Election Day is almost here; how proposed redistricting could affect local races
Gavin Nguyen
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Election Day is just one day away.
Voters will decide on Proposition 50, introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which would temporarily redraw California’s congressional districts starting in 2026 to favor Democrats. If passed, the measure could help Democrats secure five additional seats in the House of Representatives.
Locally, the City of Palm Springs and Indian Wells could be absorbed into California’s 48th congressional district. CA-48 is currently represented by Republican Representative Darrell Issa in San Diego County’s more rural East County. More Democratic voters from Palm Springs would likely make it more difficult for the GOP to retain Issa’s seat.
Proposed redistricting under Proposition 50 for California’s 48th congressional district, which would absorb Palm Springs and Indian Wells in the Coachella Valley
And under redistricting, longtime GOP Rep. Ken Calvert’s 41st congressional district would move entirely to Los Angeles County, threatening his streak of seventeen terms in the House.
As of Monday, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters said 390,035 vote-by-mail ballots have been returned and counted. That represents nearly 120,000 more ballots returned since last Monday.
More information on where vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped off, as well as polling locations for early voting and Election Day, is all available at the county’s election website.
News Channel 3 is speaking with the Riverside County Registrar of Voters office with more on voting in this year’s election. We’re also asking voters about the impact of this election. Stay with us for the latest.