California State Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson
State Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) has publicly endorsed Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” ahead of California’s Nov. 4 special election. While acknowledging the measure’s imperfections, Weber Pierson, who is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), said it is necessary to protect the state’s political influence and the voting power of historically marginalized communities.
“Prop 50 isn’t perfect, but it’s a tough and necessary choice,” Weber Pierson said in a video released on social media.
The video, shared on Facebook, features the senator and other Black elected officials highlighting the importance of the measure in defending California’s political representation and safeguarding voting rights against partisan redistricting efforts in other states.
The video and accompanying posts also emphasize support from the CLBC, the NAACP, and Black Women for Wellness. Officials note that Prop 50 would temporarily allow California to redraw congressional districts if another state manipulates its maps outside the standard ten-year census cycle. The measure would apply to the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning redistricting authority to California’s independent citizens’ redistricting commission.
Opponents, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Proposition 50 is a partisan attempt to favor Democrats and undermine the independent redistricting system Californians approved through a ballot measure in 2008. They describe the measure as “undemocratic” and a challenge to reforms intended to ensure fair representation.
Weber Pierson urged Californians to participate in the election and highlighted the broader stakes, including protecting access to political resources and funding for communities of color. Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway.
The Facebook video concludes with a call for civic participation, encouraging residents to research their polling locations and vote yes on Proposition 50 to ensure fair representation and defend the political gains Black communities have fought for over generations.
For more information on the special election, voters can visit www.vote.ca.gov and follow updates from the California Legislative Black Caucus and supporting organizations on social media.
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By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media
