CALIFORNIA SPECIAL ELECTION
Emergency for Democracy!

LET’S ALL PITCH IN TO PASS PROP 50 TO PROTECT FAIR ELECTIONS!
Note: We’ve listed opportunities to help at the top of the page for easy access, and but please also scroll to read the important background information below.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FROM EVERYWHERE

• FUNDRAISING: We rarely list fundraising first, but currently we are being outspent by billionaire funded groups.  Your donation will go directly to the Yes on 50 campaign for advertising and staff. Donate to the Yes on 50 Campaign!

• PHONEBANKS: TOP PRIORITY TACTIC! Coordinated by the California Democratic Party and host volunteer groups. Note: Our 2024 CADEM Phonebanks were highly effective last year with follow-up analysis showing a significant increase in voter turnout.  We are using the same approach with the Special Election!

• English Phonebanks (Two shifts a day Sat - Thursday; times vary)

• Spanish Phonebanks (Sunday 12-2 pm and Thursday 6 - 8 pm)

• TEXTBANKS: Hosted by Governor Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy

• Sign up NOW to volunteer with Governor Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy and check the texting option.  You will be directed to training sessions.

• Even if you’ve worked with them before, you must onboard again for orientation and training on their new texting platform.*

• POSTCARDING: In partnership with Activate America

• Online Requests

• SOCIAL MEDIA: Share Yes on 50 messaging on your social media

CALIFORNIA-BASED OPPORTUNITIES

• Statewide:

• BUY A YES ON 50 T-shirt and wear often, especially while out in public. You’ll be surprised by how many people will comment which is an opportunity for engagement. Check out our webpage on personal outreach.

• Buy a lawn sign. This vendor is shipping signs quickly. You can also buy lawn signs, pins, and vinyl stickers through the CADEM Store.

• Canvasses:

• Statewide list

• Statewide list in map view

• Bay Area Coalition canvasses in Sacramento, San Francisco, South Bay, East Bay, and Central Valley areas

• Contact your local Dem club for information if your county is not represented on the map. Some counties, including Marin, are managing their canvasses independently.

• Thinking of canvassing but new to it? Attend this great training designed for first timers - every Tuesday evening through the election.
  

• Marin County

• Listing of ALL Marin opportunities in calendar format

• Sign up for the “No KIngs! Yes on 50” protest rally on October 18 from 10:30 - 12 at the Civic Center

• Canvasses:

  • Canvass with IndiMarin in Lucas Valley. Sign up.

  • Canvass with Marin Dems - Sign up.

  • Canvass in Novato with IndiNovato - Sign up.

  • Canvass in Southern Marin with Mill Valley Community Action Network - Sign up.

  • Thinking of canvassing but new to it? Attend this great training designed for first timers - every Tuesday evening through the election. 

• Postcarding Together!

  • Every Tuesday 10 - 11:30 AM - Postcarding Together at Panera Bread in Novato

  • Every 3rd Thursday 5:30 - 7 PM - Postcarding Together at Ounces Outside in San Rafael

PROP 50 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Democrats have a fighting chance to regain control of the House of Representatives in 2026 with the current district maps.  Polls show dramatically decreasing support for the Trump Administration and a demand for Congress to follow their constitutional duty and act as a check on executive power.  Donald Trump took this moment and made an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins. New maps in Texas and other red states are designed to steal enough seats to keep control of the House of Representatives regardless of how the people vote.

California is in a position to rebalance what may be our last chance at a representative democracy. The state legislature passed the Election Rigging Response Act on Thursday, August 21st.  This set an election for November 4th to give voters the opportunity to vote on the corresponding Proposition 50.  This act will put emergency maps into place for elections occurring over the next 4 years, including the 2026 midterms, that level the playing field.  These maps are fair and proportional but temporary.  In 2031 our independent commission returns and will use the 2030 census to create new maps. NOTE: There will be an emphasis on the Democratic base of regular voters, in addition to the independent or low propensity voters that often swing elections in candidate races.  Canvasses will include all California counties, including urban centers and neighboring blue suburbs.

The Texas legislature acted without any public input.  In California, It is up to us.  Let’s get to work talking to voters across the state about this one time opportunity to rescue our democracy by voting yes on proposition 50!

Important Dates: All California voters receive a mail in ballot and do not need to request one.

• October 6th:  All counties begin mailing ballots

• October 7th: Locations open for ballot drop off/ballot requests

• October 20th: Last day to register to vote in the special election and receive a vote by mail ballot

• October 21 - Nov 4: Conditional voter registration with provisional ballot voting (in person same day registration/voting)

• October 25: Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties

• November 4th: Election Day