Prop 50 Election Day arrives in the Mother Lode

Prop 50 Election Day Arrives in the Mother Lode

Tuolumne County voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to return their mail-in ballots for the off-year statewide special election on Proposition 50. The proposition concerns whether California will redraw some congressional district maps, possibly favoring Democrats.

County elections officials reported receiving about 16,500 vote-by-mail ballots as of Monday, which represents roughly 45% of the county’s 36,473 registered voters. This turnout is ahead of the statewide average, which stood at about 29% as of Monday.

However, the county's turnout is lower than that of the last off-year statewide special election in September 2021—the failed recall of Governor Gavin Newsom—which had a turnout of approximately 73%.

“We could be surprised and everybody shows up, but that doesn’t seem to be the pattern of this election.”

— Debi Bautista, retired county clerk and registrar of voters

Debi Bautista, currently assisting with the election, noted they do not expect a last-minute surge on Election Day large enough to surpass the 2021 recall turnout, but they remain prepared for any outcome.

Author's summary: Tuolumne County's vote-by-mail turnout for Proposition 50 surpasses statewide averages but remains below the 2021 recall election, with officials cautiously awaiting final results.

more

The Union Democrat The Union Democrat — 2025-11-05

More News