California's Prop. 50 election: How to vote in San Diego
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Californians head to the polls Tuesday to vote on Proposition 50, which would allow lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map.
Why it matters: The special election could reshape the balance of power in Congress by potentially shifting as many as five GOP-held seats into Democrat-leaning districts, including in San Diego.
Driving the news: Voters can cast their ballots in person at vote centers or put mail ballots in drop boxes throughout the county from 7am-8pm Tuesday.
- Same-day voter registration is available at the county registrar's office or vote centers.
- Fewer polling places exist for this special election, so there may be long lines.
State of play: Led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Prop. 50 is now one of the most expensive ballot fights in state history.
- The measure, which needs a simple majority to pass, would allow the Legislature to redraw the state's congressional map for the next three election cycles — 2026, 2028 and 2030 — before returning that power to the state's independent redistricting commission.
- Redrawn lines would favor leftward shifts that significantly dilute the number of Republican voters in key battleground regions, including the Central Valley, Inland Empire, Orange County, northern Los Angeles County, San Diego and Northern California.
- It's a direct response to a redistricting push sparked by President Trump, who in July urged Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional maps to gain seats.
Zoom in: California's proposed map changes would reshape San Diego's 48th district, a largely rural, conservative region represented by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa.
- Redrawn lines would strongly favor Democrats and join together rural and urban areas of East County for future elections.
- San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert is one of several candidates planning to challenge Issa if the district is redrawn.
The big picture: Polling ahead of Election Day shows that Californians appear to back Prop. 50.
What's next: The San Diego County registrar will release the first and largest batch of election results just after 8pm, when the polls close.
Plus, voters in Poway's Council District 2 will decide whether to recall city councilmember Tony Blain, who they elected a year ago.
- He's facing felony bribery charges related to vote trading.