☆ Opinion: Prop 50 threatens a venerated California institution
The Citizens Redistricting Commission is transparent, independent and driven by Californians, says ten-year policy veteran Roberta Moore. She argues that redistricting under Prop 50 is not needed to save democracy and, in fact, promotes an undemocratic regime that thwarts the will of the people. An Opportunity Now exclusive commentary.
I have 10 years’ experience being active in local and state legislative affairs. Here is information that might help you as you decide how to vote this election.
The following are questions answered with perspectives from HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher interviewing Arnold Schwarzenegger: Saving Democracy, Prop 50: Power, Maps, and the Politics of Control in California, by Mihran Kalaydjian, Carl DeMaio, Founder Reform California:
Would Proposition 50 balance out Texas?
Not very likely. Claiming Texas redistricted under Trump for more “red” seats is a FALSE claim.
Texas redistricting was under the Biden Administration at the Supreme Court Level.
Started in 2021 and ordered in 2022.
Is Prop 50 promoted with a politically misleading argument?
“Schwarzenegger argued that while some Democrats claim to be ‘protecting democracy’ by opposing President Trump, they’re simultaneously undermining it in their own state.
“Weakening that independence, even under the banner of ‘defense,’ chips away at the very credibility that makes California different. If we compromise the integrity of our own system just to ‘balance out’ others, we lose the moral high ground — and the trust of the people who still believe democracy can be fair. Before we redraw the map, let’s make sure we’re not redrawing the principles that made this state a model for reform in the first place.
“The claim is that Prop 50 is to Stop Trump because of Texas. In reality, Proposition 50 proponents use clever anti-Trump rhetoric to take redistricting from the California voted in Citizens Redistricting Commission and give it to the politicians.
What is California's Citizens Redistricting Commission?
Transparent. Citizen Driven. Independent. Learn more at their state webpage here
“If California’s strength has been its commitment to independent redistricting — a model other states envy — why would we abandon it, even temporarily? California built one of the most transparent redistricting systems in the nation. That was a point of pride — and proof that we could rise above partisanship when it mattered.”
Who really wins under Prop 50?
"They want to take the power away from the people and give it back to the politicians,” Schwarzenegger said. “That’s not democracy — that’s hypocrisy.”
"Let’s be honest: Prop 50 isn’t about empowering voters — it’s about empowering insiders. When legislators control redistricting, incumbents get safer seats, political consultants get more contracts, and the majority party locks in its dominance. Ordinary residents don’t win from this. Neighborhoods lose representation. Competitive elections become rarer. And the state’s reputation for fairness erodes a little more.”
What about representation of the farmers who feed us? “As an example, the (proposed) map combines Redding with San Francisco to nullify Redding’s voice.”
If you think CA politicians have done a good job (crime, homelessness, infrastructure, education, housing, services, etc), then give them more power. But do not be fooled by the false claim that this is an anti-Trump bill.
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