Voting to approve the state Legislature’s controversial plan to gerrymander congressional districts has started.

Proposition 50, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would redraw election maps six years ahead of schedule. By law, an independent redistricting commission establishes new lines for state and federal offices in California based on U.S. census data.

Newsom argues that because Texas changed its congressional lines early to favor Republicans in response to President Donald Trump’s request, California needs to do the same in favor of Democrats. Election analysts say the new Democratic-proposed map could shift five seats from the GOP to Democrats.

Opponents, led by several Republican and conservative groups, call the proposal a naked power grab that’s bad for democracy. They argue it undermines independent redistricting and is a waste of taxpayer money. The cost of the special election is an estimated $250 million.

The Clovis City Council approved a resolution opposing Prop. 50 on a 4-0 vote Monday (Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck was absent).

Ways to Vote

Mail-in ballots should arrive this week to all registered voters. The election officially started Monday, and concludes on Nov. 4, Election Day. Voters must sign the ballots on the back.

All registered voters are eligible to participate. Registration closes Monday, Oct. 20, but the conditional registration period — requiring additional eligibility checks by election officials — runs Oct. 21 through Election Day, Nov. 4.

Voters can return ballots by mail, with no additional postage necessary. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by the elections office by Nov. 11.

The first vote centers open Oct. 25, with several more opening Nov. 1. You can find a full list here. Polls close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.

Voters also can deposit ballots at several drop boxes throughout Fresno County from now until 8 p.m. Nov. 4. A full list is here.

Dec. 2 is the last day to certify the election. A majority of votes is needed to pass the proposition.