California Voters Deserve Fair Redistricting
In response to the Oct. 5 Letter to the Editor, “Support Prop 50 and Stop the Republican Power Grab,” the letter states Republicans are attempting an unprecedented power grab to the 2026 elections, therefore we need Proposition 50 to allow California voters to approve new maps this November that could help Democrats win more seats. Talk about power grab.
Let’s look at the facts of how congressional maps are drawn.
In 2008 California Proposition 11, also known as the Voters FIRST Act, created the CCRC (California Citizens Redistricting Commission). It was approved by voters in November 2008. The Proposition was placed on the ballot through the initiative process, where signatures are required to qualify the measure. A proposition by the people, not politicians.
Then again in 2010 California Proposition 20 was placed on the ballot through the initiative process, signatures were collected to qualify the measure. Again, a proposition by the people, not politicians. The Proposition expanded the CCRC’s responsibilities to include congressional district boundaries. The commission is designed to operate independently, ensuring fair representation and reducing partisan gerrymandering in California.
What did these two propositions do? They transferred the power of drawing legislative district boundaries from the California State Legislature to an independent commission. The CCRC consists of 14 members, including five Democrats, five Republicans and four members not affiliated with either major party. The commission is required to adhere to specific criteria, such as: equal population distribution, compliance with the federal Voting Rights and minimizing divisions of counties and communities. Does that sound unfair and power grabbing?
Now let’s talk about power grab. How was Proposition 50 put on the ballot? It is a legislative constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot for California voters on Nov. 4, 2025. Meaning a proposition NOT by the people but politicians, no signatures required. It proposes to temporarily change the congressional district maps in California, allowing the Democrats to redraw the lines.
If approved, Proposition 50 would create new congressional districts that could favor Democrats, adding five new Democratic seats. This proposition is significant as it directly addresses the political landscape in California, potentially altering the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Looks like a power grab to me.
We have a balanced process to draw congressional maps the California voters already approved. We don’t need a process that favors one party. Vote “No” on 50.
Mark Stovall
Felton
