Early Voting Surges in San Bernardino for California’s Prop 50

Early voting for California’s Proposition 50 is gaining momentum in San Bernardino County as residents prepare for the special election on November 4, 2024. The ballot measure proposes a new congressional map that has the potential to increase Democratic representation by flipping five Republican-held House seats. This initiative, introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom and approved by the state legislature in August, is seen as a direct response to redistricting efforts in Texas that favor Republican candidates.

The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, Joanna Finwall, noted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It had to happen very quickly. What normally we take three or four months to put together, we had to do in about a month and a half.” Finwall emphasized that the team managed to prepare polling locations within a compressed timeline, ensuring voters could participate smoothly.

As of Thursday, 18% of the mail-in ballots sent out have already been returned, indicating strong early engagement from voters. In San Bernardino County, residents have six designated early voting locations to choose from. These sites include:

– **San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office:** 777 E. Rialto Ave., San Bernardino, Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).
– **Apple Valley Recreation Center:** 14955 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley, Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).
– **Joshua Tree Community Center:** 6171 Sunburst St., Joshua Tree, Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).
– **Fontana Lewis Library & Technology Center:** 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana, Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).
– **Ontario Conference Center:** 1947 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).
– **Victorville City Hall:** 14343 Civic Dr., Victorville, Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Election Day from 07:00 to 20:00 (closed on Sunday, November 2).

Redistricting typically occurs every decade following the U.S. Census. Newsom, who is speculated to be a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has positioned Proposition 50 as a strategic move to counter former President Donald Trump’s influence, particularly in light of the Texas redistricting that benefits the Republican Party.

Prominent figures have rallied behind this initiative, including former President Barack Obama, who publicly endorsed the measure alongside Newsom. Additionally, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren have produced advertisements supporting the proposition.

California’s aggressive approach to redistricting has set a precedent, with Virginia Democrats following suit. Recently, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a constitutional amendment aimed at redrawing congressional maps, which is now under review by the state Senate. Other Republican-led states, such as Missouri and North Carolina, have also enacted new congressional maps, while Utah and Indiana are currently revising theirs.

Although some Democrats in Maryland and Illinois have proposed similar redistricting efforts, the response has not been unanimous. Earlier this week, the Maryland state Senate opted not to advance mid-decade redistricting, as noted in a letter obtained by ABC News.

As San Bernardino County continues to embrace early voting, the outcome of Proposition 50 could significantly shape the political landscape in California and beyond.