On Nov. 4, California voters approved Proposition 50, authorizing temporary changes to the state’s congressional districts in favor of Democratic candidates in the House of Representatives. San Diego County passed the proposition with a 60.3% majority according to CalMatters, contributing to the final, affirmative result. AP Government teacher Matthew Lambert, who mailed in his ballot, summarized the proposition’s purpose.
“Every ten years, there is a census in this country that decides the number of seats a state gets in the House of Representatives. Texas has decided to redistrict in the middle of a census–which is highly unusual–and so have North Carolina and Missouri. California has decided they are going to as well, in reaction to what is going on in conservative states,” Lambert said. “Those states are redistricting to gerrymander–create [electoral] boundaries–that will give a benefit to the Republican party in previously Democratic districts. In California, it is the opposite. They are redistricting their boundaries to increase the number of seats in the House of Representatives for the Democratic Party.”
While some districts in San Diego remain virtually unchanged, the district BVH is located in–Electoral District 52–along with the districts of many students’ homes, see slight impacts. More notably, eastern districts that are no more than a 30 minute drive from BVH see significant shifts. Senior David Munoz, who voted in-person on Election Day, explained this pattern as a result of the newly redistricted map.
“In San Diego, I do not think much will change politically. My teacher, Mr. Lambert, explained that East County–Santee and other areas nearby–will be split up, which is essentially what Democrats were aiming for, so the chances of Republicans being elected again would be very low. If you have more Democratic influence in Eastern Counties, more seats are going to go Democratic,” Munoz said.
Despite the results contradicting the vote of several Eastern San Diegan counties, the overall outcome of the special election was not surprising to many, including Lambert, who considered the political history of California and the patterns he observed with his students.
“As we looked at the data in my class, we saw [Proposition 50] was overwhelmingly expected to pass. I even polled my students and they overwhelmingly passed it as well. It was not shocking that, in a state like California which has a strong Democratic base, this proposition passed. It is like the Kansas City Chiefs playing the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. It was a blowout,” Lambert said.
As it turns out, youth voting went beyond the simulation that occurred in Lambert’s class. A few of his students ended up voting in the real election, such as Munoz. The importance of youth voter turnout was highlighted by Sociology, Psychology and Ethnic Studies teacher Laura Lowery, who mailed in her vote last week. She believes the younger generation’s role in voting is crucial to governmental progress.
“[Voting] is definitely important. I would like to see younger voters being represented and having a voice in politics, especially because they can have a huge impact and counter older voters who might be out of touch,” Lowery said.
This idea was corroborated by Munoz, who sees the value in using one’s voice if they can. He described the culture of youth in America to be generally apathetic when it comes to voting, but to not allow that to stop one from carrying out their civic duty.
“Thanks to the 26th Amendment, those who are 18 have the right to vote, and I think it is good to take the opportunity to make a difference in what goes on in our government and around our nation,” Munoz said. “I know a lot of people my age are apathetic and believe their vote will not matter, but even if it looks like that right now, it does matter. Even if what someone voted on did not pass, people will still acknowledge them and the fact that they stood for what they want. Young people, go out and vote. It is worth it.”
While the importance of voting is undeniable, the legitimacy of Proposition 50 is, according to some. Lambert stated that lawsuits have arisen on both sides of the political aisle regarding the legality of gerrymandering before the constitutional census, and it has the possibility to overturn the redistricting efforts of Texas, North Carolina, Missouri and most notably, California.
“There could be a court decision that the redistricting is unconstitutional–not only here, but in Texas, North Carolina and Missouri. Lawsuits have already been filed,” Lambert said. “We could have gone through this whole election and a court could overturn it and say it is unconstitutional based on the precedent of a Supreme Court case called Baker v. Carr that was decided in 1962.”
Ultimately, the San Francisco Chronicle acknowledged the risk that comes with Proposition 50 and gerrymandering as a whole, but emphasized the fact that a specific section in a related Supreme Court case would have to be overturned for a flipping of Proposition 50 to become reality. Lambert concluded with the idea that regardless of the impacts District 52 and San Diego will feel as a result of Proposition 50 passing, he is proud of BVH students for playing a role in its results.
“I am very happy that young people are voting. Historically and statistically, they have the lowest voter turnout in this country, and they need to make their voice heard,” Lambert said. “I am proud of all students–I do not care which way they voted–for being engaged and making a difference in California.”
