California Voters Cast 4.5 Million Ballots in Urgent Prop. 50 Election

UPDATE: More than 4.5 million ballots have been cast in California’s critical special election on redistricting, just one week before Election Day on November 4, 2025. The California Secretary of State’s office reports that voters are returning their ballots at an unprecedented pace compared to previous elections.

As of October 26, statistics indicate that approximately 20% of registered voters in the state have already participated. Notably, voter engagement varies across counties, with about 15% in Los Angeles County, 22% in Orange County, 19% in Riverside County, and 14.5% in San Bernardino County.

Authorities have mailed out over 23.2 million vote-by-mail ballots, increasing accessibility for eligible voters. While it’s too early to predict total voter turnout, data analyst Paul Mitchell from Political Data Inc. highlights a trend: ballots are being returned faster than during last year’s presidential election. He attributes this surge partly to the simplicity of the ballot, which features only one proposition.

Mitchell warns, however, that while the rapid return of ballots is promising, it does not guarantee overall higher turnout. “We have a faster return of ballots than prior statewide elections,” he stated. “However, there’s no way to definitively say whether this will lead to higher participation or if voters are simply acting more quickly.”

Proposition 50 seeks to redraw California’s congressional districts, a move seen by supporters including Governor Gavin Newsom as essential to counteract gerrymandering tactics employed by Republicans in other states. Critics, however, argue that both parties are attempting to “rig” elections for their benefit.

With the election rapidly approaching, voters can still cast their ballots in person at designated vote centers, which opened as of Saturday. The deadline for mail-in ballots is 8 p.m. on Election Day, but voters in line at that time are permitted to vote.

As California navigates this pivotal moment in its electoral history, officials urge voters to ensure their ballots are postmarked by November 4 and received by county election offices within seven days.

Stay tuned for updates as Election Day approaches, and remember to participate in shaping California’s future through your vote.