"In the most consequential statewide special election since Republicans tried to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, voters this fall will decide whether to replace the current congressional district maps drawn by an independent redistricting commission with a gerrymandered plan that aims to flip up to five U.S. House seats from red to blue in next year's midterms. The initiative, now known as Proposition 50, was triggered by an effort from Texas Republicans to increase the GOP's slim majority in Congress in 2026."
"But as Newsom and his allies plotted how to respond to the Lone Star State, two Bay Area counties had already planned to hold off-cycle elections in November. In Santa Clara County, voters will elect a new county assessor, following Larry Stone's retirement this summer, and also decide whether to approve a 0.625% general sales tax increase to offset some of the several billion dollars in lost federal revenues over the next few years."
"Voter turnout for these types of special elections typically tends to be abysmally low, according to Eric McGhee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Matt Moreles said in a statement that turnout has not been as high as regularly scheduled general or primary elections, typically ranging between 20% to 35%. In June, the special District 3 San Jose City Council race had an even lower voter turnout at 17.73%."
California voters will decide whether to replace independent congressional district maps with a gerrymandered plan under Proposition 50 that aims to flip up to five U.S. House seats. The initiative was triggered by Texas Republican efforts to expand the GOP's narrow congressional majority. Two Bay Area off-cycle contests coincide with the vote: Santa Clara County will elect a new assessor and consider a 0.625% sales tax to offset lost federal revenues, while Alameda County voters in the Washington Township Health Care District will consider a parcel tax for hospital emergency services. Turnout for such special elections typically ranges from about 20% to 35%, with some races below 18%.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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