Yes on Prop 50. Democracy Works Best When Balanced, Transparent, and Accountable

Brothers & Sisters,

In the next few weeks California will be holding a special election for Prop 50. IBEW and labor unions across the state are calling on members to Vote Yes on 50. Rather than giving a list of reasons to Vote Yes on 50, it seemed more appropriate to talk about how we got here and why this issue matters. 

In the United States, we redraw Congressional districts every 10 years after the national census. This process, known as redistricting, is meant to keep representation fair as populations shift. But throughout history politicians of both parties have also used it to protect their own power, a practice known as gerrymandering.

Gerrymandering dates back to the early 1800s, and it undermines democracy by allowing politicians to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives. This is intended to create safe seats that discourage competition, reduce accountability, and foster polarization by rewarding extreme positions. Over time, this erodes trust in elections and weakens the principle of fair representation which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. This leads to more mistrust, more division, and less confidence in our democracy.

What makes today different is that some states, like Texas and Missouri, have begun redrawing maps mid-decade, before the next census. This unusual step is designed to lock in advantages and silence competing voices. That kind of approach doesn’t just hurt one side; it adds to division and mistrust in our democracy as a whole.

What we should all agree on is that elections should be about ideas, not about who can draw the lines better for a particular party. For democracy to thrive, there must be dialogue, balance, and consistent rules. 

Prop 50 is a temporary step to protect California’s voice in Congress, but it also highlights something bigger: we need a national, federal standard for redistricting. That way, every state plays by the same rules, and neither side gets to game the system.

Supporting Prop 50 doesn’t mean supporting one party over another. It means supporting the principle that our democracy works best when it is balanced, transparent, and accountable.

I encourage you to look at this measure with an open mind and ask: do we strengthen democracy by ignoring what’s happening elsewhere, or by working to make sure Californians’ voices are heard just as strongly?

If you are interested in learning more about this issue, click the link below for a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwEMdnOzb0A

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

In Solidarity, 

Stephan Davis
Business Manager
Financial Secretary