Stop Prop 50: Protect Voter Power from Sacramento Politicians

Californians created independent redistricting to end gerrymandering. Prop 50 shreds that reform and hands power back to the very politician’s voters stripped it from.

Blog 22: By Wayne B urt

Background: California’s Redistricting Standards

California has evolved from partisan redistricting by the Legislature to a nationally recognized independent system. For decades, state lawmakers controlled the drawing of electoral districts behind closed doors, leading to gerrymandered maps that protected incumbents and partisan interests. In 2008, voters passed the Voters First Act (Proposition   11), creating the California Citizens Redistricting Commission – an independent body reflecting the state’s diversity . This commission initially handled state legislative districts and was expanded by Proposition 20 in 2010 to include congressional districts . The 14-member commission (5 Democrats, 5 Republicans, 4 independents/others) must follow strict criteria set by federal and state law: districts must have equal populations, comply with the Voting Rights Act, and, as much as possible, keep counties, cities, neighborhoods and “communities of interest” intact . Importantly, the commission is prohibited from favoring any political party or incumbent when drawing lines. This transparent, public process – which included over 100 hearings in its first round – ended the “backroom” mapmaking in California . The result has been maps widely hailed as the “gold standard” for fairness in U.S. redistricting, free of partisan self-interest and drawn in full public view . California’s approach has been a model many reformers point to for unbiased districting.

California voters created the Citizens Redistricting Commission to end partisan gerrymandering and ensure districts are drawn fairly, transparently, and in the public’s interest. Proposition 50 asks us to throw that principle aside. By replacing the Commission’s maps with lines rushed through the Legislature, Sacramento politicians want to seize back the power voters deliberately took away from them. This isn’t about fairness — it’s about politicians protecting their seats and tilting elections to favor their party, directly undermining the constitutional safeguards Californians put in place.

Even worse, Prop 50 sets a dangerous precedent that voter-approved reforms can be suspended whenever it suits those in power. If we let them override the Constitution once, what will stop future politicians from doing it again? California’s independent system is nationally respected precisely because it rises above partisan gamesmanship. Voting No on Prop 50 is about more than rejecting one gerrymander — it’s about defending the will of the people and preserving the integrity of California’s democracy.

Top 5 Reasons to Vote NO on Prop 50

1. Allows Politicians to Seize Power from Citizens Prop 50 hands the power back to politicians, letting them gerrymander safe seats for their allies and guarantee their reelections. That’s not democracy — that’s entrenchment.

2. Permits Corrupt Backroom Deals Instead of a year-long, public process with hearings across the state, Prop 50’s maps were rushed through the Legislature in just one week. They weren’t drawn for voters — they were drawn for politicians.

3. Wastes $200 Million on a Costly Special Election With a $20 billion state budget deficit, California can’t afford to waste $200 million on an election that exists only to protect politicians’ careers.

4. Eliminates Fair and Competitive Districts Prop 50 strips constitutional protections that keep communities whole and prevent maps from favoring one party or incumbent. Gerrymandering weakens accountability and disproportionately harms communities of color.

5. Not Temporary — It Will Be Permanent Sacramento claims Prop 50 is “just temporary.” But once politicians seize power, they never give it back. This sets a precedent that could permanently erode California’s independent redistricting system.

What About Texas?

Supporters argue this is retaliation against Texas and other states. But two wrongs don’t make a right. Gerrymandering is wrong in Texas, and it’s wrong in California. Our state should be a model for fair elections — not abandon our reforms to play the same partisan games.

Conclusion

California doesn’t need to join the race to the bottom. Our independent redistricting system has earned national respect because it places principle above politics. Voting No on Proposition 50 is about more than rejecting one gerrymander — it’s about defending the will of the people and upholding the California Constitution.

👉 Vote NO on Proposition 50. Defend fair elections. Stop Newsom’s power grab.

Learn more at reformcalifornia.org