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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 18 - Resolution in Support of Proposition 50 (2025) City Manager's Office www.santa-ana.org/cm Item # 18 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report October 21, 2025 TOPIC: Resolution in Support of Proposition 50 (2025) AGENDA TITLE Resolution in Support of Proposition 50 (2025), a Legislative Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps in Response to Partisan Redistricting RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt a Resolution in support of Proposition 50 (2025), a legislative constitutional amendment authorizing temporary changes to congressional district maps in response to partisan redistricting, appearing on the November 4, 2025 statewide ballot. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 50: USE OF LEGISLATIVE CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP AMENDMENT GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION Proposition 50 is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that authorizes the temporary use of legislative redistricting maps, created under Assembly Bill 604, for California's congressional elections in 2026, 2028, and 2030. These interim maps would apply only until the California Citizens Redistricting Commission resumes its duties following the 2030 Census. The measure intends to safeguard California against partisan gerrymandering practices occurring in other states, such as Texas, where mid-decade redistricting efforts are being used to manipulate electoral outcomes and erode fair representation. By adopting temporary maps under the Legislature's authority, Proposition 50 provides a legal mechanism to preserve equitable representation in Congress and defend democratic integrity in the face of national redistricting shifts. Resolution in Support of Proposition 50 (2025) October 21, 2025 Page 2 The Legislative Analyst's Office estimates that Proposition 50 will result in modest one- time costs to election offices, far outweighed by the importance of preserving fair elections and ensuring California maintains a strong and equitable voice in federal government. Santa Ana has historically supported initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and fair representation in government. Supporting Proposition 50 reinforces the City's commitment to those principles and aligns with broader statewide efforts to uphold democratic governance. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBIT(S) 1. Exhibit 1 - Resolution in Support of Proposition 50 Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager Approved By: Alvaro Nunez, City Manager RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 50: USE OF LEGISLATIVE CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP AMENDMENT WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is committed to protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring that voters have confidence in a fair, transparent, and democratic process; and WHEREAS, partisan mid-decade redistricting actions in states such as Texas have revealed the threat of political manipulation of congressional district boundaries outside the normal census cycle, undermining representative democracy; and WHEREAS, Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, appears on the November 4, 2025 statewide ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, authorizing temporary use of legislative maps (via Assembly Bill 604) for congressional elections in 2026, 2028, and 2030, after which California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will resume its role following the 2030 Census; and WHEREAS, this measure is designed to safeguard California against partisan gerrymandering efforts by countering undemocratic tactics and prevent California from losing equitable representation in Congress; and WHEREAS, the Legislative Analyst's Office estimates Proposition 50 will impose only modest one-time costs to elections offices, which pale in comparison to the broader importance of defending democracy, voter equality, and California's voice in the federal government; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana has a responsibility to defend the principles of representative government and to stand with its residents in ensuring that voters, not politicians, determine the outcomes of elections; WHEREAS, passage of Proposition 50 will send a clear message that California will not stand idly by while other states manipulate democracy for partisan gain, but instead will act decisively to protect fair elections and representative government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana as follows: Section 1. The City of Santa Ana formally supports Proposition 50 (2025) on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 1 of 2 Section 2. The City Council recognizes the necessity of maintaining equitable and balanced representation in Congress to protect the interests of Californians amidst evolving national redistricting dynamics. Section 3. The City Council believes Proposition 50 offers a temporary but necessary tool in safeguarding California's political representation in Congress, and views it as a vital measure to uphold democracy, fairness, and transparency in elections. Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of , 2025. Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2025-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on Date: City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 2 of 2