With California’s special election approaching on Nov. 4, many Oxford Academy seniors will be able to vote for the very first time on one of the most controversial propositions initiated in recent years.
A special election is a state election held outside of the typical election cycle to fill a vacancy in the government or address a specific, pressing issue. In this instance, California has called a special election for voters to pass or reject Proposition 50.
Proposition 50, also known as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” is a ballot measure that would authorize the California legislature to temporarily redraw the congressional district maps — a practice known as gerrymandering — to create up to five additional Democratic seats. This proposition was created in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott calling a special session to redraw the state’s district lines on Aug. 29 after President Donald Trump pressured states to create more Republican congressional seats.
“The Election Rigging Response Act legislation allows voters the chance to stop Trump and Republican attempts to blatantly steal our election,” California pro Tempore Senate President Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) said. “This legislation is temporary, and it’s all about fairness. And, today’s action means we’re fighting back for our democracy and our future — not with fire — but with the power of the voters and millions of folks across the Golden State.”
“Newsom said the move by Texas Republicans justifies a retaliatory strike. But we witness daily the chaos and mistrust created by revenge politics in Washington. That is not the model of responsible government Californians deserve,” Raya said. “Newsom says Democrats can take back Congress if the American people are given a fair chance, a voice and a choice. In California, the people already have that chance, and it’s the independent redistricting commission.”
With such high stakes surrounding the upcoming special election, newly eligible Oxford voters share their perspectives.
“I think it’s really important that we, especially, as the new voters of America, be civically engaged and up to date on modern politics because it’s our future. We need to start setting things up right for our generation,” said senior Ava Pitts.
Emerson College’s Polling Center conducted a survey in September, concluding 51% think Proposition 50 is a good idea and 49% think it is a bad idea. With such tight statistics, campaigns from both sides of the proposition are pulling out all the stops for advertising.
Senior Georgia Walsh expressed how difficult it was to navigate discourse around the proposition.
“I’m voting Yes, but it was definitely hard for me to figure out how I was going to vote on this because [of the ads]. The No on 50 ads were so egregious that I [realized] I had to actually research. So I would recommend [checking out] California’s voting guide. Look at journalists and opinion pieces as well: those are helpful,” Walsh said.
Additionally, Walsh encourages eligible students to register to vote because of California’s ballot accessibility.
“It’s very easy to vote here on purpose. There are other states where you have to go in physically but in California, there’s so many different options, mail-in ballots, online, in person,” Walsh said. “All you need to know is the last four digits of your social security number.”
As election day nears, Oxford’s first-time voters are ready to make their voices count. Ballots can be cast in person, submitted by mail, or at drop boxes in California cities, which locations are on ocvote.gov.
“[Voting is] the one privilege you have as an American. You can vote. Not taking advantage of that, I feel, is very selfish. And quite frankly, it’s very privileged. So please, take advantage of your right as an American” Pitts said.
