California Redistricting Plan Supported by Voters, but Uncertainty Remains
Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to temporarily redraw California’s congressional districts has garnered more support than opposition, but with many voters still undecided, the prospects of the measure remain uncertain, according to a new survey. The survey, conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies for the Los Angeles Times, found that 46% of voters think the redistricting plan is a good idea, while 36% believe it’s a bad idea.
When asked if they would vote for the temporary redistricting efforts if they appeared on the November ballot, 48% of voters said yes, while almost a third said no, and 20% remained undecided. Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley IGS survey, noted that these numbers are “not bad news” but could be better, as voters tend to vote no if they’re unsure or don’t know enough about an initiative.
Partisan Divide and Voter Support
The partisan divide on the issue is clear, with almost 7 out of 10 Democratic voters supporting the redistricting plan, while Republicans overwhelmingly oppose it (72%). Former President Obama and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have expressed support for the plan, which aims to counterbalance the partisan gerrymandering efforts in Texas and other Republican-controlled states.
The survey also found that voters who regularly cast ballots in statewide elections support the redistricting plan by a margin of 55% to 34%. DiCamillo noted that this subgroup is significant, as they are more likely to vote in the November election.
Newsom’s Approval Ratings and Trump’s Influence
Governor Newsom’s approval ratings have increased since he began challenging President Trump and Republican leaders, with 51% of voters now approving of his job performance, compared to 43% who disapprove. The survey also found that a majority of respondents (59%) support Newsom’s combative attitude towards Trump, while 29% prefer a more cooperative approach.
Younger voters, in particular, support Newsom’s approach, with 71% of those between the ages of 18 and 29 backing his stance. Matt Barreto, an assistant professor of political science at Cal State Long Beach, noted that Newsom’s profile has increased during the national struggle over congressional districts, and his productive Trump-trolling has struck a nerve with conservative commentators.
Undecided Voters and the Path to Victory
While the survey results are encouraging for Newsom and Democratic leaders, winning in November will require convincing undecided voters to support the redistricting plan. Almost 30% of Latino, Black, and Asian voters remain undecided, as do 25% of women and almost a third of voters between the ages of 18 and 29.
Eric Schickler, co-director of the Berkeley Institute, noted that voters do not trust politicians, but they also dislike what Trump is doing. The survey results suggest that Newsom may be winning this argument, but the outcome is far from certain. As Schickler said, “There are still a number of voices on the table,” and the edge between support and opposition could narrow between now and November.
Read more about the survey and its findings Here
Source: www.latimes.com
