In-Person Early Voting Begins in WeHo for Prop 50

A reminder that in-person early voting begins this Saturday, October 25th in WeHo’s Plummer Park – Fiesta Hall from 10a-7p for California’s statewide Special Election. West Hollywood residents can start casting ballots on Proposition 50, a measure that could temporarily reshape the state’s congressional district maps. Early voting in West Hollywood Park – Aquatics Center runs November 1st through the 3rd from 10a-7p. On election day all polls open at 7a. 

Prop 50, officially titled “Authorizes Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps in Response to Texas’ Partisan Redistricting”, asks voters whether California should make short-term adjustments to its federal voting boundaries through 2030. The measure also reaffirms support for nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide, a policy many see as a rebuke to partisan (and Trumpian) gerrymandering battles playing out in other states.

If passed, Prop 50 would direct California’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to resume its usual mapping duties in 2031, after the next Census cycle. Fiscal analysts project one-time costs of up to a few million dollars statewide for counties to update election materials, signage, and ballots.

Supporters argue Prop 50 is a show of good governance, a way to reinforce California’s commitment to fair and independent districting while other states attempt to roll back similar reforms. They say the measure protects voter equality and keeps political mapmaking out of the hands of partisan lawmakers.

Opponents, however, question whether a special election is the right vehicle for what they view as a symbolic statement. Some critics say the proposal adds confusion and expense without changing how districts are actually drawn in the long term.

According to a Los Angeles Times analysis published earlier this week, more than 3.4 million mail ballots have already been returned statewide. These are the kind of turnout levels usually found during a presidential election despite the topic of redistricting being nuanced and not necessarily easy to fully understand. The Times reports the early data also shows Democrats holding a clear advantage over Republicans, suggesting the measure is likely to pass once all votes are counted.  West Hollywood voters, with generally one of the higher turnout rates in LA County, will definitely have their say.  No matter where you land on the issue, just get out and vote.  Do not take our precious democracy for granted. 

How to Vote in West Hollywood

Vote Centers are now open at:

• Plummer Park – Fiesta Hall (open from Saturday, October 25th through Election Day)

• West Hollywood Park – Aquatic and Recreation Center (open from Saturday, November 1 through Election Day)

Vote by Mail ballots were mailed to registered voters beginning October 6, and secure ballot drop boxes are available at:

• West Hollywood City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd (behind City Hall, off Sweetzer Ave)

• West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd (in front of the library)

• Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd (in front of the Community Center)

For more details on polling hours, registration status, or statewide election info, visit www.lavote.gov or www.weho.org/elections.