Overview
- Polling heading into Election Day showed a clear majority favoring Prop. 50, with recent surveys from UC Berkeley, PPIC, Emerson and CBS indicating support in the mid-to-high 50s and low 60s.
- Supporters say the temporary maps would counter Republican mid-decade remaps in states like Texas, while opponents argue the plan undercuts California’s independent redistricting commission.
- If approved, the new lines could make up to five Republican-held U.S. House seats more favorable to Democrats, potentially lifting the party to as many as 48 of California’s 52 seats.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats led late rallies for a yes vote, as GOP leaders and Arnold Schwarzenegger urged rejection.
- More than 6 million ballots had already been returned, first results will post after 8 p.m., ballots can be cured through Nov. 30, and final certifications will follow county and statewide deadlines in December.