked in time due to recent changes at the U.S. Postal Service. For that reason, he recommends dropping your ballot off at a vote center or official ballot dropbox. Or you can bring your ballot to a post office and ask for it to be postmarked to make sure your vote gets counted. You can read the attorney general's advice here.
Can I return my ballot early? Ballot drop-off locations open Oct. 7. You can find a location near you here.
Do I have time to register to vote? You have until Oct. 20 to register to vote in the special election. Those that miss that deadline can do same-day registration.
Go deeper…with LAist's Prop. 50 voter guide.
LAist's Brianna Lee contributed reporting.