Protect Rural Representation
Proposition 50, on the ballot for Tuesday, Nov. 4, threatens California’s independent redistricting process. It would dismantle the Citizens Redistricting Commission's work, handing map-drawing power to politicians who have released plans to split rural communities. These politically motivated districts would further concentrate political power in urban centers and leave agricultural communities without fair representation.Why Vote NO?
- Defend Rural Representation. Ensure California’s farming and ranching communities are fairly represented in Congress.
- Protect Independence. Keep redistricting in the hands of a nonpartisan commission.
- Prevent Political Games. Stop politicians from drawing districts to benefit themselves.
- Save taxpayer money. Avoid wasting $250 million on a special election.
Key Dates
- October 6, 2025 – Ballots mailed to voters
- November 4, 2025 – Special Election Day
Why This Matters for Farmers
California’s independent redistricting process protects agriculture and rural communities:- Keeps farming regions whole instead of lumping them into distant urban districts.
- If Prop 50 passes, towns such as Alturas in Modoc County could be represented by a politician hundreds of miles away in Sausalito who may share little in common. Voting no ensures rural constituents can elect leaders who understand issues such as water resources, land use and food production.
Background
Prop 50 will appear in the November 4 special election. It would allow the Legislature to redraw congressional maps outside of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission process, which happens every 10 years following the census and reapportionment. This process last took place in 2021. The commission has had the power to draw congressional maps since 2010. This was done through Prop 20 (2010), which the California Farm Bureau supported. New potential maps can be seen here.What Can You Do?
- Join the Coalition: Submit your endorsement here. County Farm Bureaus and individual members are encouraged to sign on.
- Spread the Word: Share “No on 50” messages in your newsletters, meetings and social media.
- Stay Informed: Watch for Ag Alert commentaries, FarmTeam alerts and Farm Bureau podcasts with campaign updates.
- Vote NO on—or before—Tuesday, Nov. 4. Protect rural representation and keep maps independent.
Bottom Line
Prop 50 is a direct attack on fair maps and rural California. Independent redistricting works. Voters trust the process. Farmers need representatives who understand agriculture. Join us and vote NO on Prop 50. Together, we can protect rural voices and keep California’s elections fair.Additional Resources
CalMatters article Sacramento Bee opinion: Liberals and conservatives are familiar foes of California gerrymandering AgNet Radio Network: Shannon Douglass Doubles Down on Prop 50 Opposition Ag Alert: In rural districts, backlash mounts against Prop. 50 iHeart Radio: Ag Life Politico: 'Rural folks just want to be left alone': Farmers push back on California redistricting California Ag Today: California Farm Bureau Says No to Proposition 50 Farm Progress: Farm advocates take aim at redistricting initiative The Business Journal: California Farm Bureau urges rejection of Prop. 50 Bloomberg: California’s Prop 50 fights Texas gerrymandering before 2026 elections (paywall) TurnTo23: Farmers react, opposing Proposition 50 and redrawing district lines KTVU: Rural California counties' Proposition 50 concerns Imperial Valley Press: Imperial County Farm Bureau opposes Prop 50, citing threats to rural representation State Affairs: California Proposition 50 raises concerns among rural communities (paywall)The Shane Reaction with Sam Shane \| iHeart \(Shannon Douglass\, 3:05 – 11:30\)Republican tensions rise over Kevin McCarthy’s faltering push to fight California redistricting Why it makes sense to vote No on Proposition 50
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