California voters will head to the polls Nov. 4, 2025, for a statewide special election that includes Proposition 50, a proposed constitutional amendment to change how the state draws its congressional district maps.

The ballot may also include local measures, depending on where voters live. In Kern County, residents in Delano and McFarland will decide on local sales tax measures, according to the Kern County Elections Division.

Proposition 50

Proposition 50 would temporarily shift the power to draw California’s congressional district maps from the state’s independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to the Legislature.

A yes vote would allow lawmakers to adopt new congressional maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. After that, the commission would resume control following the 2030 census. A no vote would keep the current commission-drawn maps in place until new ones are created after the next census.

Measure B: City of Delano

Measure B asks Delano voters whether to extend the city’s existing voter-approved 1% sales tax, which funds general services such as police and fire protection, senior programs, street improvements, and parks and recreation. The measure would keep the tax in place until it is repealed by voters, rather than allowing it to expire in March 2028. City officials estimate the tax generates about $8.5 million annually.

Measure C: City of McFarland

Measure C proposes establishing a new 1% sales tax in McFarland to fund essential city services and projects, including police patrols, crime prevention, fire services, road and infrastructure repairs, downtown revitalization, and improvements to parks and senior programs. The measure is expected to raise about $1 million annually and includes requirements for citizen oversight, independent audits, and local control of funds.

Voting information

Ballots will be mailed out beginning Oct. 6. Voters can begin using ballot drop-off locations starting Oct. 7.

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 20. Early in-person voting will be available at vote centers in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning Oct. 25.

Election Day is Nov. 4, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mailed ballots must arrive at county registrar offices no later than Nov. 12 to be counted.