California redistricting ballot measure could cost over $280 million
The article discusses a proposed special election in California this fall that would put a redistricting ballot measure before voters, perhaps costing over $280 million. governor gavin Newsom and California Democrats are seeking voter approval to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a move Newsom says is a response to efforts by Texas Republicans to gerrymander their districts.originally, only 17 of California’s 58 counties planned local special elections on november 4, but now all counties will hold elections related to the measure, with Newsom pledging to reimburse counties for the expenses.
A recent letter from the California Department of Finance requested $251.3 million to cover these election costs, based on county estimates, with provisions for reconciling any cost discrepancies afterward.California Republicans estimate the cost at $235.5 million,referencing the 2021 gubernatorial recall election,which cost just over $200 million.
The ballot measure would suspend the state constitution’s requirement for a nonpartisan commission to draw congressional districts for the next three federal elections, reinstating the commission after the 2030 census. Currently, Democrats hold 43 of California’s 52 House seats, and the proposed map could increase that advantage to 48-4, effectively countering Texas Republicans’ efforts to gain additional seats through redistricting.
California redistricting ballot measure could cost over $280 million in special election: Report
A statewide special election in California this fall, in which a redistricting question will be on the ballot, could cost over $280 million.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and California Democrats are putting a ballot question before voters in November, allowing them to redistrict the state’s congressional map. Newsom has repeatedly said he only pursued a move to redistrict in response to Texas Republicans’ effort to gerrymander their state further.
Only 17 of California’s 58 counties had slated local special elections on Nov. 4, but now every county in the state will hold an election. Newsom has said he will reimburse counties for the costs associated with the unexpected election.
According to a Sept. 5 letter from the California Department of Finance obtained by Mercury News, Erika Li, the agency’s chief deputy director, asked state controller Malia Cohen to allocate $251.3 million to fund the election across the state.
H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the Department of Finance, told the outlet that this figure is based on county estimates.
“In the event that a county or counties incur additional costs above the estimates they’ve already reported, we will work with them once any additional costs are determined,” Palmer said in an email. “And on the other side of that coin, the legislation setting the special election contains a provision that if a county’s costs come in lower than their reported estimate, they will be able to retain those funds locally, but with the requirement that they be held for use in the event that a future special election is called in that county.”
California Republicans estimated that the special election for redistricting would cost $235.5 million. They based that figure on the cost of Newsom’s 2021 recall, which he overwhelmingly defeated. The 2021 gubernatorial recall election cost just over $200 million, which was less than the $278 million the state legislature set aside for the election.
REDISTRICTING WARS THREATEN TO MAKE CONGRESS MORE PARTISAN
The California Constitution requires a nonpartisan commission to draw its House seats. If this ballot measure is successful, the proposition would suspend that requirement for the next three federal elections. The independent commission would return after the 2030 census.
California Democrats currently hold 43 of the state’s 52 House seats, and a proposed new map could give Democrats a 48-4 advantage. The proposed map would, in theory, cancel out any push in Texas as Texas Republicans look to add five more GOP seats in their redistricting effort.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
