UPDATE: Over 4.5 million ballots have been submitted by California voters for the crucial special election on Proposition 50, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. As of October 26, 2023, the pace of ballot returns is notably faster than previous elections, raising questions about overall voter turnout.
New reports confirm that approximately 20% of registered voters in California have already cast their votes. This includes 15% in Los Angeles County, 22% in Orange County, 19% in Riverside County, and 14.5% in San Bernardino County. The surge in ballots is occurring just a week ahead of Election Day on November 4, when polls will close at 8 p.m.
Authorities sent out more than 23.2 million vote-by-mail ballots to registered voters, indicating a significant push to facilitate voting. However, it remains uncertain whether the increased ballot returns will translate into higher overall turnout. Political data analyst Paul Mitchell noted that the quicker return of ballots could be attributed to the simplicity of having a single item—Proposition 50—on the ballot this time.
Prop. 50 is a mid-decade redistricting measure aimed at adopting new congressional district maps that critics claim favor Democrats. Supporters, including Governor Gavin Newsom, argue that the move is necessary to counteract Republican gerrymandering efforts in red states. Both parties have accused one another of attempting to “rig” the electoral process.
In-person voting remains an option, with vote centers opening this past Saturday in select counties. Voters can still cast their ballots in person up to the deadline, and those in line by 8 p.m. on Election Day will be allowed to vote.
As California voters increasingly opt for mail-in ballots, the urgency of the upcoming election cannot be overstated. Ballots must be postmarked by November 4 and received by county election offices within seven days to be counted.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. Voter engagement is critical, and the outcomes of this election could have significant implications for California’s political landscape.
