California election on November 4: Sample ballot and what voters will decide

California special election 2025: California voters are preparing to cast their ballots in a special statewide election on November 4, 2025, a vote that will determine the future of the state’s congressional redistricting process.

California Special Election 2025

About 23 million voters have received mail ballots for the election, which features just one statewide measure: a redistricting plan led by Governor Gavin Newsom, as per a New York Times report.

Proposition 50 Explained

Known as Proposition 50, the measure would temporarily transfer the responsibility for drawing California’s congressional districts from the Citizens Redistricting Commission to the state legislature, as per a SF.gov report. Under the proposal, the state would use the district boundaries adopted in Assembly Bill No. 604 for all congressional elections until the next redistricting cycle in 2031, as per the report.


The special election was officially called on August 21, 2025, when Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 280, setting the date and procedures for the statewide vote, as per the SF.gov report.

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California Special Election Sample Ballots and Voter Tools

Los Angeles County has released an interactive online sample ballot to help voters review what’s on the ballot before Election Day. The Los Angeles County described the sample as, "The Interactive Sample Ballot is an optional tool that allows voters to access, review and mark their selections prior to going to a Vote Center. The Interactive Sample Ballot is not online voting and does not store any identifiable information, once you access your Sample Ballot all of your selections are saved on your phone, computer or personal device."

Voting Options in California

County registrars have mailed ballots to 23 million registered voters across California. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 4, but voters don’t need to wait until Election Day to cast their ballots.

Ballots can be mailed at any time as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, or dropped off at designated drop boxes and vote centers through November 4, as per the New York Times report. State officials recommend that rural voters mail their ballots early due to possible postal delays.

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Same-Day Registration Still Available

Anyone who missed the October 20 registration deadline can still vote using same-day registration, which allows eligible residents to submit a provisional ballot at their local election office or vote center through Election Day, as per the New York Times report.

Track Your Ballot

Voters can track their ballots at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to confirm when their vote has been received and counted, as per the New York Times report.

FAQs

When is the California special election?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, and polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm, as per the New York Times report.

What is the main issue on the ballot?

Voters will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that temporarily shifts redistricting power to the state legislature, as per the New York Times report.