Voters across the state have until Monday, Oct. 20, to register for the statewide special election scheduled for Nov. 4, where they will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that proposes a temporary redistricting of California’s congressional districts.
What is Proposition 50?
Proposition 50 It is a legislatively approved constitutional amendment that would allow provisional maps for California’s congressional districts beginning in 2026. According to the text of the measure, the provisional maps are intended to respond to partisan redistricting efforts in Republican-led states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with the goal of ensuring fair representation of California communities.
Supporters, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, described the measure as a way to counter mid-decade redistricting efforts elsewhere that could expand Republican control in Congress.
A yes vote will implement the new legislative maps for the next election cycle. A “no” vote would preserve current maps drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission until the 2030 Census results in new lines. Counties will incur one-time costs of up to a few million dollars to update election materials.
Who can vote and how?
All active registered voters in California will receive a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots began being mailed on October 6, 2025, and drop-off sites opened on October 7. Voters can return ballots by mail, at a drop-off location, or at their county elections office.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, November 4, and received by November 12 to be counted. Voters can track their ballot using Where is my ballot? Tool on the Secretary of State’s website.
How can I register to vote?
The last day to register to vote is October 20, 2025. Registration can be completed online at the California Secretary of State’s Office. Website.
If you miss the deadline, same-day voter registration is available at county elections offices and vote centers during Election Day. Voters registered the same day will be given a provisional ballot, which will be counted once registration is verified.
Where and when can I vote in person?
Voting centers open for in-person early voting on October 25, 2025. At these locations, voters can:
- Drop your mail-in ballot
- Register to vote
- Cast your vote in person
On Election Day, November 4, voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person voting. Voters can go to any voting center in their county.
Locate your nearest voting center connected.
How do I return my ballot by mail?
- Fill out your ballot completely, checking both sides.
- Place it in the return envelope provided.
- Sign and date the envelope, making sure your signature matches the signature on your driver’s license/ID or the signature provided when registering to vote. Election officials will compare the signature on your envelope to the signature on file.
Ballots can be returned by:
- Mail the signed envelope
- Drop it off at your county ballot box
- Deliver it to the voting center
Election officials encourage voters to return ballots early to ensure they are counted. To find the nearest drop box, Click here.
How can I verify that my ballot has been received and counted?
After you return your ballot — whether by mail or in a drop box — you can ensure it was received and registered with your California ballot. Voting by mail status tool. The online tracker allows voters to know when their ballots were mailed, received and counted by their county elections office.
Do you need help?
If you need help registering to vote or finding your voting location, contact your county elections office or call the California Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). For Spanish speakers, call (800) 232-VOTA (8682), and for assistance in other languages, go to Official page.
For additional informationVisit the California Secretary of State Elections website.