HomeMy WebLinkAboutOfficial Voter Information Guide - Statewide Special Electio v " N-2 Shirley N. e e r, Ph.D.
M California Secretary of State
, Elections Division
cq� 1500 11th Street,5th Floor I Sacramento,CA 95814 I 916.657.2166 I elections@sos.ca.gov
To Whom It May Concern:
You previously received the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election Voter
Information Guide which contained a typographical error.
District 27, which is to the right of District 26, was incorrectly labeled as District 22 in
Figure 2 in the analysis of Proposition 50 on page 11 of the guide.
Enclosed is a replacement guide with the district number corrected. The corrected
version is also available on our website at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
If you would like additional copies of the corrected version of the guide, please contact
the Secretary of State's Elections Division through our Voter Hotline at 1-800-345-VOTE
(8683) or by email at vigfeedback(a�sos.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Voter Information Guide Coordinator
Statewide
Special.
Election
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
...........................................
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
Early vote -by -mail ballot voting period is
from October 6 through November 4, 2025.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
on November 4, 2025, Election Day!
MM
MM
CALIFORNIA
TRUSTED INFO
Every registered voter
in California will receive
a vote -by -mail ballot.
Vote -by -mail ballots
are mailed on or before
October 6.
Vote -by -mail ballots
can be voted and
returned as soon as
they are received.
Vote -by -mail drop
boxes open October 7.
In -person voting
options will be available
in all counties.
Certificate of Correctness,
I, Shirley N. Weber, Secretary
of State of the State of
California, do hereby certify that
the information included herein
will be submitted to the electors
of the State of California at the
Statewide Special Election to
be held throughout the State
on November.4, 2025, and that
this guide has been correctly
prepared in accordance with
the law. Witness my hand and
the Great Seal of the State in
Sacramento, California, this
17th day of September, 2025.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
VOTER BILL OF
RIGHTS
YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter. You are eligible to vote if you are:
• a U.S. citizen living in California
• at least 18 years old
• registered where you currently live
• not currently serving a state or federal
prison term for the conviction of a felony,
and
• not currently found mentally incompetent
to vote by a court
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter even if your name is not on the
list. You will vote using a provisional.
ballot. Your vote will be counted if
elections officials determine that you
are eligible to vote.
The right to vote if you are still in line
when the polls close.
The right to cast a secret ballot without
anyone bothering you or telling you how
to vote.
The right to get a new ballot if you
have made a mistake, if you have not
already cast your ballot. You can:
Ask an elections official at a polling place
for a new ballot,
Exchange your vote -by -mail ballot for a
new one at an elections office, or at your
polling place, or
Vote using a provisional ballot.
The right to get help casting your ballot
from anyone you choose, except from
your employer or union representative.
The right to drop off your completed
]( vote -by -mail ballot at any polling place
in California.
The right to get election materials in a
language other than English if enough
people in your voting precinct speak
that language.
The right to ask questions to elections
officials about election procedures
and watch the election process. If the
person you ask cannot answer your
questions, they must send you to the
right person for an answer. If you are
disruptive, they can stop answering you.
. The right to report any illegal or
fraudulent election activity to an
elections official or the Secretary of
State's office.
P On the web at www.sos.ca.gov
Z By phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
By email at elections@sos.ca.gov
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DENIED ANY OF THESE RIGHTS, CALL THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S
CONFIDENTIAL TOLL -FREE VOTER HOTLINE AT (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
2
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 5
PROPOSITION
50 Authorizes Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps in Response to Texas' Partisan
Redistricting. Legislative Constitutional Amendment..................................................................... 8
TEXT OF PROPOSED LAW 18
VOTER INFORMATION
Voter Bill of Rights...........................................2
Top Contributors ..............................................
3
Secretary of State Website Resources ................
3
Message from the Secretary of State .................
4
Election Day Information..................................5
Find Your Polling Place .....................................
5
Election Results..............................................5
More Days, More Ways to Vote with VCA............
6
Don't Delay, Vote Today! ...................................
7
Track Your Ballot .............................................
7
Tips for Military and Overseas Voters...............19
Electioneering Notice .....................................
20
Corruption of Voting Process Notice ................
21
Trusted Sources of Information .......................
22
Election Security Safeguards ..........................
22
California Voter ID & Registration
Requirements ............................................. 23
Voting Rights Restored ...................................
24
Serve as a Poll Worker ....................................
24
New to Voting? ..............................................
25
California Motor Voter ....................................
26
Voter Registration Privacy Information .............
26
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities ..............
27
County Elections Offices .................................
28
Check Your Voter Status Online .......................
29
Provisional Voting ..........................................
29
How to Fix a Missing or Noncomparable
Signature on Ballot Return Envelope .............
30
Dates to Remember .......................................
31
Top Contributors to State Candidates and Ballot Measures
When a committee (a person or group of people who receive or spend money for the purpose of influencing
voters to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures) raises at least $1 million, it must report its top 10
contributors to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The committee must update the list
when there is any change.
These lists are available on the FPPC website at:
fppc. ca.gov/transparency/top-contributors. html
To research campaign contributions for candidates or ballot measures, visit the
Secretary of State's website at powersearch.sos.ca.gov.
Visit the Secretary of State's Website to: a
• Research campaign contributions and lobbying activity cal-access.sos.ca.gov OR powersearch.sos.ca.gov
• View this voter guide in other languages voterguide.sos.ca.gov
• Check your registration status and registration information voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
• Find your polling place or a vote center on Election Day sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place OR
voterstatus.sos. ca.gov
• Get vote -by -mail ballot information sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail
• Read helpful information for first-time voters sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california
• Watch live election results after polls close on Election Day electionresults.sos.ca.gov
3
Message from the Secretary of State
Dear California Voter,
Your participation in every election is vital to ensuring democracy thrives. As a California voter,
you will have an opportunity to vote in the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special
Election. This election will ask you to approve or reject a ballot proposition.
You have a number of ways to participate as California continues to protect and expand your
right to vote. We uphold universal vote -by -mail ballots, multiple in -person voting approaches,
same -day voter registration, and provisional voting, all designed to make voting accessible and
secure.
This Voter Information Guide is designed to help you make an informed decision on
Proposition 50. Inside, you will find key details about when, where, and how to cast your
ballot, as well as an impartial summary and analysis of the measure. The guide presents
official arguments both in favor of and against Proposition 50, along with rebuttals, so you can
consider multiple perspectives before making your choice.
Your Guide Includes:
• A neutral summary of Proposition 50, with arguments for and against, including contact
information for supporters and opponents. (PAGE 5)
• Clear instructions on how to vote —by mail, in person, or via secure drop box. Plus,
reminders to sign and seal your ballot. (PAGE 7)
• Information on Where's My Ballot alerts at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
• Details on extended voting days and vote centers in Voter's Choice Act counties, where
you can register and vote on the same day. (PAGE 6)
Participating in elections is vital to having a say in decisions that affect our lives and how
our community operates. I encourage you to take the time to learn about the issue and the
implications of this election, then make your choice. Voting means your voice will be heard and
you have a say in the future.
Thank you for keeping our democracy strong!
4
QUICK -REFERENCE GUIDE
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO
PROP CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS IN RESPONSE
50 TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Requires temporary use of new congressional district
maps through 2030. Directs independent
Citizens
Redistricting Commission to resume enacting
congressional district maps in 2031. Establishes policy
supporting nonpartisan redistricting commissions
nationwide. Fiscal Impact: One-time costs to counties of
up to a few million dollars statewide to update election
materials to reflect new congressional district maps.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA YES vote on this
O A NO vote on this
measure means:
measure means:
The state would use new,
Current congressional
legislatively drawn
district maps drawn by the
congressional district maps
California Citizens
starting in 2026. California's
Redistricting Commission
new maps would be used
(Commission) would
until the California Citizens
continue to be used in
Redistricting Commission
California until the
draws new maps following
Commission draws new
the 2030 U.S. Census.
maps following the 2030
U.S. Census.
ARGUMENTS
Proposition 50—
P R
Prop. 50 was
CONwritten
The Election
by
Rigging Response Act—
politicians, for politicians —
approves temporary,
dismantling safeguards that
emergency congressional
keep elections fair, removes
district maps to counter
requirements to keep local
Donald Trump's scheme to
communities together, and
rig next year's
eliminates voter protections
congressional election and
that ban maps designed to
reaffirms California's
favor political parties. Vote
commitment to
NO to protect fair elections
independent, nonpartisan
and keep citizens —not
redistricting after the next
politicians —in charge of
census. Vote Yes on 50 for
redistricting.
democracy in all 50 states.
Learn more at
StopElectionRigging. com.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FOR
AGAINST
Governor Gavin Newsom
Yes on 50, The Election
Rigging Response Act,
Governor Newsom's Ballot
Measure Committee
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
info@stopelectionrigging.com
StopElectionRigging.com
No on Prop. 50—Protect
Voters First, Sponsored by
Hold Politicians
Accountable
2350 Kerner Blvd., Suite 250
San Rafael, CA 94901
(916) 446-6572
info@votersfirstact.org
Voters Fi rstAct.o rg
Election Day Information
Polling locations are open from 7:00 a.rh. to
8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
If you are in line before 8:00 p.m., you can
still vote.
Find Your Polling Place or a
Vote Center
Polling places and vote centers are
established by county elections officials.
Look for your polling place address or
vote center locations in the county Voter
Information Guide that you receive in the
mail a few weeks before Election Day.
You may also visit the Secretary of State's
website at vote.ca.gov or call our toll -free
Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
STATEWIDE
SPECIAL
ELECTION
RESULTS
Election results for the
November 4, 2025,
Statewide Special
Election are available
after the polls close
at 8:00 p.m. on the
California Secretary
of State's Election
Results website at
electionresults.sos. ca.gov.
Results will begin to be posted at 8:00 p.m.
and will be updated throughout Election
Night. In the days afterwards, the results
will be updated at 5:00 p.m. each day
throughout the canvass as counties count
the remaining ballots.
The official certified results of the election
will be posted by December 12, 2025, at
sos. ca.gov/elections.
Quick -Reference Guide 1 5
More Days, More Ways to Vote
with the California Voter's Choice Act
Vote in person up to 10 days
prior to Election Day
Humboldt
•
Alameda
•
Orange
•
Amador
•
Placer
Butte
Nevada
•
Butte
•
Riverside
Placer
El Dorado
Calaveras
•
Sacramento
Noapa
Sonoma
Amador
•
El Dorado
•
San Benito
Sacramento
Marin
Calaveras
Tuolumne
•
Fresno
•
San Diego
Alameda
Mariposa
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Madera
Fresno
.
Humboldt
•
San Mateo
Santa Cruz
Stanislaus
•
Kings
•
Santa Clara
Merced
San Benito
Los Angeles
•
Santa Cruz
l(ings
•
Madera
•
Sonoma
•
Marin
•
Stanislaus
Ventura
•
Mariposa
•
Tuolumne
Los Angeles
Riverside
Orange
•
Merced
•
Ventura
San Diego
•
Napa
•
Yolo
•
Nevada
In California, every active registered voter will automatically
receive a ballot in the mail before every election. Check your
voter registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.
Use a drop box:
Return your ballot
to a secure drop off
location in any county
up to 28 days before
the election
Vote center:
• Vote in person
anywhere in the
county up to 10 days
before the election
• Register to vote
and vote same day
• Drop off your ballot
Vote by mail:
Return your ballot by
mail as soon as you
receive it
Visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov or call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) to learn more.
Want to skip the goCALIFORNIA line and vote early?
OTER'S CHOICE ACT Scan the QR Code
VCA.SOS.CA.GOV to learn more!❑
6
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
All California voters will be sent a vote -by -mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope
for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. County elections officials will begin
sending vote -by -mail ballots no later than October 6, 2025.
The vote -by -mail ballot voting period begins as soon as ballots are in the mail. Make your voice heard
early! Return your vote -by -mail ballot during the voting period of October 6 through the close of polls on
November 4.
Voting by Mail is EASY.
Democracy is counting on you! Follow these five easy steps to exercise your right to vote:
Complete it.
Mark your choices on your vote -by -mail
ballot.
Seal it.
Secure your ballot inside the vote -by -mail
ballot return envelope you received from
your county elections office.
Sign it.
Sign the outside of your vote -by -mail ballot
return envelope.
Make sure your signature matches the one
on your CA driver's license/state ID, or the
one you provided when registering to vote.
Your county elections office will compare
them before they count your ballot.
ov Track it.
ov Return it.
By drop box —Drop off your completed vote -
by -mail ballot at a secure official drop box in
your county at any time between October 7
through the close of polls on November 4.
In person —Drop your completed vote -by -
mail ballot off at a secure drop box, polling
place, vote center, or county elections office
by 8:00 p.m. on November 4. Voting locations
will be available in all counties before
Election Day. Voting locations offer voter
registration, replacement ballots, accessible
voting machines, and language assistance.
By mail —Return your ballot by mail as
soon as you receive it. Make sure your
vote -by -mail ballot return envelope is
postmarked no later than November 4.
Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos. ca.gov to receive updates on the status
of your vote -by -mail ballot by text message (SMS), email, or voice call.
31
EWBALLOHS
All voters can get critical updates on their ballots through California's official "Where's My Ballot?"
tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes!
What you'll be able to track. y
BALLOT BALLOT
Pe UP
RECEIVED COUNTED
for ballot tracking by elections office by elections office
You can select to receive notifications on the status of your vote -by -mail ballot by text
(SMS), email, or voice call, including alerts if there are any issues with your ballot and
instructions for how to correct them to make sure your vote is counted. 0
Don't miss out on the opportunity to track your ballot every step of the way! i
You can also copy this URL into your browser: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov �.
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
OFFICIAL TITLE AND SUMMARY PREPARED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
The text of this measure can be found on page 18 and the Secretary of State's website at
voterguide.sos. ca.gov.
In response to Texas' mid -decade partisan
congressional redistricting, this measure
temporarily requires new congressional
district maps, as passed by the Legislature
in August 2025, to be used in California's
congressional elections through 2030.
• Retains California's independent Citizens
Redistricting Commission and directs the
Commission to resume enacting congressional
district maps in 2031 after the 2030 census and
every ten years thereafter.
• Establishes state policy supporting use of fair,
independent, and nonpartisan redistricting
commissions nationwide.
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATIVE ANALYST'S ESTIMATE OF NET
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FISCAL IMPACT:
• One-time costs to counties of up to a few
million dollars statewide. County costs would
be to update election materials to reflect new
congressional district maps.
FINAL VOTES CAST BY THE LEGISLATURE ON ACA 8 (PROPOSITION 50)
(RESOLUTION CHAPTER 156, STATUTES OF 2025)
Senate: Ayes 30 Noes 8
Assembly: Ayes 57 Noes 20
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
BACKGROUND
U.S. CONGRESS
U.S. Congress. The U.S. Congress is the part of the
federal government that makes laws. Congress has
two parts: the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of
Representatives (House). Each of the 50 states is
represented by 2 senators, with 100 senators in
total. The House has 435 members. The number
of representatives in the House for each state
depends on how many people live in that state.
Each member in the House represents an area of
the state called a congressional district. California
currently has 52 congressional districts. Voters
who live in each congressional district elect one
member of the House every two years to represent
them. The next election for all 435 representatives
will be in 2026.
U.S. Census Counts States' Populations Every Ten
Years. The number of people living in an area goes
up and down over time. Every ten years, the U.S.
Census counts the number of people who live in
the U.S. The last census was in 2020, and the next
census is in 2030. This count is used to determine
how many people live in each state and how many
representatives in the House each state gets for the
next ten years.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
Each State Draws Congressional District Maps
Following the U.S. Census. Every ten years, after
the U.S. Census is completed, states draw new
congressional district maps to reflect their number
of House representatives and where people live.
This process is called "redistricting." Each state
decides what process to use to draw its new
district maps. When drawing new maps, each
state must follow federal laws. For example, each
congressional district in the state must represent
about the same number of people.
States Typically Do Not Redistrict Sooner Than
Every Ten Years. States typically only draw
congressional district maps every ten years, unless
a court orders changes to comply with the law.
In August 2025, however, the Texas Legislature
passed a bill to adopt new maps for the 2026
elections without a court order. Several other states
also are considering changes to their maps before
the 2026 elections.
8 1 Title and Summary / Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. 50
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Congressional Redistricting in California. State
legislatures draw congressional district maps in
most states, but some states use commissions to
do this job. Before 2010, the California Legislature
drew the state's congressional district maps.
In 2010, California voters gave this job to an
independent commission known as the California
Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission).
The Commission includes 14 members:
5 Democratic members, 5 Republican members,
and 4 members who are not registered with either
of those political parties. When the Commission
draws new congressional district maps, it must
follow federal and state laws. For example, state
law requires, among other things, the Commission
to avoid splitting up neighborhoods or local
communities of interest to the extent possible.
State law also prohibits the Commission from
considering political parties, current office holders,
or people running for office when it draws the
maps.
Current California Congressional Districts. The
Commission drew the current maps for California's
52 congressional districts. These maps were based
on the 2020 U.S. Census and have been used since
the 2022 congressional elections.
CALIFORNIA'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS
Use Legislatively Drawn Congressional District
Maps Until After the Next Census. Proposition 50
replaces California's current congressional district
maps with new, legislatively drawn maps. (The total
number of districts would not change.) Proposition
50's maps must follow federal law, but they are not
required to follow the state requirements placed on
the Commission. The state would use Proposition
50's maps for congressional elections starting in
2026. The state would use these maps until the
Commission draws new district maps, following the
2030 U.S. Census.
NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
Call for Change in Federal Law. Proposition 50
asks the U.S. Congress to change federal law and
propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to
GONTINUE0
require redistricting be done by "fair, independent,
and nonpartisan redistricting commissions
nationwide." Proposition 50 expresses voter
support for this idea, but does not change federal
law or require any particular action of Congress or
the California Legislature.
FISCAL EFFECTS
Minor One -Time Costs to County and State
Elections Officials. Counties run elections, and the
state oversees them. Because most congressional
districts in California would change at least some
under the new maps, county and state elections
officials would need to update election materials.
This would result in one-time costs to counties of
up to a few million dollars statewide and one-time
costs to the state of roughly $200,000. The state
amount is much less than one -tenth of 1 percent
(0.1 percent) of the state's roughly $220 billion
General Fund budget. (The General Fund is the
account the state uses to pay for most public
services, including education, health care, and
prisons.)
CURRENT AND PROPOSED
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS
This section shows maps of the current and
proposed congressional districts (1) statewide,
as shown in Figures 1 and 2; (2) in the northern
part of the state, as shown in Figures 3 and 4; and
(3) in the southern part of the state, as shown in
Figures 5 and 6. A description of the census blocks
represented by each district in the proposed maps
can be found at the following website: https.11
leginfo.legislature. ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.
xhtml?bill id=202520260AB604
Visit sos.ca.gov/campaign-lobbying/cal-access-
resources/measure-contributions/2025-ballot-
measure-contribution-totals for a list of committees
primarily formed to support or oppose this measure.
Visit fppc.ca.gov/transparency/fop-contributors.html
to access the committee's top 10 contributors.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 9
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50 MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 1
Current Congressional Districts
CONTINUED
Note: See northern and southern congressional district maps for district numbers for the Bay Area and Los Angeles regions. Map reflects data posted to the
California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
10 1 Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 2
Proposed Congressional Districts
PROPOSITION
50
CONTINUED
Note: See northern and southern congressional district maps for district numbers for the Bay Area and Los Angeles regions. Map reflects data posted to the
California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 11
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
1
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 3
Current Northern Congressional Districts
County Lines
District Lines
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
CONTINUED I
12 1 Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. r.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. *J0
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST CONTINUED
Figure 4
Proposed Northern Congressional Districts
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional
Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 13
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
15 LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 5
Current Southern Congressional Districts
County Lines
District Lines
27 29
24 26 28 23
30
- 33
32 31
4 35
37
38 39
43
44 45 46 40 25
36 42
41
47
25
42 49 48
I
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
I 1
it
14 1 Analysis
CONTINUED
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. 50
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 6
Proposed Southern Congressional Districts
i
County Lines - -
District Lines
27
26 29 26 23
30
- 32 31 33
- 37 _ --
38
43 41 i-- -- 35 39 25
I
46
36 45
t
42 t- 40
47
48
_ 25
42 49
50
CONTINUED
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional
Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 15
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50 MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
IM * ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION 50 *
STOP TRUMP FROM RIGGING THE 2026 ELECTION
Donald Trump and Texas Republicans are making an
unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig
the 2026 election before voting even begins.
Other Republican states are following suit. They want to steal
enough seats to control Congress even if voters overwhelmingly
reject their agenda.
This isn't politics as usual. It's an emergency for our democracy.
ENSURE FAIR REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS
We have already seen how Trump has recklessly imposed tariffs
and hurt California families, denied disaster assistance to fire
victims, and ordered mass arrests without warrants. The 2026
election for Congress represents our only chance to provide an
essential check and balance on Trump's dangerous agenda.
If Californians don't act now, Donald Trump will seize total
power for two more years. Proposition 50, the Election Rigging
Response Act, will put a stop to their anti -democratic scheme.
Here's what it does.
• LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD. Prop. 50 makes sure the 2026
mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field without
an unfair advantage for Republicans.
• COMMITS TO FAIR REDISTRICTING. Prop. 50 reaffirms
California's commitment to independent redistricting and calls
for a nationwide commitment to fair and impartial maps.
• GIVES VOTERS THE POWER. Prop. 50 puts the power in the
hands of the People of California, not backroom politicians, to
approve emergency congressional district maps in response to
Trump's election rigging scheme.
• IS FAIR AND PROPORTIONAL. Prop. 50 provides emergency
maps only because Republicans moved forward with their power
grab.
• IS TEMPORARY. These maps expire in 2030. Prop. 50
preserves California's award -winning redistricting reforms and
reaffirms the California Citizens Redistricting Commission's
authority to draw congressional districts after the next census.
The stakes couldn't be higher. If Republicans rig the election and
steal control of Congress next year, they'll continue to eliminate
healthcare for millions of Americans, slash funding for schools,
and cut essential services for veterans to pay for tax breaks for
billionaires and big corporations.
PROTECT DEMOCRACY IN ALL 50 STATES
California has a duty to defend democracy. To do that, we can't
unilaterally disarm or fight with both hands tied behind our
backs. When Trump tries to rig elections, we must fight back with
every tool available.
Prop. 50 draws fair maps that represent California's diverse
communities and ensure our voices aren't silenced by partisan
gerrymandering in other states.
California leads the nation in protecting voting rights and fair
elections. When other states try to silence our voices and rig the
system, we must respond decisively.
Join President Barack Obama, Governor Gavin Newsom,
Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff, Speaker Emerita
Nancy Pelosi, election experts, independent redistricting
commissioners, Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, California
veterans, teachers, and nurses.
Vote YES on Prop. 50 to stop Trump's election rigging scheme.
Vote YES for checks and balances.
Vote YES to protect democracy in all 50 states.
Governor Gavin Newsom
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
* REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION 50 *
THE WRONG PATH —NO ON PROP. 50
We know American democracy is on fire, but accelerating
gerrymandering only adds fuel! Politicians are seizing this crisis
to justify a power grab.
PROP. 50 DOES NOT DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY
Prop. 50 is not a magic pill to cure the nation's ills. It claims to
protect democracy, yet diminishes our communities' voices and
is ineffective against any overreach of presidential power. Vote
NO.
California gerrymandering allowed the Legislature to draw
partisan seats without transparency or citizen input, solely to
protect incumbents. By 2001, the government was gridlocked,
with legislators held hostage to the extremes of their parties.
Voters rose up and handed line -drawing over to citizens,
resulting in:
• Competitive Districts: Previously safe seats now must be
earned.
• Better Representation: Women in the Legislature doubled,
Asian representation tripled, Black representation nearly
doubled, and Latino seats grew by 8%.
• Government for the People: With more moderate
representatives, the Legislature passed bipartisan legislation,
working for the interests of all Californians.
WE THE PEOPLE
Districts do not belong to either party; they belong to the People.
But, party bosses want to call the shots —again. NO to a "pay -to -
play" system.
Prop. 50 says this is "temporary," yet the Legislature will bypass
the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission again in
2028, 2030—and perhaps beyond. Don't be fooled.
Legislators drew this map behind closed doors for you to rubber-
stamp. It is not your choice.
Vote NO on partisan gerrymandering. Vote NO on Prop. 50.
Cynthia Dai, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jeanne Raya, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jodie Filkins Webber, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
16 1 Arguments Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
* ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION 50 *
PROPOSITION 50: A POWER GRAB BY POLITICIANS
Prop. 50 was written by politicians, for politicians. Prop. 50
dismantles constitutional safeguards that keep election maps
fair. It removes requirements to keep cities, counties, and local
communities together, and eliminates voter protections that ban
maps designed to favor incumbents or political parties —putting
politicians back in charge of drawing their own districts, or those
of their friends.
A "NO" vote protects fair elections and keeps the people of
California —not politicians —in charge of redistricting.
NO ON PROP. 50: IT REPEALS LANDMARK VOTER -APPROVED
ELECTION REFORMS
For decades, Sacramento politicians drew their own district
boundaries behind closed doors with no public oversight —
guaranteeing their reelection, denying voters a real choice, and
shutting out many women and people of color from elected
office.
In 2008, California voters approved historic election reform —
creating the independent California Citizens Redistricting
Commission. Voters decided district lines should be drawn by
a balanced panel of everyday citizens —not by politicians who
stood to benefit.
Prop. 50 throws out citizen -drawn congressional maps created
through a transparent public process with input from over
35,000 Californians. Instead, politicians secretly drew maps —
leaving voters with NO real say.
NO ON PROP. 50: ANOTHER SCHEME TO PERMANENTLY END
INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING
In 2008 and 2010, the Democratic Party and special interests
spent millions of dollars to stop citizen redistricting. Later, the
California Republican Party even sued to overturn citizen -drawn
maps —and lost. Now, Sacramento politicians are scheming to
regain control with Prop. 50.
Make no mistake: Prop. 50 is not temporary. For over half a
decade, politicians get to impose their gerrymandered maps.
Worse, it sets a dangerous precedent —opening the door for
Sacramento to keep drawing election maps beyond 2031
giving politicians permanent power to shield themselves and
their allies from accountability for California's high cost of living,
skyrocketing housing costs, and rising energy bills.
NO ON PROP. 50: DON'T BE MISLED BY POLITICAL SPIN
The same politicians who opposed independent redistricting
from the start now claim Prop. 50 will "save democracy." In truth,
Prop. 50 weakens fair representation by shutting the public out
and bringing gerrymandering back to California.
Prop. 50 is not democratic; it gives voters a take -it -or -leave -it
decision on the most partisan maps in California's history —a
product of politicians' secretive backroom deals with ZERO
meaningful public engagement.
Prop. 50 divides communities to benefit politicians, splitting
counties 114 times and cities 141 times —far more than the
citizen -drawn maps.
"When politicians gerrymander, they divide our neighborhoods
and weaken the voice of communities of color. Whatever happens
in Texas, we cannot save democracy by destroying it in California.
Vote NO on Prop. 50."-Reverend Mac Shorty, Civil Rights Leader
NO ON PROP. 50: A MASSIVE WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY
The Legislature has called a special election just to pass this
politician -protecting constitutional change —costing taxpayers
$200,000,000.
With a massive budget deficit, Sacramento politicians are
making painful cuts to health care, housing, education, and
public safety. Instead of protecting important programs, they're
spending it on a political power grab.
Vote NO on Prop. 50.
VotersFIRSTAct.org
Roberto Moncada, Board Member
United Latinos Action
Faith Bautista Tamashiro, President
National Diversity Coalition
Taylor Shorty, Board Member
Community RePower Movement
* REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION 50 *
WARNING: NO ON 50 IS BACKED BY TRUMP EXTREMISTS
Who's spending millions against Prop. 50?
An anti -choice mega -millionaire named Charles Munger Jr. who
wants to help Donald Trump and Red State Republicans rig the
2026 elections and hand Trump unchecked power for two more
years.
Independent redistricting commissioners, election experts,
and leading civil rights organizations —from the NAACP to the
National Democratic Redistricting Committee —urge you to
reject the lies spread by NO on 50's phony front groups.
Lie #1: "Prop. 50 repeals landmark voter -approved election
reforms." This is plainly false. Prop. 50 calls on all states to
end partisan gerrymandering and reaffirms the power of the
California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw the lines
after the next census.
Lie #2: "Prop. 50 removes requirements to keep cities, counties,
and local communities together." Prop. 50 does the opposite,
keeping MORE cities and counties combined, and communities
together than California's existing maps.
Lie #3: "Prop. 50 puts politicians back in charge of drawing
their own districts." Untrue. Prop. 50 puts power to approve
emergency maps in the hands of voters, not politicians.
Lie #4: "Prop. 50 permanently ends independent redistricting."
Also untrue. Prop. 50 is a temporary and proportional response
to Trump's election -rigging scheme and expires in 2030.
Californians cannot allow Donald Trump and Texas Republicans
to rig the 2026 election and silence our voices.
Vote YES on Prop. 50.
Protect democracy, preserve nonpartisan redistricting and
ensure a fair election in all 50 states.
Sara Sadhwani, Commissioner
2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jodi Hicks, President
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Nikki Davis Milevsky, President
Sacramento City Teachers Association
Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments 1 17
TEXT OF PROPOSED LAW
PROPOSITION 50
This amendment proposed by Assembly Constitutional
Amendment 8 of the 2025-2026 Regular Session
(Resolution Chapter 156, Statutes of 2025) expressly
amends the California Constitution by adding a section
thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be
added are printed in italic type to indicate that they are
new.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XXI
First —This measure shall be known, and may be cited,
as the "Election Rigging Response Act."
Second —The people of the State of California find and
declare all of the following:
(a) President Donald Trump has called on Republican -
led states to undertake an unprecedented mid -decade
redistricting of congressional seats to rig the 2026
United States midterm elections before voting begins.
(b) The State of Texas has convened a special session
of its Legislature to redraw congressional district maps
to unfairly advantage Republicans.
(c) The Legislature of the State of Florida has
established a select committee to advance an
extraordinary mid -decade redistricting to unfairly
advantage Republicans.
(d) Republicans have urged the State of Ohio to
conduct its mid -decade redistricting to unfairly
produce more Republican seats in Congress.
(e) Republican officials in the States of Indiana,
Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South
Carolina are also considering President Trump's call for
the mid -decade redistricting of congressional seats to
unfairly advantage Republicans.
(f) President Trump and Republicans are attempting to
gain enough seats through redistricting to rig the
outcome of the 2026 United States midterm elections
regardless of how the people vote.
(g) President Trump's election -rigging scheme is an
emergency for our democracy.
(h) The 2026 United States midterm elections are
voters' only chance to provide an essential check and
balance against President Trump's dangerous agenda.
(i) California has long stood as a national leader for fair,
independent, and nonpartisan redistricting.
(j) California calls on all other states to commit to fair
and impartial drawing of maps.
(k) California has a duty to defend democracy.
W The 2026 United States midterm elections for
Congress must be conducted on a level playing field
without an extreme and unfair advantage for
Republicans.
(m) The people of California, not politicians, should
have the power to approve temporary congressional
district maps in response to President Trump's
election -rigging scheme.
(n) It is the intent of the people that California's
temporary maps be designed to neutralize the partisan
gerrymandering being threatened by Republican -led
states without eroding fair representation fqr all
communities.
Third —That Section 4 is added to Article XXI thereof,
to read:
SEC. 4. (a) It is the policy of the State of California to
support the use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan
redistricting commissions nationwide. The people of the
State of California call on the Congress of the United
States to pass federal legislation and propose an
amendment of the United States Constitution to require
the use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan
redistricting commissions nationwide.
(b) In response to the congressional redistricting in
Texas in 2025, and notwithstanding any other provision
of this Constitution or existing law, the single -member
districts for Congress reflected in Assembly Bill 604 of
the 2025-26 Regular Session pursuant to the
requirements of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
21400) of Division 21 of the Elections Code shall
temporarily be used for every congressional election for
a term of office commencing on or after the date this
subdivision becomes operative and before the
certification of new congressional boundary lines drawn
by the Citizens Redistricting Commission pursuant to
subdivision (d).
(c) (1) The Attorney General has the sole legal standing
to defend any action regarding a congressional district
map adopted pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2) The California Supreme Court has original and
exclusive jurisdiction in all proceedings in which a
congressional district map adopted pursuant to
subdivision (b) is challenged.
(d) The Citizens Redistricting Commission established
pursuant to Section 1 shall continue to adjust the
boundary lines of the congressional, State Senatorial,
Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts in
conformance with the standards and process set forth
in Section 2 in 2031, and every 10 years thereafter as
provided in Section 1.
Fourth —The provisions of this measure are severable.
If any portion, section, subdivision, paragraph, clause,
sentence, phrase, word, or application of this measure
is for any reason held to be invalid by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
measure. The Legislature hereby declares that it would
have proposed, and the voters hereby declare that they
would have adopted, this measure and every portion,
section, subdivision, paragraph, clause, sentence,
phrase, word, and application not declared invalid or
unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion
of this measure or application of this measure would be
subsequently declared invalid.
18 1 Text of Proposed Law
Tips for California's Military and Overseas Voters
Taking part in elections is more convenient than ever for Californians serving in the military or living
outside the United States. It begins when you register to vote as a military or overseas voter and receive
election materials by mail, fax, or email. Be prepared!
• Start early. California's county elections officials must send ballots to military and overseas
voters no later than 45 days before Election Day. Fill out a voter registration application early at
registertovote.ca.gov to ensure that you receive your voting materials in time and can return your
voted ballot by Election Day.
• Know your options. When registering to vote as a military or overseas voter, you can choose to
have your ballot mailed, faxed, or emailed to you. Additionally, you may visit your county elections
official's website for information about how to download your ballot and election materials. You may
return your voted ballot to your county elections official by mail or, in certain circumstances, by fax.
If you meet the requirements to return your ballot by fax, you must also fax the Oath of Voter form
(available from your county elections official) waiving your right to a confidential ballot.
Alert! The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has discontinued their service of
faxing military and overseas voters' election materials to county elections officials.
What this means: you can no longer send your voted ballot to fax@fvap.gov.
If you wish to return your voted ballot by fax, you must send it directly to your county
elections official.
• Stay in touch. Once you register as a military or overseas voter, you will continue to receive a ballot
and election materials from your county elections official before each statewide election. However,
you will need to update your voter registration if you change your address, your name, or your
political party preference. Visit sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/military-overseas-voters/for
more election resources designed especially for you.
Dates to remember:
October 20, 2025: Last day for military and overseas voters to register to vote for the Statewide Special
Election.
October 21—November 4, 2025: Same Day Registration is available. You may "conditionally" register
to vote and vote a provisional ballot during this time. Contact your county elections official for more
information.
November 4, 2025: Election Day. Return your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Mailed ballots
must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by your county elections office no later
than November 12, 2025. Faxed ballots must be delivered to your county elections office by close of
polls, no later than 8:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Election Day.
For more information contact:
California Secretary of State
0 (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
- sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-
registration/military-overseas-voters/
Federal Voting Assistance Program
(800) 438-VOTE (8683)
rMl www.fvap.gov
19
WHERE:
• Within the immediate vicinity of a person
in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet
of the entrance of a polling place, curbside
voting, or drop box, the following activities
are prohibited.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE
PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT ask a person to vote for or against
any candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display a candidate's name, image,
or logo.
• DO NOT block access to or loiter near any
ballot drop boxes.
• DO NOT provide any material or audible
information for or against any candidate or
ballot measure near any polling place, vote
center, or ballot drop box.
• DO NOT circulate any petitions, including
for initiatives, referenda, recalls, or
candidate nominations.
• DO NOT distribute, display, or wear any
clothing (hats, shirts, signs, buttons,
stickers) that include a candidate's name,
image, logo, and/or support or oppose any
candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display information or speak to a
voter about the voter's eligibility to vote.
The electioneering prohibitions summarized
above are set forth in Article 7 of Chapter 4 of
Division 18 of the California Elections Code.
20
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT commit or attempt to commit
election fraud.
• DO NOT provide any sort of compensation
or bribery to, in any fashion or by any means
induce or attempt to induce, a person to
vote or refrain from voting.
• DO NOT illegally vote.
• DO NOT attempt to vote or aid another to
vote when not entitled to vote.
• DO NOT engage in electioneering;
photograph or record a voter entering or
exiting a polling place; or obstruct ingress,
egress, or parking.
• DO NOT challenge a person's right to vote
or prevent voters from voting; delay the
process of voting; or fraudulently advise any
person that he or she is not eligible to vote
or is not registered to vote.
• DO NOT attempt to ascertain how a voter
voted their ballot.
• DO NOT possess or arrange for someone to
possess a firearm in the immediate vicinity
of a polling place, with some exceptions.
• DO NOT appear or arrange for someone
to appear in the uniform of a peace
officer, guard, or security personnel in the
immediate vicinity of a polling place, with
some exceptions.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with any
component of a voting system.
• DO NOT forge, counterfeit, or tamper with
the returns of an election.
• DO NOT alter the returns of an election.
• DO NOT tamper with, destroy, or alter any
polling list, official ballot, or ballot container.
• DO NOT display any unofficial ballot
collection container that may deceive a
voter into believing it is an official collection
box.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with copy of the
results of votes cast.
• DO NOT coerce or deceive a person who
cannot read or an elder into voting for or
against a candidate or measure contrary to
their intent.
• DO NOT act as an election officer when you
are not one.
EMPLOYERS cannot require or ask their
employee to bring their vote -by -mail ballot to
work or ask their employee to vote their ballot
at work. At the time of payment of salary or
wages, employers cannot enclose materials that
attempt to influence the political opinions or
actions of their employee.
PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS cannot attempt
to determine how a voter voted their ballot or, if
that information is discovered, disclose how a
voter voted their ballot.
The prohibitions on activity related to corruption
of the voting process summarized above are set
forth in Chapter 6 of Division 18 of the California
Elections Code.
21
Look for Trusted Sources of Election Information
The Secretary of State is committed to ensuring elections are free, fair, safe, secure, accurate,
and accessible. Misinformation, intentional or otherwise, continues to confuse voters and create
distrust in the electoral process. California has one of the most extensive voting system testing and
certification programs in the nation.
Our best defense against rumors and misinformation is you! False election information is more
common than you think. If a claim seems outrageous or designed to upset you, it may not be true.
The best sources for trusted election information are your local and state elections
officials. To find out more about election facts or common rumors being spread, visit
catrustedinformation. sos. ca.gov.
Report misinformation to votesure@sos.ca.gov.
California Election Security Safeguards
Fo=-
Secure Technology
°= i • County voting systems are not connected
to the internet
• Strong security techniques are practiced
regularly
• Routine threat monitoring and vulnerability
scanning in collaboration with our state and
federal partners
Secure Processes
• VoteCal is a centralized statewide voter
registration database. VoteCal checks against
official records and is regularly updated
• Ballots and election technology must adhere
to strict chain -of -custody procedures
• Paper ballots for all registered voters are
available
_ Secure Facilities and People
Physical access control and security of
locations
%%1, • Security and accessibility assessments
O O completed for all locations
P1I ,
• Ballot drop boxes are secured and monitored
• Rigorous voting system testing and
certification performed by the California
Secretary of State
• Only authorized elections staff have access
to systems relevant to their role
• Post -election audits are performed by
elections officials
• Signatures are verified on all vote -by -mail
ballot envelopes
• Emergency planning for fire, flood, cyber
incidents, qnd more
• Election processes open to observation
during specific hours of operation
• Phishing and cybersecurity training
provided for all staff
22
California Voter ID & Registration Requirements
E.
Who Can Register to Vote in
California?
To register, you must be:
• A United States citizen and a
California resident
• 18 years or older on Election Day (or
16 or 17 years old to pre -register)
• Not currently serving a state or
federal prison term for a felony
• Not currently found mentally
incompetent to vote by a court
Do I Need to Show ID to Vote in
California?
In most cases, NO. California does
not generally require voters to show
identification at the polls.
When MIGHT You Be Asked for
ID?
You may need to show ID only if ALL the
following apply:
• You're voting for the first time in a
federal election
• You registered by mail or online, AND
• You did not provide your CA ID or
SSN when registering
You'll be notified in advance if this
applies to you.
Poll workers may only request an ID
if the voter list clearly indicates it's
required.
For more information,
Visit vote.ca.govor call
our Voter Hotline at
(800) 345-VOTE (8683).
oV What Forms of ID Are Acceptable
(if required)?
You can show a photo or non -photo ID,
including:
• California Driver's License or State
ID card
• U.S. Passport
• Student or Military ID
• Official mail from a government
agency
• Paycheck or government check
• Utility bill or bank statement
For a complete list, see: www.sos.ca.gov/
elections/hava-id-standards
Photo ID is not required, it's just one of
many valid options. ID does not need to
show your address or be government -
issued.
Don't Have ID When Voting?
You can still cast a provisional ballot.
Your ballot will be counted after
elections officials have confirmed you
are registered to vote in that county, and
you did not already vote in that election.
oV Check Your Voter Status Online
Visit the Secretary of State's My Voter
Status page at voters ta tus. sos. ca.gov to
check your voter status, find your polling
place or a vote center, and much more.
To check your voter status, you will need
to enter your first name, last name, date
of birth, and your California driver's
license or California identification card
number, or the last four digits of your
social security number.
Visit voters ta tus. sos. ca. gov for important
voter details.
23
Voting Rights Restored for Persons with a Prior
Felony Conviction
You can register and vote if you are:
• A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
• 18 years old or older on Election Day
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony
If you meet these requirements, you can vote even if you:
• Have a misdemeanor conviction (a misdemeanor will never prevent you from voting)
• Are on parole supervision or probation
• Are on post -release community supervision (PRCS)
For more information, please visit votingrightsrestored.sos.ca.gov.
Register or re -register to vote today!
If you were registered to vote and convicted of a felony, your previous registration may
have been canceled.
Register or re -register to vote today online at registertovote.ca.gov. You can also
request a paper voter registration card by calling the Secretary of State's Voter Hotline
at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
Democracy Needs You! Serve as a Poll Worker
Help your community members exercise their right to vote by signing up to be a poll
worker. As a poll worker, you can make sure voters can easily and safely cast their
vote. Gain hands-on experience and take part in the single most important right in our
democracy —Voting! Complete your form today at pollworker.sos.ca.gov.
For more information about being a poll worker, contact your county elections office or
call the California Secretary of State at (800) 345-VOTE (8683), or visit vote.ca.gov.
24
New to voting? Get started with 3 easy steps!
1. Register!
• Register to vote by October 20, 2025. Register online at registertovote.ca.gov or have
a voter registration form mailed to you by calling the Secretary of State's toll -free
Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Voter registration forms are also available at
your county elections office, local post office, or library.
• Same Day Voter Registration, known as Conditional Voter Registration in state law, is
a safety net for Californians who miss the voter registration deadline of October 20,
2025. Visit vote.ca.gov or see page 29 of this guide for more information.
• You are eligible to register to vote and vote if you are a United States citizen and a
resident of California, 18 years old or older on Election Day, not currently serving a
state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony, and not currently found
mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
2. Get informed!
• Asa registered voter you will receive two information resources in the mail:
• This Voter Information Guide, which contains information about the statewide
ballot measure, the election process, and how to vote. To receive your guide in a
different language, call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or visit voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
• A county Voter Information Guide, which contains a sample ballot, your polling
place or vote center location, and other helpful information.
• State campaign expenditure and contribution information related to candidates or
ballot measure committees is available at sos.ca.gov/campaign-lobbying.
3. Vote!
• You can return your ballot:
By drop box: Every active, registered voter in California will be mailed a ballot
for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. You may personally
deliver your ballot to any polling or ballot drop-off location in California by
8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
In person: Polling locations are established by county elections officials and
are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4,
2025. To find a location to vote early before Election Day, visit
icaearlyvoting.sos. ca.gov.
By mail: Return your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Vote -by -mail
ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received no later
than November 12, 2025.
Option for voters with disabilities: Counties offer an accessible voting option called remote
accessible vote -by -mail (RAVBM). RAVBM allows voters with disabilities to receive their ballots
at home and mark them independently and privately before sending them back to elections
officials.
25
California
Motor Voter
The California Motor Voter program is making registering to vote at the California Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) more convenient and secure. All eligible individuals completing driver's
license, ID card, or change of address transactions online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
will be automatically registered to vote unless they choose to "opt out" of automatic voter
registration.
The California Motor Voter program applies to Californians who are 18 years or older and meet
all the following criteria:
• A United States citizen.
• A resident of California.
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony.
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
Voter pre -registration is available for those 16 and 17 years of age. Their voter registration will
become active automatically when they turn 18.
For more information, visit motorvoter.sos.ca.gov.
To register to vote online, visit registertovote.ca.gov.
Voter Registration Privacy Information
Safe at Home Confidential Voter Registration Program: Certain voters facing life -threatening
situations may qualify for confidential voter status if they are active members of the Safe at Home
program. This includes victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human
trafficking, child abduction, and elder/dependent adult abuse, as well as public entity employees/
contractors in fear for their safety because of their work for a public entity, and reproductive
health care providers, employees, volunteers, and patients in fear for their safety because of their
affiliation with a reproductive health care facility. For more information, contact the Secretary of
State's Safe at Home program toll -free at (877) 322-5227 or visit sos.ca.gov/safeathome.
Voter Information Privacy: Information on your voter registration affidavit will be used by elections
officials to send you official information on the voting process, such as the location of your polling
place, and the measures and candidates that will appear on the ballot. Commercial use of voter
registration information is prohibited by law and is a misdemeanor. Voter information may be
provided to a candidate for office, a ballot measure committee, or other person for election,
scholarly, journalistic, political, or governmental purposes, as determined by the Secretary of
State. Driver's license and social security numbers, or your signature as shown on your voter
registration card, cannot be released for these purposes. If you have any questions about the
use of voter information or wish to report suspected misuse of such information, please call the
Secretary of States to' II -free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
PR
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities
California is committed to ensuring every voter is able to cast their ballot privately and
independently.
For more detailed information about what assistance your county offers to
voters with disabilities, please check out your county Voter Information Guide or
contact your county elections official. County contact information is available at
sos. ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices.
Voting at a Polling Place or Vote Center
If you need help marking your ballot, you may choose up to two people to help you. This person
cannot be:
• Your employer or anyone who works for your employer
• Your labor union leader or anyone who works for your labor union
Curbside voting allows you to park as close as possible to the voting area. Elections officials will
bring you a roster to sign, a ballot, and any other voting materials you may need, whether you are
actually at a curb or in a car.
All polling places and vote centers are required to be accessible to voters with disabilities and will
have accessible voting machines.
Voting at Home
Remote accessible vote -by -mail (RAVBM) systems provide an accessible option for voters
with disabilities to receive their ballots at home and mark them independently and privately
before sending them back to elections officials. Contact your county elections official for more
information.
Audio and Large Print Voter Information Guides
This guide is available in audio and large print versions as well in English, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese,
Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese at no cost.
To order:
QVisit vote.ca.gov
QCall the Secretary of State's toll -free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
AM
Wvvvv Download an audio MP3 version at voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/audio
27
County Elections Offices
Alameda County
(800) 834-6454
www.acvote.org
Alpine County
(530)694-2281
www. alpinecountyca. gov/
Amador County
(209)223-6465
www. amadorgov. org/government/elections
Butte County
(530) 552-3400 or (800) 894-7761
(Within Butte County)
www.buttevotes.net
Calaveras County
(209) 754-6376 or (833) 536-8683
www. Gala verasgo v. us/
Colusa County
(530) 458-0500 or (877) 458-0501
www. countyofcolusa.org/elections
Contra Costa County
(925) 335-7800
www. contracostavote.gov/elections/
Del Norte County
(707) 464-7216
www.co.del-norte.ca.usldepartmentsI
Elections
El Dorado County
(530)621-7480
www. edcgov. us/Government/Elections
Fresno County
(559) 600-8683
www.fresnovote.com
Glenn County
(530) 934-6414
www, countyofglenn. net/dept/elections
Humboldt County
(707)445-7481
www. humboldtgov. org/Elections
Imperial County
(442)265-1060
www.elections.imperialcounty.org
Inyo County
(760)878-0224
elections. inyocounty. us/
Kern County
(661) 868-3590 or (800) 452-8683
www.kemvote.com
Kings County
(559) 852-4401 or
(800) 289-9981 ext. 4401
www.votekingscounty.com
Lake County
(707) 263-2372 or (888) 235-6730
www. la kecoun tyca. go v/818/
Registrar -of -Voters
Lassen County
(530)251-8217
www.lassencounty. org/dept/county-clerk-
recorder/elections
Los Angeles County
(800) 815-2666
www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections
Madera County
(559) 675-7720 or (800) 435-0509
www.votemadera.com
Marin County
(415)473-6456
www.marinvotes.org
San Joaquin County
(209) 468-2890 or (209) 468-8683
www.sicrov.org
San Luis Obispo County
(800) 834-4636
www.slovote. com
Mariposa County San Mateo County
(209)966-2007 (650)312-5222
www.mariposacounty.org/87/Elections www.smcacre.org
Mendocino County
(707)234-6819
www. mendocinocoun ty.gov/government/
assessor -county -clerk -recorder -elections/
elections
Merced County
(209) 385-7541 or (800) 561-0619
www.mercedelections.org
Modoc County
(530)233-6200
www.co.modoc.ca.usldepartmentslelectionsI
Mono County
(760) 932-5537 or (760) 932-5530
monocounty. ca. gov/elections
Monterey County
(831) 796-1499 or (866) 887-9274
www. montereycountyelections. us/
Napa County
(707)253-4321
www. countyofnapa.orgl396/elections
Nevada County
(530) 265-1298 or (888) 395-1298
www. nevadacountyca. gov/1847/Elections-
Voting
Santa Barbara County
(805) 568-2200 or (800) 722-8683
www.sbcvote.com
Santa Clara County
(408) 299-8683 or (866) 430-8683
www.sccvote.org
Santa Cruz County
(831) 454-2060 or (866) 282-5900
www.votescount.com
Shasta County
(530) 225-5730
www.elections.shastacounty.gov
Sierra County
(530) 289-3295
www, sierraco un ty. ca. go v/214/Elections
Siskiyou County
(530) 842-8084
www.co.siskiyou.ca.uslelections
Solano County
(707) 784-6675 or (888) 933-8683
www.solanocounty. com/elections
Sonoma County
(707) 565-6800 or (800) 750-8683
vote. sonoma-county. org
Orange County
Stanislaus County
(714) 567-7600 or (888) 628-6837
(209) 525-5200 or (833) 772-2260
www.ocvote.com
www. stan vote. com
Placer County
Sutter County
(530) 886-5650 or (800) 824-8683
(530) 822-7122
www. placercountyelections.gov
www.suttercounty.org/elections
Plumas County
Tehama County
(530) 283-6256 or (844) 676-VOTE
(530) 527-8190
www.plumascounty.us/142/Elections-
www.co.tehama.ca.us/government/
Division -Home
departments/elections/
Riverside County
(951)486-7200
www.voteinfo.net
Sacramento County
(916) 875-6451 or (800) 762-8019
www.elections.saccounty.gov
San Benito County
(831)636-4016
www. sanbenitocounty-ca-cre.gov/elections
San Bernardino County
(909) 387-8300
www. sbcountyelections. com
San Diego County
(858) 565-5800 or (800) 696-0136
www.sdvote.com/
San Francisco County
(415) 554-4375
sfelections. sfgov. org
Trinity County
(530) 623-1220
www. trinitycounty.orgl214/Elections
Tulare County
(559) 839-2100
tularecoelections. org/elections/
Tuolumne County
{ (209) 533-5570
www.co.tuolumne.ca.usletections
Ventura County
(805)654-2664
www.venturavote.org
Yolo County
(530)666-8133
www.yoloelections.org
Yuba County
(530)749-7855
www.yubaelections.org
28 1 County Elections Offices
Check Your Voter Status Online
* Visit the Secretary of State's My Voter Status page at
STATUS VOTER voterstatus.sos.ca.govto check your voter status, find your polling
ST
place or a vote center, and much more.
To check your voter status, you will need to enter your first name, last name, date of birth, and
Your California driver's license or California identification card number, or the last four digits of
Your social security number.
Visit voters ta tus. sos. ca. gov for important voter details.
What if I forgot to register to vote or update my registration?
No problem! If you missed the October 20, 2025, voter registration deadline, California
law allows you to register to vote and vote until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day at your county
elections office or at any voting location in your county. This process is called Conditional Voter
Registration (CVR) and is commonly referred to as Same Day Voter Registration.
Provisional Voting
Name not on the voter list at the polling place or the vote center?
You still have the right to vote with a provisional ballot.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is a regular ballot placed in a special envelope prior to being put in the
ballot box. Provisional ballots are ballots cast by voters who believe they are registered to vote
even though their names are not on the official voter registration list at the polling place or
vote center.
A voter may need to cast a provisional ballot if they want to vote in person at a polling.,
place or vote center but did not receive their vote -by -mail ballot or if they do not have their
vote -by -mail ballot with them to surrender prior to voting in person.
Will my provisional ballot be counted?
Yes, your provisional ballot will be counted after elections officials have confirmed that you are
registered to vote in that county, and you did not already vote in that election.
0
A provisional ballot may be used at any polling place or vote center in the county in which you
are registered to vote. Only the election contests you are eligible to vote for will be counted.
How can you check the status of your provisional ballot?
Anyone who casts a provisional ballot has the right to find out from their county elections
official if the ballot was counted and, if not, the reason why it was not counted.
You can check the status of your provisional ballot at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
29
How to Fix a Missing or Noncomparable Signature on
Your Vote -by -Mail Ballot Return Envelope
EVi Possible Issues With Vote -by -Mail
or Provisional Ballot Return
Envelopes
• Missing Signature: You forgot to
sign your vote -by -mail ballot return
envelope.
• Signature Doesn't Compare: Your
signature doesn't compare with the
one on file with the elections official.
OV What Happens Next?
• Notification: If there's an issue with
your ballot, your county elections
office will notify you by mail, phone,
email, or from the Secretary of
State's Where's My Ballot? tool.
• How to Fix It: You can access a form
on your county elections official's
website to provide your signature and
confirm that you voted your ballot.
■ Check your mail or email for
instructions from your county
elections office
■ Fill out the form and follow
instructions on how to return the
form
■ Your options to return the form
may vary by county
■ Failure to follow instructions may
result in your ballot not being
counted
OV Stay Informed With Where's My
Ballot?
• Track Your Vote -by -Mail Ballot: Get
automatic updates on your ballot's
status by signing up for Where's My
Ballot?
• Receive notifications via text, email,
or phone about:
■ When your ballot is mailed
■ When it is received
■ If it has been counted
■ If there are issues that need to be
fixed
• Sign up today at:
wheresmyballot.sos. ca.gov
OV Important Deadlines for the
November 4, 2025, Statewide
Special Election:
• Mail ballots: Return your ballot
by mail as soon as you receive it.
Must be postmarked no later than
November 4, 2025, and received no
later than November 12, 2025.
• Deadline: The deadline to fix your
missing or noncomparable signature
is 5:00 p.�n. on November 30, 2025,
two days prior to the day your county
certifies the election.
For more information, visit votexajovor
call our Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
30
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
Early vote -by -mail ballot voting period is from October 6 through November 4, 2025.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 4, 2025, Election Day!
S
M T W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
500
8
9
10
11
12
13 14 15
16
17
18
19
20 21 22
23
24
25
26
27 28 29
30
31
October 6
County elections officials will begin mailing
vote -by -mail ballots on or before this date.
October 6—November 4
Voting period to return vote -by -mail ballot.
October 7
Vote -by -mail secure drop boxes open.
October 20
Last day to register to vote. Same day voter
registration is available at your county
elections office or voting location after
the voter registration deadline, up to and
including Election Day.
October 25
First day vote centers open in Voter's
Choice Act counties for early in -person
voting.
k
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Last day to vote in -person or return a
vote -by -mail ballot by 8:00 p.m.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Return your ballot by mail as soon as you
receive it. Vote -by -mail ballots must be
postmarked no later than November 4.
31
California Secretary of State
Elections Division
150011th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
FICIAL
Za
y the U.S. e
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CALIFORNIA
SECRETARY
OF STATE
�Pfl STATEWIDNOV E SPECIAL ELECTION
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 6
County elections officials will begin mailing
vote -by -mail ballots on or before this date.
October 6 — November 4
Voting period to return vote -by -mail ballot.
October 7
Vote -by -mail secure drop boxes open.
October 20
Last day to register to vote. Same day voter registration is
available at your county elections office or voting location after
the voter registration deadline, up to and including Election Day.
October25
First day vote centers open in Voter's Choice Act
counties for early in -person voting.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Last day to vote in -person or return a vote -by -mail ballot by
8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Return
your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Vote -by -mail
For additional copies of the Voter Information Guide
in any of the following languages, please call:
English: (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
Espanol/Spanish: (800) 232-VOTA (8682)
FPX/Chinese: (800) 339-2857
ftt/Hindi: (888) 345-2692
Q *Aa/Japanese: (800) 339-2865
f2i/Khmer: (888) 345-4917
t}-_-iLO1/Korean: (866) 575-`1558
Tagalog: (800) 339-2957
rinij,°lmej/Thai: (855) 345-3933
Viet ngit/Vietnamese: (800) 339-8163
ballots must be postmarked no laterthan November 4. 1 TTY/TDD: 711
Are you registered to vote? Check here: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
* In an effort to reduce election costs, the State Legislature has authorized the State and counties to mail only one guide to each voting
household. You may request additional copies by contacting your county elections official or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
OSP 25 160202 @ag A'
�r�
} �S' "�yHfR1fe."T�',. Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
P5t§t
� , California Secretary of State,V.-;,-, ,..,-,::
. ?=. Elections Division
o �;Fo P-~ 1500 11th Street,5th Floor I Sacramento,CA 95814 I 916.657 2166 I electircs@sotla.gov
' 'i v) i+ri
cl 4
4- ,—vcrr, ,
ca m
c.�Er; -zs <
To Whom It May Concern: mK:, iv
We are pleased to provide the official California Voter Information Guide for t e
November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election, which has been prepared by this office
to assist California voters in determining how to cast their votes on the statewide ballot
measure on Election Day. These guides are being distributed to you as required by
Section 9096 of the California Elections Code.
If you would like additional copies of the guide, please contact the Secretary of State's
Elections Division at vigfeedback@sos.ca.gov or by calling (916) 657-2166.
Sincerely,
Voter Information Guide Coordinator
OSP 25 160212
Statewide
Special
Election
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
Early vote -by -mail ballot voting period is
from October 6 through November 4, 2025.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
on November 4, 2025, Election Day!
CALIFORNIA
TRUSTED INFO
Every registered voter
in California will receive
a vote -by -mail ballot.
Vote -by -mail ballots
are mailed on or before
October 6.
Vote -by -mail ballots
can be voted and
returned as soon as
they are received.
Vote -by -mail drop
boxes open October 7.
In -person voting
options will be available
in all counties.
Certificate of Correctness
I, Shirley N. Weber, Secretary
of State of the State of
California, do hereby certify that
the information included herein
will be submitted to the electors
of the State of California at the
Statewide Special Election to
be held throughout the State
on NovemberA, 2025, and that
this guide has been correctly
prepared in accordance with
the law. Witness my hand and
the Great Seal of the State in
Sacramento, California, this
17th day of September, 2025.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
VOTER BILL OF
RIGHTS
YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter. You are eligible to vote if you are:
• a U.S. citizen living in California
• at least 18 years old
• registered where you currently live
• not currently serving a state or federal
prison term for the conviction of a felony,
and
• not currently found mentally incompetent
to vote by a court
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter even if your name is not on the
list. You will vote using a provisional
ballot. Your vote will be counted if
elections officials determine that you
are eligible to vote.
The right to vote if you are still in Fine
when the polls close.
The right to cast a secret ballot without
j( anyone bothering you or telling you how
to vote.
The right to get a new ballot if you
have made a mistake, if you have not
already cast your ballot. You can:
Ask an elections official at a polling place
for a new ballot,
Exchange your vote -by -mail ballot for a
new one at an elections office, or at your
polling place, or
Vote using a provisional ballot.
The right to get help casting your ballot
from anyone you choose, except from
your employer or union representative.
The right to drop off your completed
vote -by -mail ballot at any polling place
in California.
The right to get election materials in a
language other than English if enough
people in your voting precinct speak
that language.
The right to ask questions to elections
officials about election procedures
and watch the election process. If the
person you ask cannot answer your
questions, they must send you to the
right person for an answer. If you are
disruptive, they can stop answering you.
The right to report any illegal or
fraudulent election activity to an
elections official or the Secretary of
State's office.
Q On the web at www.sos.ca.gov
(t By phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
09 By email at elections@sos.ca.gov
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DENIED ANY OF THESE RIGHTS, CALL THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S
CONFIDENTIAL TOLL -FREE VOTER HOTLINE AT (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
E
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
PROPOSITION
5
50 Authorizes Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps in Response to Texas' Partisan
Redistricting. Legislative Constitutional Amendment..................................................................... 8
TEXT OF PROPOSED LAW 18
VOTER INFORMATION
Voter Bill of Rights...........................................2
Top Contributors..............................................3
Secretary of State Website Resources ................
3
Message from the Secretary of State.................4
Election Day Information ..................................
5
Find Your Polling Place.....................................5
Election Results..............................................5
More Days, More Ways to Vote with VCA............
6
Don't Delay, Vote Today! ...................................
7
Track Your Ballot .............................................
7
Tips for Military and Overseas Voters...............19
Electioneering Notice .....................................
20
Corruption of Voting Process Notice ................
21
Trusted Sources of Information .......................
22
Election Security Safeguards ..........................
22
California Voter ID & Registration
Requirements .............................................
23
Voting Rights Restored...................................24
Serve as a Poll Worker ....................................
24
New to Voting? ..............................................
25
California Motor Voter ....................................
26
Voter Registration Privacy Information .............
26
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities ..............
27
County Elections Offices .................................
28
Check Your Voter Status Online .......................
29
Provisional Voting..........................................29
How to Fix a Missing or Noncomparable
Signature on Ballot Return Envelope .............
30
Dates to Remember .......................................
31
Top Contributors to State Candidates and Ballot Measures
When a committee (a person or group of people who receive or spend money for the purpose of influencing
voters to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures) raises at least $1 million, it must report its top 10
contributors to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The committee must update the list
when there is any change.
These lists are available on the FPPC website at:
fppc. ca.gov/transparency/top-contributors, html
To research campaign contributions for candidates or ballot measures, visit the
Secretary of State's website at powersearch.sos.ca.gov.
Visit the Secretary of State's Website to: t
• Research campaign contributions and lobbying activity cal-access.sos.ca.gov OR powersearch.sos.ca.gov
• View this voter guide in other languages voterguide.sos.ca.gov
• Check your registration status and registration information voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
• Find your polling place or a vote center on Election Day sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place OR
voters tatus. sos. ca.gov
• Get vote -by -mail ballot information sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail
• Read helpful information for first-time voters sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california
• Watch live election results after polls close on Election Day electionresults.sos.ca.gov
3
Message from the Secretary of State
Dear California Voter,
Your participation in every election is vital to ensuring democracy thrives. As a California voter,
you will have an opportunity to vote in the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special
Election. This election will ask you to approve or reject a ballot proposition.
You have a number of ways to participate as California continues to protect and expand your
right to vote. We uphold universal vote -by -mail ballots, multiple in -person voting approaches,
same -day voter registration, and provisional voting, all designed to make voting accessible and
secure.
This Voter Information Guide is designed to help you make an informed decision on
Proposition 50. Inside, you will find key details about when, where, and how to cast your
ballot, as well as an impartial summary and analysis of the measure. The guide presents
official arguments both in favor of and against Proposition 50, along with rebuttals, so you can
consider multiple perspectives before making your choice.
Your Guide Includes:
• A neutral summary of Proposition 50, with arguments for and against, including contact
information for supporters and opponents. (PAGE 5)
• Clear instructions on how to vote —by mail, in person, or via secure drop box. Plus,
reminders to sign and seal your ballot. (PAGE 7)
• Information on Where's My Ballot alerts at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
• Details on extended voting days and vote centers in Voter's Choice Act counties, where
you can register and vote on the same day. (PAGE 6)
Participating in elections is vital to having a say in decisions that affect our lives and how
our community operates. I encourage you to take the time to learn about the issue and the
implications of this election, then make your choice. Voting means your voice will be heard and
you have a say in the future.
Thank you for keeping our democracy strong!
4
QUICK -REFERENCE GUIDE
PROP AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS IN RESPONSE
50 TO TEXAS'PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
1 rnuH ATlur
SUMMARY Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Requires temporary use of new congressional district
maps through 2030. Directs independent Citizens
Redistricting Commission to resume enacting
congressional district maps in 2031. Establishes policy
supporting nonpartisan redistricting commissions
nationwide. Fiscal Impact: One-time costs to counties of
up to a few million dollars statewide to update election
materials to reflect new congressional district maps.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA YES vote on this
measure means:
The state would use new,
legislatively drawn
congressional district maps
starting in 2026. California's
new maps would be used
until the California Citizens
Redistricting Commission
draws new maps following
the 2030 U.S. Census.
ARGUMENTS
P R 0 Proposition 50—
The Election
Rigging Response Act —
approves temporary,
emergency congressional
district maps to counter
Donald Trump's scheme to
rig next year's
congressional election and
reaffirms California's
commitment to
independent, nonpartisan
redistricting after the next
census. Vote Yes on 50 for
democracy in all 50 states.
Learn more at
StopElectionRigging. com.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FOR
Governor Gavin Newsom
Yes on 50, The Election
Rigging Response Act,
Governor Newsom's Ballot
Measure Committee
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
info@stopelectionrigging.com
Stop Election Rigging. com
N0 A NO vote on this
measure means:
Current congressional
district maps drawn by the
California Citizens
Redistricting Commission
(Commission) would
continue to be used in
California until the
Commission draws new
maps following the 2030
U.S. Census.
C 0 N Prop. 50 was
written by
politicians, for politicians —
dismantling safeguards that
keep elections fair, removes
requirements to keep local
communities together, and
eliminates voter protections
that ban maps designed to
favor political parties. Vote
NO to protect fair elections
and keep citizens —not
politicians —in charge of
redistricting.
AGAINST
No on Prop. 50—Protect
Voters First, Sponsored by
Hold Politicians
Accountable
2350 Kerner Blvd., Suite 250
San Rafael, CA 94901
(916) 446-6572
info@votersfirstact.org
Voters FirstAct.org'
Election Day Information
Polling locations are open from 7:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
If you are in line before 8:00 p.m., you can
still vote.
Find Your Polling Place or a
Vote Center
Polling places and vote centers are
established by county elections officials.
Look for your polling place address or
vote center locations in the county Voter
Information Guide that you receive in the
mail a few weeks before Election Day.
You may also visit the Secretary of State's
website at vote.ca.gov or call our toll -free
Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
STATEWIDE
SPECIAL
ELECTION
RESULTS
Election results for the
November 4, 2025,
Statewide Special
Election are available
after the polls.close
at 8:00 p.m. on the
California Secretary
of State's Election
Results website at
electionresults.sos. ca.gov.
Results will begirt to be posted at 8:00 p.m.
and will be updated throughout Election
Night. In the days afterwards, the results
will be updated at 5:00 p.m. each day
throughout the canvass as counties count
the remaining ballots.
The official certified results of the election
will be posted by December 12, 2025, at
sos. ca.gov/elections.
Quick -Reference Guide 1 5
More Days, More Ways to Vote
with the California Voter's Choice Act
Humboldt
Yolo
NapaSonoma
SacramentoPMarin
Alameda
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Stanislaus
Merced
San Benito
Kings
Nevada
Placer
El Dorado
Amador
Calaveras
�--�— Tuolumne
Mariposa
Madera
Fresno
Ventura Riverside
Los Angeles
oma
orange
San Diego
Vote in person up to 10 days
prior to Election Day
• Alameda • Orange
• Amador • Placer
• Butte
• Riverside
• Calaveras
• Sacramento
• El Dorado
• San Benito
• Fresno
• San Diego
• Humboldt
• San Mateo
• Kings
• Santa Clara
• Los Angeles
• Santa Cruz
• Madera
• Sonoma
• Marin
Stanislaus
• Mariposa
Tuolumne
• Merced
Ventura
• Napa
Yolo
• Nevada
In California, every active registered voter will automatically
receive a ballot in the mail before every election. Check your
voter registration status to ensure you receive your ballot.
Use a drop box:
Return your ballot
to a secure drop off
location in any county
up to 28 days before
the election
Vote center:
• Vote in person
anywhere in the
county up to 10 days
before the election
• Register to vote
and vote same day
• Drop off your ballot
Vote by mail:
Return your ballot by
mail as soon as you
receive it
Visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov or call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) to learn more.
F C�8W&CE�T
L(OTER'S
VCA.SOS.CA.GOV
6
Want to skip the
am E
line and vote early?
y ;
Scan the QR Code
to learn more!
0
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
All California voters will be sent a vote -by -mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope
for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. County elections officials will begin
sending vote -by -mail ballots no later than October 6, 2025.
The vote -by -mail ballot voting period begins as soon as ballots are in the mail. Make your voice heard
early! Return your vote -by -mail ballot during the voting period of October 6 through the close of polls on
November 4.
Voting by Mail is EASY.
Democracy is counting on you! Follow these five easy steps to exercise your right to vote:
ov Complete it.
Mark your choices on your vote -by -mail
ballot.
Seal it.
Secure your ballot inside the vote -by -mail
ballot return envelope you received from
your county elections office.
ov Sign it.
Sign the outside of your vote -by -mail ballot
return envelope.
Make sure your signature matches the one
on your CA driver's license/state ID, or the
one you provided when registering to vote.
Your county elections office will compare
them before they count your ballot.
Track it.
ov Return it.
By drop box —Drop off your completed vote -
by -mail ballot at a secure official drop box in
your county at any time between October 7
through the close of polls on November 4.
In person —Drop your completed vote -by -
mail ballot off at a secure drop box, polling
place, vote center, or county elections office
by 8:00 p.m. on November 4. Voting locations
will be available in all counties before
Election Day. Voting locations offer voter
registration, replacement ballots, accessible
voting machines, and language assistance.
By mail —Return you ballot by mail as
soon as you receive it. Make sure your
vote -by -mail ballot return envelope is
postmarked no later than November 4.
Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to receive updates on the status
of your vote -by -mail ballot by text message (SMS), email, or voice call.
T
All voters can get critical updates on their ballots through California's official "Where's My Ballot?"
tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes!
What you'll be able to track.
Tl BALLOT
MAILED
by elections office
BALLOT BALLOT
RECEIVED COUNTED
by elections office by elections office
You can select to receive notifications on the status of your vote -by -mail ballot by text
(SMS), email, or voice call, including alerts if there are any issues with your ballot and
instructions for how to correct them to make sure your vote is counted.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to track your ballot every step of the way!
You can also copy this URL into your browser: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
OFFICIAL TITLE AND SUMMARY PREPARED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
The text of this measure can be found on page 18 and the Secretary of State's website at
voterguide.sos. ca.gov.
In response to Texas' mid -decade partisan
congressional redistricting, this measure
temporarily requires new congressional
district maps, as passed by the Legislature
in August 2025, to be used in California's
congressional elections through 2030.
• Retains California's independent Citizens
Redistricting Commission and directs the
Commission to resume enacting congressional
district maps in 2031 after the 2030 census and
every ten years thereafter.
Establishes state policy supporting use of fair,
independent, and nonpartisan redistricting
commissions nationwide.
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATIVE ANALYST'S ESTIMATE OF NET
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FISCAL IMPACT:
• One-time costs to counties of up to a few
million dollars statewide. County costs would
be to update election materials to reflect new
congressional district maps.
FINAL VOTES CAST BY THE LEGISLATURE ON ACA 8 (PROPOSITION 50)
(RESOLUTION CHAPTER 156, STATUTES OF 2025)
Senate: Ayes 30 Noes 8
Assembly: Ayes 57 Noes 20
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
BACKGROUND
U.S. CONGRESS
U.S. Congress. The U.S. Congress is the part of the
federal government that makes laws. Congress has
two parts: the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of
Representatives (House). Each of the 50 states is
represented by 2 senators, with 100 senators in
total. The House has 435 members. The number
of representatives in the House for each state
depends on how many people live in that state.
Each member in the House represents an area of
the state called a congressional district. California
currently has 52 congressional districts. Voters
who live in each congressional district elect one
member of the House every two years to represent
them. The next election for all 435 representatives
will be in 2026.
U.S. Census Counts States' Populations Every Ten
Years. The number of people living in an area goes
up and down overtime. Every ten years, the U.S.
Census counts the number of people who live in
the U.S. The last census was in 2020, and the next
census is in 2030. This count is used to determine
how many people live in each state and how many
representatives in the House each state gets for the
next ten years.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING,
Each State Draws Congressional District Maps
Following the U.S. Census. Every ten years, after
the U.S. Census is completed, states draw new
congressional district maps to reflect their number
of House representatives and where people live.
This process is called "redistricting" Each state
decides what process to use to draw its new
district maps. When drawing new maps, each
state must follow federal laws. For example, each
congressional district in the state must represent
about the same number of people.
States Typically Do Not Redistrict Sooner Than
Every Ten Years. States typically only draw
congressional district maps every ten years, unless
a court orders changes to comply with the law.
In August 2025, however, the Texas Legislature
passed a bill to adopt new maps for the 2026
elections without a court order. Several other states
also are considering changes to their maps before
the 2026 elections.
8 1 Title and Summary/ Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. �O
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Congressional Redistricting in California. State
legislatures draw congressional district maps in
most states, but some states use commissions to
do this job. Before 2010, the California Legislature
drew the state's congressional district maps.
In 2010, California voters gave this job to an
independent commission known as the California
Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission).
The Commission includes 14 members:
5 Democratic members, 5 Republican members,
and 4 members who are not registered with either
of those political parties. When the Commission
draws new congressional district maps, it must
follow federal and state laws. For example, state
law requires, among other things, the Commission
to avoid splitting up neighborhoods or local
communities of interest to the extent possible.
State law also prohibits the Commission from
considering political parties, current office holders,
or people running for office when it draws the
maps.
Current California Congressional Districts. The
Commission drew the current maps for California's
52 congressional districts. These maps were based
on the 2020 U.S. Census and have been used since
the 2022 congressional elections.
PROPOSAL
CALIFORNIA'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS
Use Legislatively Drawn Congressional District
Maps Until After the Next Census. Proposition 50
replaces California's current congressional district
maps with new, legislatively drawn maps. (The total
number of districts would not change.) Proposition
50's maps must follow federal law, but they are not
required to follow the state requirements placed on
the Commission. The state would use Proposition
50's maps for congressional elections starting in
2026. The state would use these maps until the
Commission draws new district maps, following the
2030 U.S. Census.
NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
Call for Change in Federal Law. Proposition 50
asks the U.S. Congress to change federal law and
propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to
CONTINUED
require redistricting be done by "fair, independent,
and nonpartisan redistricting commissions
nationwide" Proposition 50 expresses voter
support for this idea, but does not change federal
law or require any particular action of Congress or
the California Legislature.
FISCAL EFFECTS
Minor One -Time Costs to County and State
Elections Officials. Counties run elections, and the
state oversees them. Because most congressional
districts in California would change at least some
under the new maps, county and state elections
officials would need to update election materials.
This would result in one-time costs to counties of
up to a few million dollars statewide and one-time
costs to the state of roughly $200,000. The state
amount is much less than one -tenth of 1 percent
(0.1 percent) of the state's roughly $220 billion
General Fund budget. (The General Fund is the
account the state uses to pay for most public
services, including education, health care, and
prisons.)
CURRENT AND PROPOSED
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS
This section shows maps of the current and
proposed congressional districts (1) statewide,
as shown in Figures 1 and 2; (2) in the northern
part of the state, as shown in Figures 3 and 4; and
(3) in the southern part of the state, as shown in
Figures 5 and 6. A description of the census blocks
represented by each district in the proposed maps
can be found at the following website: https://
leginfo.legislature. ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.
xhtml?bill id=202520260AB604
Visit sos.ca.gov/campaign-lobbying/cal-access-
resources/measure-contributions/2025-ballot-
measure-contribution-totals for a list of committees
primarily formed to support or oppose this measure.
Visit fppc.ca.gov/transparency/top-contributors.html
to access the committee's top 10 contributors.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 9
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50 MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 1
Current Congressional Districts
CONTINUED
Note: See northern and southem congressional district maps for district numbers for the Bay Area and Los Angeles regions. Map reflects data posted to the
California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
10 1 Analysis
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 2
Proposed Congressional Districts
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. 50
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
CONTINUED
Note: See northern and southern congressional district inaps for district numbers for the Bay Area and Los Angeles regions. Map reflects data posted to the
California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 11
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
1
CONTINUED
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
Figure 3
Current Northern Congressional Districts
2
1
191 18
5
County Lines
District Lines
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
12 1 Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. �®
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST CONTINUED
Figure 4
Proposed Northern Congressional Districts
County Lines
District Lines
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional
Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 13
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50 MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST CONTINUED
Figure 5
Current Southern Congressional Districts
County Lines
District Lines
27 29
24 26 28 23
30
33
32 31
4 35
37
38 39
43
44 `u 46 40 t 25
36 42
41
47
25
42 49 48
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
14 1 Analysis
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. �0
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
ANALYSIS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST CONTINUED
Figure 6
Proposed Southern Congressional Districts
County Lines - - -
District Lines
27
26 28
29 23
30
32 31 33
34
37 -- --
41 38- 35 39 25
36 44 46
45
42 40
47
48
25
42 49
50
Note: Map reflects data posted to the California Legislature elections committees' (Assembly Elections Committee and Senate Elections and Constitutional
Amendments Committee) websites.
For the full text of Proposition 50, see page 18. Analysis 1 15
PROPOSITION AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
50 MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
* ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION 50
STOP TRUMP FROM RIGGING THE 2026 ELECTION
Donald Trump and Texas Republicans are making an
unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig
the 2026 election before voting even begins.
Other Republican states are following suit. They want to steal
enough seats to control Congress even if voters overwhelmingly
reject their agenda.
This isn't politics as usual. It's an emergency for our democracy.
ENSURE FAIR REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS
We have already seen how Trump has recklessly imposed tariffs
and hurt California families, denied disaster assistance to fire
victims, and ordered mass arrests without warrants. The 2026
election for Congress represents our only chance to provide an
essential check and balance on Trump's dangerous agenda.
If Californians don't act now, Donald Trump will seize total
power for two more years. Proposition 50, the Election Rigging
Response Act, will put a stop to their anti -democratic scheme.
Here's what it does.
• LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD, Prop. 50 makes sure the 2026
mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field without
an unfair advantage for Republicans.
• COMMITS TO FAIR REDISTRICTING. Prop. 50 reaffirms
California's commitment to independent redistricting and calls
for a nationwide commitment to fair and impartial maps.
• GIVES VOTERS THE POWER. Prop. 50 puts the power in the
hands of the People of California, not backroom politicians, to
approve emergency congressional district maps in response to
Trump's election rigging scheme.
• IS FAIR AND PROPORTIONAL. Prop. 50 provides emergency
maps only because Republicans moved forward with their power
grab.
• IS TEMPORARY. These maps expire in 2030. Prop. 50
preserves California's award -winning redistricting reforms and
reaffirms the California Citizens Redistricting Commission's
authority to draw congressional districts after the next census.
The stakes couldn't be higher. If Republicans rig the election and
steal control of Congress next year, they'll continue to eliminate
healthcare for millions of Americans, slash funding for schools,
and cut essential services for veterans to pay for tax breaks for
billionaires and big corporations.
PROTECT DEMOCRACY IN ALL 50 STATES
California has a duty to defend democracy. To do that, we can't
unilaterally disarm or fight with both hands tied behind our
backs. When Trump tries to rig elections, we must fight back with
every tool available.
Prop. 50 draws fair maps that represent California's diverse
communities and ensure our voices aren't silenced by partisan
gerrymandering in other states.
California leads the nation in protecting voting rights and fair
elections. When other states try to silence our voices and rig the
system, we must respond decisively.
Join President Barack Obama, Governor Gavin Newsom,
Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff, Speaker Emerita
Nancy Pelosi, election experts, independent redistricting
commissioners, Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, California
veterans, teachers, and nurses.
Vote YES on Prop. 50 to stop Trump's election rigging scheme.
Vote YES for checks and balances.
Vote YES to protect democracy in all 50 states.
Governor Gavin Newsom
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
* REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION 50 *
THE WRONG PATH —NO ON PROP. 50
We know American democracy is on fire, but accelerating
gerrymandering only adds fuel! Politicians are seizing this crisis
to justify a power grab.
PROP. 50 DOES NOT DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY
Prop. 50 is not a magic pill to cure the nation's ills. It claims to
protect democracy, yet diminishes our communities' voices and
is ineffective against any overreach of presidential power. Vote
NO.
California gerrymandering allowed the Legislature to draw
partisan seats without transparency or citizen input, solely to
protect incumbents. By 2001, the government was gridlock ed,
with legislators held hostage to the extremes of their parties.
Voters rose up and handed line -drawing over to citizens,
resulting in:
• Competitive Districts: Previously safe seats now must be
earned.
• Better Representation: Women in the Legislature doubled,
Asian representation tripled, Black representation nearly
doubled, and Latino seats grew by 8%.
• Government for the People: With more moderate
representatives, the Legislature passed bipartisan legislation,
working for the interests of all Californians.
WE THE PEOPLE
Districts do not belong to either party; they belong to the People.
But, party bosses want to call the shots —again. NO to a "pay -to -
play" system.
Prop. 50 says this is "temporary," yet the Legislature will bypass
the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission again in
2028, 2030—and perhaps beyond. Don't be fooled.
Legislators drew this map behind closed doors for you to rubber-
stamp. It is not your choice.
Vote NO on partisan gerrymandering. Vote NO on Prop. 50.
Cynthia Dai, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jeanne Raya, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jodie Filkins Webber, Rotating Chair
First Citizens Redistricting Commission
16 1 Arguments Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.
AUTHORIZES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS' PARTISAN REDISTRICTING. 50
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
* ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION 50 *
PROPOSITION 50: A POWER GRAB BY POLITICIANS
Prop. 50 was written by politicians, for politicians. Prop. 50
dismantles constitutional safeguards that keep election maps
fair. It removes requirements to keep cities, counties, and local
communities together, and eliminates voter protections that ban
maps designed to favor incumbents or political parties —putting
politicians back in charge of drawing their own districts, or those
of their friends.
A "NO" vote protects fair elections and keeps the people of
California —not politicians —in charge of redistricting.
NO ON PROP. 50: IT REPEALS LANDMARK VOTER -APPROVED
ELECTION REFORMS
For decades, Sacramento politicians drew their own district
boundaries behind closed doors with no public oversight —
guaranteeing their reelection, denying voters a real choice, and
shutting out many women and people of color from elected
office.
In 2008, California voters approved historic election reform —
creating the independent California Citizens Redistricting
Commission. Voters decided district lines should be drawn by
a balanced panel of everyday citizens —not by politicians who
stood to benefit.
Prop. 50 throws out citizen -drawn congressional maps created
through a transparent public process with input from over
35,000 Californians. Instead, politicians secretly drew maps —
leaving voters with NO real say.
NO ON PROP. 50: ANOTHER SCHEME TO PERMANENTLY END
INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING
In 2008 and 2010, the Democratic Party and special interests
spent millions of dollars to stop citizen redistricting. Later, the
California Republican Party even sued to overturn citizen -drawn
maps —and lost. Now, Sacramento politicians are scheming to
regain control with Prop. 50.
Make no mistake: Prop. 50 is not temporary. For over half a
decade, politicians get to impose their gerrymandered maps.
Worse, it sets a dangerous precedent —opening the door for
Sacramento to keep drawing election maps beyond 2031—
giving politicians permanent power to shield themselves and
their allies from accountability for California's high cost of living,
skyrocketing housing costs, and rising energy bills.
NO ON PROP. 50: DON'T BE MISLED BY POLITICAL SPIN
The same politicians who opposed independent redistricting
from the start now claim Prop. 50 will "save democracy." In truth,
Prop. 50 weakens fair representation by shutting the public out
and bringing gerrymandering back to California.
Prop. 50 is not democratic; it gives voters a take -it -or -leave -it
decision on the most partisan maps in California's history —a
product of politicians' secretive backroom deals with ZERO
meaningful public engagement.
Prop. 50 divides communities to benefit politicians, splitting
counties 114 times and cities 141 times —far more than the
citizen -drawn maps.
"When politicians gerrymander, they divide our neighborhoods
and weaken the voice of communities of color. Whatever happens
in Texas, we cannot save democracy by destroying it in California.
Vote NO on Prop. 50."-Reverend Mac Shorty, Civil Rights Leader
NO ON PROP. 50: A MASSIVE WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY
The Legislature has called a special election just to pass this
politician -protecting constitutional change —costing taxpayers
$200, 000, 000.
With a massive budget deficit, Sacramento politicians are
making painful cuts to health care, housing, education, and
public safety. Instead of protecting important programs, they're
spending it on a political power grab.
Vote NO on Prop. 50.
VotersFIRSTAct.org
Roberto Moncada, Board Member
United Latinos Action
Faith Bautista Tamashiro, President
National Diversity Coalition
Taylor Shorty, Board Member
Community RePower Movement
* REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION 50 *
WARNING: NO ON 50 IS BACKED BY TRUMP EXTREMISTS
Who's spending millions against Prop. 50?
An anti -choice mega -millionaire named Charles Munger Jr. who
wants to help Donald Trump and Red State Republicans rig the
2026 elections and hand Trump unchecked power for two more
years.
Independent redistricting commissioners, election experts,
and leading civil rights organizations —from the NAACP to the
National Democratic Redistricting Committee —urge you to
reject the lies spread by NO on 50's phony front groups.
Lie #1: "Prop. 50 repeals landmark voter -approved election
reforms." This is plainly false. Prop. 50 calls on all states to
end partisan gerrymandering and reaffirms the power of the
California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw the lines
after the next census.
Lie #2: "Prop. 50 removes requirements to keep cities, counties,
and local communities together." Prop. 50 does the opposite,
keeping MORE cities and counties combined, and communities
together than California's existing maps.
Lie #3: "Prop. 50 puts politicians back in charge of drawing
their own districts." Untrue. Prop. 50 puts power to approve
emergency maps in the hands of voters, not politicians.
Lie #4: "Prop. 50 permanently ends independent redistricting."
Also untrue. Prop. 50 is a temporary and proportional response
to Trump's election -rigging scheme and expires in 2030.
Californians cannot allow Donald Trump and Texas Republicans
to rig the 2026 election and silence our voices.
Vote YES on Prop. 50.
Protect democracy, preserve nonpartisan redistricting and
ensure a fair election in all 50 states.
Sara Sadhwani, Commissioner
2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Jodi Hicks, President
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Nikki Davis Milevsky, President
Sacramento City Teachers Association
Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments 1 17
TEXT OF PROPOSED LAW
PROPOSITION 50
This amendment proposed by Assembly Constitutional
Amendment S of the 2025-2026 Regular Session
(Resolution Chapter 156, Statutes of 2025) expressly
amends the California Constitution by adding a section
thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be
added are printed in italic type to indicate that they are
new.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XXI
First —This measure shall be known, and may be cited,
as the "Election Rigging Response Act"
Second —The people of the State of California find and
declare all of the following:
(a) President Donald Trump has called on Republican -
led states to undertake an unprecedented mid -decade
redistricting of congressional seats to rig the 2026
United States midterm elections before voting begins.
(b) The State of Texas has convened a special session
of its Legislature to redraw congressional district maps
to unfairly advantage Republicans.
(c) The Legislature of the State of Florida has
established a select committee to advance an
extraordinary mid -decade redistricting to unfairly
advantage Republicans.
(d) Republicans have urged the State of Ohio to
conduct its mid -decade redistricting to unfairly
produce more Republican seats in Congress.
(e) Republican officials in the States of Indiana,
Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South
Carolina are also considering President Trump's call for
the mid -decade redistricting of congressional seats to
unfairly advantage Republicans.
(f) President Trump and Republicans are attempting to
gain enough seats through redistricting to rig the
outcome of the 2026 United States midterm elections
regardless of how the people vote.
(g) President Trump's election -rigging scheme is an
emergency for our democracy.
(h) The 2026 United States midterm elections are
voters' only chance to provide an essential check and
balance against President Trump's dangerous agenda.
(i) California has long stood as a national leader for fair,
independent, and nonpartisan redistricting.
(j) California calls on all other states to commit to fair
and impartial drawing of maps.
(k) California has a duty to defend democracy.
U) The 2026 United States midterm elections for
Congress must be conducted on a level playing field
without an extreme and unfair advantage for
Republicans.
(m) The people of California, not politicians, should
have the power to approve temporary congressional
district maps in response to President Trump's
election -rigging scheme.
(n) It is the intent of the people that California's
temporary maps be designed to neutralize the partisan
gerrymandering being threatened by Republican -led
states without eroding fair representation , for all
communities.
Third —That Section 4 is added to Article XXI thereof,
to read:
SEC. 4. (a) It is the policy of the State of California to
support the use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan
redistricting commissions nationwide. The people of the
State of California call on the Congress of the United
States to pass federal legislation and propose an
amendment of the United States Constitution to require
the use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan
redistricting commissions nationwide.
(b) In response to the congressional redistricting in
Texas in 2025, and notwithstanding any other provision
of this Constitution or existing law, the single -member
districts for Congress reflected in Assembly Bill 604 of
the 2025-26 Regular Session pursuant to the
requirements of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
21400) of Division 21 of the Elections Code shall
temporarily be used for every congressional election for
a term of office commencing on or after the date this
subdivision becomes operative and before the
certification of new congressional boundary lines drawn
by the Citizens Redistricting Commission pursuant to
subdivision (d).
(c) (1) The Attorney General has the sole legal standing
to defend any action regarding a congressional district
map adopted pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2) The California Supreme Court has original and
exclusive jurisdiction in all proceedings in which a
congressional district map adopted pursuant to
subdivision (b) is challenged.
(d) The Citizens Redistricting Commission established
pursuant to Section 1 shall continue to adjust the
boundary lines of the congressional, State Senatorial,
Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts in
conformance with the standards and process set forth
in Section 2 in 2031, and every 10 years thereafter as
provided in Section 1.
Fourth —The provisions of this measure are severable.
If any portion, section, subdivision, paragraph, clause,
sentence, phrase, word, or application of this measure
is for any reason held to be invalid by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
measure. The Legislature hereby declares that it would
have proposed, and the voters hereby declare that they
would have adopted, this measure and every portion,
section, subdivision, paragraph, clause, sentence,
phrase, word, and application not declared invalid or
unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion
of this measure or application of this measure would be
subsequently declared invalid.
18 1 Text of Proposed Law
Tips for California's Military and Overseas Voters
Taking part in elections is more convenient than ever for Californians serving in the military or living
outside the United States. It begins when you register to vote as a military or overseas voter and receive
election materials by mail, fax, or email. Be prepared!
• Start early. California's county elections officials must send ballots to military and overseas
voters no later than 45 days before Election Day. Fill out a voter registration application early at
registertovote.ca.gov to ensure that you receive your voting materials in time and can return your
voted ballot by Election Day.
Know your options. When registering to vote as a military or overseas voter, you can choose to
have your ballot mailed, faxed, or emailed to you. Additionally, you may visit your county elections
official's website for information about how to download your ballot and election materials. You may
return your voted ballot to your county elections official by mail or, in certain circumstances, by fax.
If you meet the requirements to return your ballot by fax, you must also fax the Oath of Voter form
(available from your county elections official) waiving your right to a confidential ballot.
Alert! The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has discontinued their service of
faxing military and overseas voters' election materials to county elections officials.
What this means: you can no longer send your voted ballot to fax@fvap.gov.
If you wish to return your voted ballot by fax, you must send it directly to your county
elections official.
• Stay in touch. Once you register as a military or overseas voter, you will continue to receive a ballot
and election materials from your county elections official before each statewide election. However,
you will need to update your voter registration if you change your address, your name, or your
political party preference. Visit sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/military-overseas-voters/for
more election resources designed especially for you.
Dates to remember:
October 20, 2025: Last day for military and overseas voters to register to vote for the Statewide Special
Election.
October 21—November 4, 2025: Same Day Registration is available. You may "conditionally" register
to vote and vote a provisional ballot during this time. Contact your county elections official for more
information.
November 4, 2025: Election Day. Return your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Mailed ballots
must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by your county elections office no later
than November 12, 2025. Faxed ballots must be delivered to your county elections office by close of
polls, no later than 8:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Election Day.
For more information contact:
California Secretary of State
0 (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
. sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-
registra tion/military-overseas-voters/
Federal Voting Assistance Program
(800) 438-VOTE (8683)
www.fvap.gov
ids]
WHERE:
• Within the immediate vicinity of a person
in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet
of the entrance of a polling place, curbside
voting, or drop box, the following activities
are prohibited.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE
PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT ask a person to vote for or against
any candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display a candidate's name, image,
or logo.
• DO NOT block access to or loiter near any
ballot drop boxes.
• DO NOT provide any material or audible
information for or against any candidate or
ballot measure near any polling place, vote
center, or ballot drop box.
• DO NOT circulate any petitions, including
for initiatives, referenda, recalls, or
candidate nominations.
• DO NOT distribute, display, or wear any
clothing (hats, shirts, signs, buttons,
stickers) that include a candidate's name,
image, logo, and/or support or oppose any
candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display information or speak to a
voter about the voter's eligibility to vote.
The electioneering prohibitions summarized
above are set forth in Article 7 of Chapter 4 of
Division 18 of the California Elections Code.
20
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT commit or attempt to commit
election fraud.
• DO NOT provide any sort of compensation
or bribery to, in any fashion or by any means
induce or attempt to induce, a person to
vote or refrain from voting.
• DO NOT illegally vote.
• DO NOT attempt to vote or aid another to
vote when not entitled to vote.
• DO NOT engage in electioneering;
photograph or record a voter entering or
exiting a polling place; or obstruct ingress,
egress, or parking.
• DO NOT challenge a person's right to vote
or prevent voters from voting; delay the
process of voting; or fraudulently advise any
person that he or she is not eligible to vote
or is not registered to vote.
• DO NOT attempt to ascertain how a voter
voted their ballot.
• DO NOT possess or arrange for someone to
possess a firearm in the immediate vicinity
of a polling place, with some exceptions.
• DO NOT appear or arrange for someone
to appear in the uniform of a peace
officer, guard, or security personnel in the
immediate vicinity of a polling place, with
some exceptions.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with any
component of a voting system.
• DO NOT forge, counterfeit, or tamper with
the returns of an election.
• DO NOT alter the returns of an election.
• DO NOT tamper with, destroy, or alter any
polling list, official ballot, or ballot container.
• DO NOT display any unofficial ballot
collection container that may deceive a
voter into believing it is an official collection
box.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with copy of the
results of votes cast.
• DO NOT coerce or deceive a person who
cannot read or an elder into voting for or
against a candidate or measure contrary to
their intent.
• DO NOT act as an election officer when you
are not one.
EMPLOYERS cannot require or ask their
employee to bring their vote -by -mail ballot to
work or ask their employee to vote their ballot
at work. At the time of payment of salary or
wages, employers cannot enclose materials that
attempt to influence the political opinions or
actions of their employee.
PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS cannot attempt
to determine how a voter voted their ballot or, if
that information is discovered, disclose how a
voter voted their ballot.
The prohibitions on activity related to corruption
of the voting process summarized above are set
forth in Chapter 6 of Division 18 of the California
Elections Code.
21
Look for Trusted Sources of Election Information
The Secretary of State is committed to ensuring elections are free, fair, safe, secure, accurate,
and accessible. Misinformation, intentional or otherwise, continues to confuse voters and create
distrust in the electoral process. California has one of the most extensive voting system testing and
certification programs in the nation.
Our best defense against rumors and misinformation is you! False election information is more
common than you think. If a claim seems outrageous or designed to upset you, it may not be true.
The best sources for trusted election information are your local and state elections
officials. To find out more about election facts or common rumors being spread, visit
catrustedinformation. sos. ca.gov.
Report misinformation to votesure@sos.ca.gov.
California Election Security Safeguards
PE
Secure Technology
• County voting systems are not connected
to the internet
• Strong security techniques are practiced
regularly
• Routine threat monitoring and vulnerability
scanning in collaboration with our state and
federal partners
E; Secure Processes
• VoteCal is a centralized statewide voter
registration database. VoteCal checks against
official records and is regularly updated
• Ballots and election technology must adhere
to strict chain -of -custody procedures
• Paper ballots for all registered voters are
available
_ Secure Facilities and People
• Physical access control and security of
locations
• Security and accessibility assessments
0-0-0 completed for all locations
611i
• Ballot drop boxes are secured and monitored
• Rigorous voting system testing and
certification performed by the California
Secretary of State
• Only authorized elections staff have access
to systems relevant to their role
• Post -election audits are performed by
elections officials
• Signatures are verified on all vote -by -mail
ballot envelopes
• Emergency planning for fire, flood, cyber
incidents, and more
• Election processes open to observation
during specific hours of operation
• Phishing and cybersecurity training
provided for all staff
Pxa
California Voter ID & Registration Requirements
Who Can Register to Vote in
California?
To register, you must be:
• A United States citizen and a
California resident
• 18 years or older on Election Day (or
16 or 17 years old to pre -register)
• Not currently serving a state or
federal prison term for a felony
• Not currently found mentally
incompetant to vote by a court
o.
Do I Need to Show ID to Vote in
California?
In most cases, NO. California does
not generally require voters to show
identification at the polls.
oV When MIGHT You Be Asked for
ID?
You may need to show ID only if ALL the
following apply:
• You're voting for the first time in a
federal election
• You registered by mail or online, AND
• You did not provide your CA ID or
SSN when registering
You'll be notified in advance if this
applies to you.
Poll workers may only request an ID
if the voter list clearly indicates it's
required.
For more information,
visit votexa.gov or call
our Voter Hotline at
(800) 345-VOTE (8683).
What Forms of ID Are Acceptable
(if required)?
You can show a photo or non -photo ID,
including:
• California Driver's License or State
ID card
• U.S. Passport
• Student or Military ID
• Official mail from a government
agency
• Paycheck or government check
• Utility bill or bank statement
For a complete list, see: www.sos.ca.gov/
elections/hava-id-standards
Photo ID is not required, it's just one of
many valid options. ID does not need to
show your address or be government -
issued.
oV Don't Have ID When Voting?
You can still cast a provisional ballot.
Your ballot will be counted after
elections officials have confirmed you
are registered to vote in that county, and
you did not already vote in that election.
oV Check Your Voter Status Online
Visit the Secretary of State's My Voter
Status page at voters ta tus. sos. ca.gov to
check your voter status, find your polling
place or a vote center, and much more.
To check your voter status, you will need
to enter your first name, last name, date
of birth, and your California driver's
license or California identification card
number, or the last four digits of your
social security number.
Visit voters ta tus. sos. ca. gov for important
voter details.
23
Voting Rights Restored for Persons with a Prior
Felony Conviction
You can register and vote if you are:
• A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
• 18 years old or older on Election Day
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony
If you meet these requirements, you can vote even if you:
• Have a misdemeanor conviction (a misdemeanor will never prevent you from voting)
• Are on parole supervision or probation
• Are on post -release community supervision (PRCS)
For more information, please visit votingrightsrestored.sos.ca.gov.
Register or re -register to vote today!
If you were registered to vote and convicted of a felony, your previous registration may
have been canceled.
Register or re -register to vote today online at registertovote.ca.gov. You can also
request a paper voter registration card by calling the Secretary of State's Voter Hotline
at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
Democracy Needs You! Serve as a Poll Worker
Help your community members exercise their right to vote by signing up to be a poll
worker. As a poll worker, you can make sure voters can easily and safely cast their
vote. Gain hands-on experience and take part in the single most important right in our
democracy —Voting! Complete your form today at pollworkeKsos.ca.gov.
For more information about being a poll worker, contact your county elections office or
call the California Secretary of State at (800) 345-VOTE (8683), or visit vote.ca.gov.
24
New to voting? Get started with 3 easy steps!
1. Register!
• Register to vote by October 20, 2025. Register online at registertovote.ca.gov or have
a voter registration form mailed to you by calling the Secretary of State's toll -free
Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Voter registration forms are also available at
your county elections office, local post office, or Library.
• Same Day Voter Registration, known as Conditional Voter Registration in state law, is
a safety net for Californians who miss the voter registration deadline of October 20,
2025. Visit vote.ca.gov or see page 29 of this guide for more information.
• You are eligible to register to vote and vote if you are a United States citizen and a
resident of California, 18 years old or older on Election Day, not currently serving a
state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony, and not currently found
mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
2. Get informed!
• As a registered voter you will receive two information resources in the mail:
• This Voter Information Guide, which contains information about the statewide
ballot measure, the election process, and how to vote. To receive your guide in a
different language, call (800) 345-VOTE (8683) or visit voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
• A county Voter Information Guide, which contains a sample ballot, your polling
place or vote center location, and other helpful information.
• State campaign expenditure and contribution information related to candidates or
ballot measure committees is available at sos.ca.gov/campaign-lobbying.
3. Vote!
• You can return your ballot:
By drop box: Every active, registered voter in California will be mailed.a ballot
for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. You may personally
deliver your ballot to any polling or ballot drop-off location in California by
8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
In person: Polling locations are established by county elections officials and
are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4,
2025. To find a location to vote early before Election Day, visit
caearlyvoting.sos. ca.gov. k
By mail: Return your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Vote -by -mail
ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received no later
than November 12, 2025.
Option for voters with disabilities: Counties offer an accessible voting option called remote
accessible vote -by -mail (RAVBM). RAVBM allows voters with disabilities to receive their ballots
at home and mark them independently and privately before sending them back to elections
officials.
25
California
Motor Voter
The California Motor Voter program is making registering to vote at the California Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) more convenient and secure. All eligible individuals completing driver's
license, ID card, or change of address transactions online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
will be automatically registered to vote unless they choose to "opt out" of automatic voter
registration.
The California Motor Voter program applies to Californians who are 18 years or older and meet
all the following criteria:
• A United States citizen.
• A resident of California.
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony.
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
Voter pre -registration is available for those 16 and 17 years of age. Their voter registration will
become active automatically when they turn 18.
For more information, visit motorvoter.sos.ca.gov.
To register to vote online, visit registertovote.ca.gov.
Voter Registration Privacy Information
Safe at Home Confidential Voter Registration Program: Certain voters facing life -threatening
situations may qualify for confidential voter status if they are active members of the Safe at Home
program. This includes victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human
trafficking, child abduction, and elder/dependent adult abuse, as well as public entity employees/
contractors in fear for their safety because of their work for a public entity, and reproductive
health care providers, employees, volunteers, and patients in fear for their safety because of their
affiliation with a reproductive health care facility. For more information, contact the Secretary of
State's Safe at Home program toll -free at (877) 322-5227 or visit sos.ca.gov/safeathome.
Voter Information Privacy: Information on your voter registration affidavit will be used by elections
officials to send you official information on the voting process, such as the location of your polling
place, and the measures and candidates that will appear on the ballot. Commercial use of voter
registration information is prohibited by law and is a misdemeanor. `Voter information may be
provided to a candidate for office, a ballot measure committee, or other person for election,
scholarly, journalistic, political, or governmental purposes, as determined by the Secretary of
State. Driver's license and social security numbers, or your signature as shown on your voter
registration card, cannot be released for these purposes. If you have any questions about the
use of voter information or wish to report suspected misuse of such information, please call the
Secretary of State's toll -free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
26
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities
California is committed to ensuring every voter is able to cast their ballot privately and
independently.
For more detailed information about what assistance your county offers to
voters with disabilities, please check out your county Voter Information Guide or
contact your county elections official. County contact information is available at
sos. ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices.
Voting at a Polling Place or Vote Center
If you need help marking your ballot, you may choose up to two people to help you. This person
cannot be:
• Your employer or anyone who works.for your employer
• Your labor union leader or anyone who works for your labor union
Curbside voting allows you to park as close as possible to the voting area. Elections officials will
bring you a roster to sign, a ballot, and any other voting materials you may need, whether you are
actually at a curb or in a car.
All polling places and vote centers are required to be accessible to voters with disabilities and will
have accessible voting machines.
Voting at Home
Remote accessible vote -by -mail (RAVBM) systems provide an accessible option for voters
with disabilities to receive their ballots at home and mark them independently and privately
before sending them back to elections officials. Contact your county elections official for more
information.
Audio and Large Print Voter Information Guides
This guide is available in audio and large print versions as well in English, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese,
Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese at no cost.
To order:
QVisit vote.ca.gov
QCall the Secretary of State's toll -free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
www Download an audio MP3 version at voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/audio
VW
27
County Elections Offices
Alameda County
(800)834-6454
www.acvote.org
Alpine County
(530) 694-2281
www. alpinecountyca. gov/
Amador County
(209)223-6465
www. amadorgov. org/government/elections
Butte County
(530) 552-3400 or (800) 894-7761
(Within Butte County)
www.buttevotes.net
Calaveras County
(209) 754-6376 or (833) 536-8683
www. ca la verasgov. us/
Colusa County
(530) 458-0500 or (877) 458-0501
www. countyofcolusa. org/elections
Contra Costa County
(925)335-7800
www. contracostavote.gov/elections/
Del Norte County
(707)464-7216
www.co.del-norte.ca.usldepartmentsI
Elections
El Dorado County
(530)621-7480
www. edcgov.us/Government/Elections
Fresno County
(559)600-8683
www.fresnovote.com
Glenn County
(530) 934-6414
www.countyofglenn.net/dept/e/ections
Humboldt County
(707) 445-7481
www, humboldtgov. org/Elections
Imperial County
(442) 265-1060
www.elections.imperialcounty.org
Inyo County
(760) 878-0224
elections. inyocounty. us/
Kern County
(661) 868-3590 or (800) 452-8683
www.kemvote.com
Kings County
(559) 852-4401 or
(800) 289-9981 ext. 4401
www.votekingscounty.com
Lake County
(707) 263-2372 or (888) 235-6730
www.lakecoun tyca.gov/818/
Registrar -of -Voters
Lassen County
(530) 251-8217
www.lassencoun ty. org/dept/county-clerk-
recorder/elections
Los Angeles County
(800) 815-2666
www. la vote. gov/home/voting-elections
Madera County
(559) 675-7720 or (800) 435-0509
www.votemadera.com
Marin County
(415)473-6456
www.marinvotes.org
San Joaquin County
(209) 468-2890 or (209) 468-8683
www.sjcrov.org
San Luis Obispo County
(800) 834-4636
www.slovote.com
Mariposa County San Mateo County
(209)966-2007 (650)312-5222
www.mariposacounty.org/87/Elections www.smcacre.org
Mendocino County
(707)234-6819
www, mendocinocounty.gov/government/
assessor -county -clerk -recorder -elections/
elections
Merced County
(209) 385-7541 or (800) 561-0619
www.mercedelections.org
Modoc County
(530)233-6200
www.co.modoc.ca.usldepartmentslelectionsI
Mono County
(760) 932-5537 or (760) 932-5530
monocounty. ca.gov/elections
Monterey County
(831) 796-1499 or (866) 887-9274
www. montereycountyelections. us/
Napa County
(707)253-4321
www. countyofnapa.org/396/elections
Nevada County
(530) 265-1298 or (888) 395-1298
www. nevadacountyca.gov/1847/Elections-
Voting
Santa Barbara County
(805) 568-2200 or (800) 722-8683
www.sbcvote.com
Santa Clara County
(408) 299-8683 or (866) 430-8683
www.sccvote.org
Santa Cruz County
(831) 454-2060 or (866) 282-5900
www.votescount.com
Shasta County
(530)225-5730
www,elections.co.shasta.ca.us
Sierra County
(530)289-3295
www.sierracounty. ca.gov/214/Elections
Siskiyou County
(530) 842-8084
www. co. siskiyou. ca. us/elections
Solano County
(707) 784-6675 or (888) 933-8683
www.solanocounty. com/elections
Sonoma County
(707) 565-6800 or (800) 750-8683
vote. sonoma-county. org
Orange County
Stanislaus County
(714) 567-7600 or (888) 628-6837
(209) 525-5200 or (833) 772-2260
www.ocvote.com
www.stanvote.com
Placer County
Sutter County
(530) 886-5650 or (800) 824-8683
(530) 822-7122
www.placercountyelections.gov
www.suttercounty.org/elections
Plumas County
(530) 283-6256 or (844) 676-VOTE
www. plumascounty. us/142/Eiections-
Division-Home
Riverside County
(951)486-7200
www.voteinfo.net
Sacramento County
(916) 875-6451 or (800) 762-8019
www.elections.saccounty.gov
San Benito County
(831)636-4016
www. sanbenitocounty-ca-cre. gov/elections
San Bernardino County
(909)387-8300
www.sbcountyelections.com
San Diego County
(858) 565-5800 or (800) 696-0136
www.sdvote.com/
San Francisco County
(415)554-4375
s felections. s fgo v. org
Tehama County
(530)527-8190
www.co.tehama.ca.uslgovernmentl
departments/elections/
Trinity County
(530)623-1220
www, trinitycounty. org/214/Elections
Tulare County
(559)839-2100
tularecoelections.org/elections/
Tuolumne County
(200)533-5570
www.co.tuolumne.ca.uslelections
Ventura County
(805) 654-2664
www.venturavote.org
Yolo County
(530) 666-8133
www.yoloelections.org
Yuba County
(530) 749-7855
www.yubaelections.org
28 1 County Elections Offices
Check Your Voter Status Online
* Visit the Secretary of State's My Voter Status page at
STATUS VOTER voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to check your voter status, find your polling
ST
place or a vote center, and much more.
To check your voter status, you will need to enter your first name, last name, date of birth, and
your California driver's license or California identification card number, or the last four digits of
your social security number.
Visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov for important voter details.
What if I forgot to register to vote or update my registration?
No problem! If you missed the October 20, 2025, voter registration deadline, California
law allows you to register to vote and vote until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day at your county
elections office or at any voting location in your county. This process is called Conditional Voter
Registration (CVR) and is commonly referred to as Same Day Voter Registration.
Provisional Voting
Name not on the voter list at the polling place or the vote center?
You still have the right to vote with a provisional ballot.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is a regular ballot placed in a special envelope prior to being put in the
ballot box. Provisional ballots are ballots cast by voters who believe they are registered to vote
even though their names are not on the official voter registration list at the polling place or
vote center.
A voter may need to cast a provisional ballot if they want to vote in person at a polling,
place or vote center but did not receive their vote -by -mail ballot or if they do not have their
vote -by -mail ballot with them to surrender prior to voting in person.
Will my provisional ballot be counted?
Yes, your provisional ballot will be counted after elections officials have confirmed that you are
registered to vote in that county, and you did not already vote in that election.
A provisional ballot may be used at any polling place or vote center in the county in which you
are registered to vote. Only the election contests you are eligible to vote for will be counted.
How can you check the status of your provisional ballot?
Anyone who casts a provisional ballot has the right to find out from their county elections
official if the ballot was counted and, if not, the reason why it was not counted.
a
You can check the status of your provisional ballot at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
29
31
How to Fix a Missing or Noncomparable Signature on
Your Vote -by -Mail Ballot Return Envelope
oV Possible Issues With Vote -by -Mail
or Provisional Ballot Return
Envelopes
• Missing Signature: You forgot to
sign your vote -by -mail ballot return
envelope.
• Signature Doesn't Compare: Your
signature doesn't compare with the
one on file with the elections official.
OV What Happens Next?
• Notification: If there's an issue with
your ballot, your county elections
office will notify you by mail, phone,
email, or from the Secretary of
State's Where's My Ballot? tool.
• How to Fix It: You can access a form
on your county elections official's
website to provide your signature and
confirm that you voted your ballot.
■ Check your mail or email for
instructions from your county
elections office
■ Fill out the form and follow
instructions on how to return the
form
■ Your options to return the form
may vary by county
■ Failure to follow instructions may
result in your ballot not being
counted
Stay Informed With Where's My
Ballot?
• Track Your Vote -by -Mail Ballot: Get
automatic updates on your ballot's
status by signing up for Where's My
Ballot?
• Receive notifications via text, email,
or phone about:
■ When your ballot is mailed
■ When it is received
■ If it has been counted
■ If there are issues that need to be
fixed
• Sign up today at:
wheresmyballot.sos. ca.gov
Important Deadlines for the
November 4, 2025, Statewide
Special Election:
• Mail ballots: Return your ballot
by mail as soon as you receive it.
Must be postmarked no later than
November 4, 2025, and received no
later than November 12, 2025.
• Deadline: The deadline to fix your
missing or noncomparable signature
is 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2025,
two days prior to the day your county
certifies the election.
For more information, visit votexajovor
call our Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
30
Don't Delay, Vote Today!
Early vote -by -mail ballot voting period is from October 6 through November 4, 2025.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 4, 2025, Election Day!
OCTOBER
October 6
County elections officials will begin mailing
vote -by -mail ballots on or before this date.
S
M
T W
T
F
S
October 6-November 4
Voting period to return vote -by -mail ballot.
1
2
3
4
October 7
Vote -by -mail secure drop boxes open.
5
6
% 8
9
10
11
October 20
Last day to register to vote. Same day voter
registration is available at your county
12
13
- 14 15
16
17
18
elections office or voting location after
the voter registration deadline, up to and
19
20
21 22
23
24
25
including Election Day.
October 25
First day vote centers open in Voter's
26
27
28 29
30
31
Choice Act counties for early in -person
voting.
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
0
5
6
7
8
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Last day to vote in -person or return a
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
vote -by -mail ballot by 8:00 p.m.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Return your ballot by mail as soon as you
receive it. Vote -by -mail ballots must be
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
postmarked no later than November 4.
30
31
California Secretary of State
Elections Division
150011th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
OFFICIA
*ELECTIL N MAIL
Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service
IM
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CALIFORNIA
SECRETARY
OF STATE
It STATEWIDNOV E SPECIAL ELECTION
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 6
County elections officials will begin mailing
vote -by -mail ballots on or before this date.
October 6 — November 4
Voting period to return vote -by -mail ballot.
October 1
Vote -by -mail secure drop boxes open.
October 20
Last day to register to vote. Same day voter registration is
available at your county elections office or voting location after
the voter registration deadline, up to and including Election Day.
October25
First day vote centers open in Voter's Choice Act
counties for early in -person voting.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Last day to vote in -person or return a vote -by -mail ballot by
8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Return
your ballot by mail as soon as you receive it. Vote -by -mail
ballots must be postmarked no later than November 4.
For additional copies of the Voter Information Guide
in any of the following languages, please call:
English: (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
Espanol/Spanish: (800) 232-VOTA (8682)
rP X/Chinese: (800) 339-2857
f�t/Hindi: (888) 345-2692
Q *aa/lapanese: (800) 339-2865
181/Khmer: (888) 345-4917
a} (�/Korean: (866) 575' 1558
Tagalog: (800) 339-2957
nnijnlvio/Thai: (855) 345-3933
Viet ngd/Vietnamese: (800) 339-8163
TTY/TD D: 711
Are you registered to vote? Check here: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
* In an effort to reduce election costs, the State Legislature has authorized the State and counties to mail only one guide to each voting
household. You may request additional copies by contacting your county elections official or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
OSP 25 160202 I1