On Tuesday, voters throughout California went to the polls to vote on Proposition 50. If passed, the proposition would temporarily change the congressional lines in California until 2030. This proposition was Gavin Newsom’s attempt to counter a move in Texas that adjusted the lines to favor a larger Republican vote. 

 Kern Sol News asked voters why they chose to vote. 

Edwina Stewart

“I own a business, so I just figure since I’m a business owner, some of the choices and decisions that are made affect my business, so I want to make sure I put in my two cents basically.” 

Stewart added that her business is being impacted by both inflation and the fact that people are not receiving their SNAP benefits, as she is not getting as many customers.  

Geniece Trevino

“Now more than ever, it feels like we’re living in a sci-fi novel, and the only way to change the story or reality is to show up. But to be real, I voted for my kid’s future. It’s cliché, but we’re shaping their future.”

Brian Jones

“I voted for all my daughter’s futures so that equality and fairness still exist.” 

Caitlyn Gallegos

“I refuse to be at an unfair disadvantage in my party and vote for the next upcoming election, which will determine or lean in Trump’s favor of serving another term, unconstitutionally. Also, Texas’s power grab at more republican votes will affect those in the opposing parties’ lives and increase fear in minority communities.” 

Billie Queen 

“I’m voting because I didn’t vote in the last election and ended up not liking how politics have affected my life. I’m hoping vote today can make a change in the right direction.”

Brianna Miller

“My vote is for the next generation. I want my kids to grow up in a California that’s fair and full of opportunity.”

Raymond Cravin 

“I want to be part of the solution, and not just someone that complains online about the state of our country. That’s why I decided to vote today.”

Jacob Diaz

“Every time I think my vote doesn’t matter, I have to remind myself of how close some of these races end up being. I think a few hundred votes can change anything, good or bad. Voting is how I stay involved in that change.”

Savannah Jones 

“My mom never misses an election, so I started going with her to vote when I turned 18. It’s a tradition for us now, it’s just part of what we do and it feels good to keep that going.”

Luis Acosta 

“I was going to skip this election until I heard how the small elections affect my neighborhood and community. That’s why I decided to vote.”