From Texas to California, the maps of power are being redrawn. In this episode of Politics, Tacos & Beer we join Dino on KPFK’s The Signal to unpack Proposition 50, Latino voting clout, and the high-stakes clash over gerrymandering, Trump and the future of democracy. Hear how redistricting fights, polling and grassroots organizing could shift Congress—and why your vote sends shockwaves far beyond the state.
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TRANSCRIPT
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
00:00:00:00 - 00:00:28:15
ANNOUNCER
Vera, Cuba on September 25th, 2025. A celebration of Asada Shakur's life. Sunday, November 2nd, from noon to 3 p.m. in Leimert Park at the community owned center located at 4276 South Crenshaw Boulevard at 43rd Street. Further information is available at tiny url.com/asada la.
00:00:28:17 - 00:00:39:07
MUSIC
Whole run by a handful of greedy bankers and CEOs who nobody elected. What can possibly last?
00:00:39:09 - 00:00:43:16
MUSIC
I'm going to take another crack at you, but you really only.
00:00:43:17 - 00:00:50:16
MUSIC
Have to remember you're two words.
00:00:50:18 - 00:00:59:09
MUSIC
Come on, you keep going. I.
00:00:59:11 - 00:01:34:00
DINO
I'm not. Welcome to Kpfk Los Angeles 90.7, FM 98.7 and FM Santa Barbara. 93.75 FM in San Diego County and 99.5 out FM Ridgecrest, China Lake and of course, streaming online at kpfk.org. I'm Dino with The signal here on Kpfk, L.A. and today we take another close look at one of the most important issues facing the people of California Proposition 50.
00:01:34:02 - 00:02:00:01
DINO
Now, I've known you seen the signage, the promotions, the ads all over the place. In fact, I was driving into the studio this morning and there was one single individual on a street corner off the freeway with a simple sign that said, Support prop 50. And it just goes to show you about the importance of political engagement, political participation.
00:02:00:01 - 00:02:21:02
DINO
This one single individual took it upon himself to go out to a random street corner. Perhaps not a brand of one. Maybe he lives in the area, I don't know, but I was impressed by that. And, you know, I felt like pulling over and saying, hey, man, you know, check us out. We're going to be listening. We're going to be talking about this topic a little later today.
00:02:21:02 - 00:02:48:01
DINO
But, you know, whether it was a yes or a no, the point I'm getting at is that there is robust engagement happening here in California, in Los Angeles, and all over the state. So we're going to be talking about that because the stakes could not be higher. The measure would temporarily suspend the state's independent redistricting process and give the legislature authority to draw new congressional boundaries.
00:02:48:03 - 00:03:17:09
DINO
Now, supporters say it will improve fairness and representation, while their critics argue argue it'll concentrate political power. Now, we've talked about this topic before. We in fact, dedicated an hour long program a few months back. If I remember right now, LA and producer nella saying yes. So, you know, according to recent polls, one in particular, Emerson College, says nearly 60% of likely voters support the measure, while about 40% oppose him.
00:03:17:14 - 00:03:37:20
DINO
Now, look, polls are a dime a dozen I was talking to in L.A. and others how we're getting polls coming out almost daily. If not, you know, a few a day. And one of the consistent themes that I'm seeing is that there seems to be overwhelming support. Now, this particular poll that I just referenced, that's just one, right?
00:03:37:22 - 00:04:07:20
DINO
But the important thing is that we've already seen a brief history of how sometimes polls can be wrong. Right? We saw that with the previous national election campaign. Campaign finance reports, show supporters have raised as much as $114 million compared to the opposition, who raised only $44 million. So if that's an indication, well, you know that that speaks for itself.
00:04:07:22 - 00:04:48:20
DINO
Early voting has already surpassed 2.4 million ballots across the state, likely, more by today, by broadcast time. And that too, is a good sign of high public interest in this outcome. To help us understand what proposition 50 means for representation for political power. We're going to be joined by a couple of folks who are going to help us break this down, starting off with Lydia Camarillo, president of Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, whose organization has led a national effort to expand civilian civic engagement, Latino participation in particular, and is at the center of where this fight unfolded.
00:04:48:20 - 00:05:17:01
DINO
The state of Texas will then hear from Andrea, a political reporter covering the state's latest developments here, in California and in Sacramento. And then later we'll be talking to the president, partner and chief operating officer at the union strategists who themselves released a report very recently. So, yeah, let's get started with Lydia Camarillo, our first guest again, president of Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project.
00:05:17:03 - 00:05:34:17
DINO
Lydia has spent decades building Latino civic participation and advancing fair representation across the southwest. She joins us to help connect the dots between the redistricting battle and Texas and what we're seeing here in California. Lydia, welcome to The Signal.
00:05:34:19 - 00:05:37:15
LYDIA
Thank you for the invitation. It's a pleasure to be here with you all.
00:05:37:17 - 00:05:39:12
DINO
So, yeah, Lydia.
00:05:39:14 - 00:05:47:04
DINO
Give us the landscape. Give us the political landscape in Texas. How did this whole thing get started?
00:05:47:06 - 00:06:10:09
LYDIA
Well, there's a couple of things. I'll start with the one we are all we all know and we're listening to. And several of the polls that you mentioned are very clearly indicate and say that people are voting, for or against and mostly for proposition 50 because it has national implications. And the people that are voting are saying that that's why they're voting.
00:06:10:11 - 00:06:19:11
LYDIA
But let's let's go back a little bit all the way to, the 2011 redistricting. And I promise it's only going to take me a sentence so that it's.
00:06:19:11 - 00:06:19:22
DINO
Probably no.
00:06:20:01 - 00:06:57:10
LYDIA
Different. It's it's important that when Texas, in 2011 and right after the U.S. census was counted then that we have the reapportionment opportunity to figure out the population for each state, and then each state will gain or lose congressional districts. Texas gained four new congressional districts, and the majority of the population growth from that from the previous ten years to 2010 was a result of Latino, population growth and African-Americans and Asians and mixed races.
00:06:57:12 - 00:07:21:22
LYDIA
And yet yet the state drew maps that were impossible to support voters in that state. There were of color, Latino, black, and others who could lack the county of their choice. They drew a district. We sued Southwest Voter Registration Education Project and a number of other partners that are fighting for civil rights and voting rights throughout the United States, and certainly in Texas.
00:07:21:24 - 00:08:00:16
LYDIA
Suit. At that time, there were seven Latino majority districts. And what that means is it's important that we note this when an African-American member of Congress, a woman or a man is elected to office, or an Asian American or a Latino or a mixed race or another race, it is more than likely that that person was elected because the district is either a majority Latino or if it's a Latino member of Congress or it's elected, or, African-American or mixed, coalition, a mixed races.
00:08:00:18 - 00:08:33:18
LYDIA
And what we find is but for that, we wouldn't have members of Congress that represent communities of color. So that is very important. So back again, in that 2011, we had seven congressional districts that were drawn as Latino districts, given the population growth. And then the Texas gained four new congressional seats. South Dakota's lawsuit, which is under it, was consolidated with several lawsuits under Perry's versus Abbott asked that we increase the representation in Dallas and Houston.
00:08:33:20 - 00:08:52:08
LYDIA
In Central Texas, we were able to in after the Supreme Court asked us to fix the map that the Texas had drawn, and try to accommodate the gains that we thought we could get. And we were able to gain two new seats. So now we're at nine Latino majority districts. So we say that.
00:08:52:08 - 00:09:08:14
DINO
So, so, so just to clarify, so that particular ruling or that that lawsuit that, you and your colleagues filed essentially reshape the very political structure and maps of Texas up until that point, right?
00:09:08:16 - 00:09:37:16
LYDIA
Correct. After the legislature had drawn districts that violated the voting rights of Latinos, blacks and others communities in Texas, I mentioned that district because it's important that we know that we we started off in 2021 right after, once again, the U.S. census count and Texas once again gained three congressional districts, new districts. In fact, California was last one and Texas gained three.
00:09:37:18 - 00:10:04:05
LYDIA
And we expected that out of that, we would create a new district that's Latino majority in Dallas, a new one in in Houston, and another one in the Central Valley, which is, central in central Texas, which we created that district. I'll come back to that in a minute. However, our case basically has been stalling that, again, this was 2021 and now it's 2025.
00:10:04:05 - 00:10:46:16
LYDIA
And it's just recently before, Texas drew the 2025, redistricting map in the mid-decade that our lawyers were litigating. And our lawyers are represented by Maldef. And it's that case is black versus Abbott. Move forward. And, President Trump at his insistence, they cite a couple of things. And let me just first, say this. Every, midterm election, when a president is in control of the white House, whether he or she, like I should say, he I was going to say he or she, but he is the Republican or a Democrat.
00:10:46:16 - 00:11:13:16
LYDIA
The other party, the opposition party ends up winning the majority or taking control of Congress. That's what they're worried about. And that's why they for figuring out how do we continue to stop, that possibility? Because there are a couple of things that are going to happen. And that's what they're worried about, not only losing the house and maybe losing the Senate, but losing the House is what we're dealing with right now.
00:11:13:18 - 00:11:43:19
LYDIA
Right. That's why we, the redistricting and then prop 50 and other stuff that we're going to talk about in a second. But the reason I say that is because what Trump is worried about in the Trump administration is that then if it's if it's the control is control is taken control by the Democrats, they will conduct a number of investigations on policy issues, as well as other issues that we see that have been clearly out of, the norm.
00:11:43:21 - 00:11:58:02
LYDIA
In some cases, we would argue some actions that have been corrupt and not necessarily moving in the direction that America should be moving, and that investigation is what they're worried about. They're worried about the investigations. And that's why we see this.
00:11:58:05 - 00:12:18:01
DINO
And essentially what you're what you're describing is, you know, we have an administration, the Trump administration, that is essentially trying to protect its interests by manipulating the electoral process. That way, he ensures that his rise to authoritarianism continues uninterrupted.
00:12:18:03 - 00:12:42:07
LYDIA
Correct. And what I'm saying is that they understand that they might lose. And so rather than allow the electorate to make a decision, remember that the redistricting happened in 2011. And in in states that are super red, like Texas, they've already canceled out the opportunity for, congressional districts to maybe move to the Democratic column. The way they were drawn, they were gerrymandered.
00:12:42:09 - 00:13:12:23
LYDIA
Well, then they call for the mid-decade, redistricting, which, by the way, has never happened before. This is a request to protect their interest and to ensure that there's no investigation on these shenanigans that have been going on, this, this with this administration and his previous administration to block all of that. Now, the 2025 district, redistricting case in Texas is appalling for a number of reasons.
00:13:13:00 - 00:13:52:23
LYDIA
The conversation around the country and certainly in, in tech, in California and in Texas has been about political division, political gerrymandering, saying that the Supreme Court allows Texas to draw, the districts so that they are Republicans will win. And, and, and California is trying to draw districts to balance the losses. But what's not being discussed, and it's important, we note, is that we're losing voting rights districts that were drawn or Latinos or Latino voters could elect their candidate of choice.
00:13:53:00 - 00:14:17:23
LYDIA
One of the districts is from San Antonio to Austin. The the Congress member, Ceasar, who is the head of the Progressive Caucus, the chairman, the Progressive Caucus has basically been drawn out, and he has to decide where he's going to live because his house does not exist there anymore. And that district does will not elect, a Latino, candidate of choice, that voters will not be able to do that.
00:14:18:00 - 00:14:51:07
LYDIA
The other district, district 33, which is in Dallas and Fort Worth VC, a member of Congress who's African-American, is losing that opportunity, putting those changes. It they're making other few changes are being made that impact. African-American districts in Houston, district 29, which is, see, they're going to see us district, that district is being, eliminated, and they will never be, a Latino member, Latinos elect in their county choice and more than likely non-Latino members.
00:14:51:09 - 00:15:11:04
LYDIA
And that is where we said we should have a new district given the growth. Right. So what we're saying is that five districts are being eliminated in Texas, and they're creating districts where the voters will Republican voters will be able to elect their kind of choice. And I assure you, they will not be Latino or Black or other communities representing.
00:15:11:09 - 00:15:17:24
LYDIA
And ultimately, the people that lose are the voters in Texas that are brown, black and mixed, Asian, mixed. Lydia.
00:15:18:01 - 00:15:52:24
DINO
How does this happen? I mean, you know, in preparing for this show and in previous shows where we've covered this topic, I still am amazed at just how does something like this how do they get away with this? I mean, they're eliminating disenfranchizing, selectively persecuting entire communities. And I get it, Texas. There's no denying that Texas has a long, long standing history as a Republican right wing establishment, epicenter, if you will.
00:15:53:04 - 00:16:01:09
DINO
But over the last couple of years, we've seen the growth of, opposition parties. And how did we end up here?
00:16:01:11 - 00:16:18:14
LYDIA
Well, I don't have an absolute answer other than they want to protect their interests. They want to protect their power, and they're always thinking, and they are strategic about it, thinking about how they're going to stop voters from voting. Let's take a look at this for another second, because I know that you have other guests, so I can't take very long.
00:16:18:15 - 00:16:50:07
LYDIA
It's okay. But but the 2016 voter registration for Latinos in Texas was 2.6 million. From 2016 to 2024, it grew to 4 million. That's a little bit over 1.3 million in 8 years of Latino voter registration, because, Latinos are finally, I think, feeling what Latinos in Texas, in California felt when prop 187 passed, they understood that their vote was a ticket to protecting and saving democracy and saving their rights.
00:16:50:09 - 00:17:16:24
LYDIA
So you are beginning to see that. But to the question about why do they get to do this? They're they're very smart. They're very calculated. They're thinking about this because they know that Latinos will ultimately decide the future of Texas, and they're stopping it. They're stopping Latino voters from turning out to vote, whether it's the voter ID, changing places where they can vote, minimizing everything that they can think of, that's what they're doing.
00:17:16:24 - 00:17:46:03
DINO
So so what you're saying is that not only is this a political, maneuver to support and advance the, Trump administration's rise to authoritarianism, but it's also a very strategic, long term project that looks to disenfranchize what is clearly the growth of political power by the Latino community in Texas. As you shared in 2016, there was a 2.6 million.
00:17:46:05 - 00:17:53:08
DINO
By 2024. Was that 4 million, which is a significant amount of, voter, development?
00:17:53:10 - 00:17:55:01
LYDIA
That's correct. That is exactly.
00:17:55:01 - 00:18:16:00
DINO
Right. So as we as we wind down a Lydia. So what's the what's the key takeaway, what's next in terms of, you know, we know that this particular maneuver has been, you know, has been growing. Other states are doing the same as is California and opposition and others are looking at supporting the effort against, the conservative agenda.
00:18:16:02 - 00:18:21:00
DINO
What should we be looking for in the next couple of days, weeks and months?
00:18:21:02 - 00:18:45:17
LYDIA
Well, on Tuesday we'll know if California will be able to, in fact, rights lanes because of the way that, California withdrew its lanes. Texas does it through legislation. And in California draws its lines to the commission that obviously, you've very nicely stated that it's going to be temporary so that we can decide. Texas Californians can redraw the lines.
00:18:45:19 - 00:19:17:13
LYDIA
The other thing that California has done and your next guest, we'll talk about this, the there is no, voting rights violations by the districts that they're proposing, even though there isn't some impact on the five districts, but other states are moving forward. It's the first time I see that Democrats and Newsom in particular, who decide that we have to respond to people, have to respond to the, violation of the voting rights in the U.S. Constitution of voters in Texas because it has national implications.
00:19:17:15 - 00:19:43:09
LYDIA
Ohio, and Indiana and Florida are getting ready to also redraw their lines. Their lines will be in favor of the Republicans. North Carolina, Utah and Missouri have already done so. Virginia, which, in Illinois is trying to follow suit for California to counterbalance. However, there are more Republican states controlled by Republican legislators that will draw the districts.
00:19:43:09 - 00:20:00:22
LYDIA
And at the end of the day, Republicans will be in charge, will be in control, will define the future. It's up to the voters to make the decision whether that's what they're going to do. You can beat you can win in a district, even if it's not drawn in a way that you get that your community can win.
00:20:01:02 - 00:20:06:05
LYDIA
If you organize and you mobilize and it may take you one term, it might take you two terms.
00:20:06:05 - 00:20:28:02
DINO
But it's possible. But it's possible. Possible, absolutely. Lydia Camarillo is president of the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project, a long time advocate for Latino political power and fair representation. Lydia, thank you for joining us here on The Signal. We look forward to having you back as we continue to follow the, political show that we're on experience.
00:20:28:02 - 00:20:29:15
DINO
And thanks for being with us.
00:20:29:17 - 00:20:32:20
LYDIA
My pleasure. Thank you. And don't forget to vote. Who? We haven't voted.
00:20:32:22 - 00:20:34:10
DINO
Thanks.
00:20:34:12 - 00:20:59:10
ANNOUNCER
On Sunday, November 2nd, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Community Own Center in Leimert Park, there will be a celebration of Assata Shakur life and her 46th year of freedom from injustice. Assata Shakur, former member of the Black Panther Party and the first woman ever to be named as a terrorist on the FBI's Most Wanted list, died in Havana, Cuba, on September 25th, 2025.
00:20:59:11 - 00:21:22:05
ANNOUNCER
A Celebration of Assata Shakur Life Sunday, November 2nd, from noon to 3 p.m. in Leimert Park at the community owned center located at 4276 South Crenshaw Boulevard at 43rd Street. Further information is available at tiny url.com. Forward slash asada la.
00:21:22:07 - 00:21:28:15
ANNOUNCER
Hi, this is Holly Berry and you're listening to Kpfk 90.7 F.M..
00:21:28:17 - 00:21:55:02
DINO
Welcome back. Joining us now is Andrea Valdez, California Capitol correspondent who covers the legislature and statewide politics. And a new addition to The signal through a special partnership with the Latino Media Collaborative. And Andrea is going to help us unpack a little bit more on proposition 50. So we're going to come back home. We started off with Lydia out there in the state of Texas, giving us a foundation on how we got here.
00:21:55:08 - 00:22:12:21
DINO
Right. And, well, with Andrea, you know, we're going to hear a little bit more on what's happening here in California. As it we're a few days away. Tuesday, November 4th is the day we decide. Andrea, welcome to The Signal.
00:22:12:23 - 00:22:16:10
ANDREA
And thanks so much for having me. Looking forward to talking about prop 50.
00:22:16:15 - 00:22:35:14
DINO
So yeah, let's let's start off. First of all, I literally mean welcome to the Signal Hour program. We welcome you with open arms. We look forward to your continued engagement and participation on the signal. We're very excited to have you. So on a personal level, we say thank you. And welcome to the Signal radio show.
00:22:35:16 - 00:22:37:03
ANDREA
I appreciate that. I'm excited.
00:22:37:05 - 00:23:03:10
DINO
So, Andrea, let's start off. You know, as much as we hear all that's going around about prop 50, you and I both know from my producer in L.A., everybody knows that. You know, some of us are disengaged, and sometimes we don't get engaged until the last minute. So let's catch everybody up. What exactly is proposition 50 here in California?
00:23:03:12 - 00:23:23:23
ANDREA
Sure. Well, the way, Governor Newsom has framed prop 50 is that it's really just California's way to fight fire with fire right at your last. Well, in simplest terms, prop 50 would redraw the straits, the state's congressional districts, moving voters around and making it more likely that Democrats will pick up five more seats in the midterms.
00:23:24:00 - 00:23:42:07
ANDREA
So it's a direct response to Texas gerrymandering, its own maps, which I'm sure your last speaker talked about. Gerrymandering is not to eliminate five Democrat House seats. And Texas basically did this because President Trump asked Governor Greg Abbott to get him some more seats to secure Congress after the midterms.
00:23:42:09 - 00:24:06:19
DINO
So what are the key changes? Right. We heard a little bit about this redistricting some. I mean, I'm trying to develop a picture for our audience. This is, after all, radio. The only thing I remember is a smell of, What is it? Smell of radio. But, you know, we're talking about now, political officials literally taking a pen and drawing a new line.
00:24:06:21 - 00:24:07:15
DINO
Is that what this is?
00:24:07:16 - 00:24:28:12
ANDREA
Yeah. Yeah. Well, the biggest change would be, like you said, who is drawing the maps? Right? In 2008. In 2010, voters approved the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, which is a bipartisan, independent group who draws the maps. And a lot of the country politicians draw the maps. And this allows for parties to manipulate the districts in a way that favors them.
00:24:28:14 - 00:24:49:07
ANDREA
California's commission is often regarded as the standard for this kind of model. But prop 50 would be handing that power to draw the maps right back over to the politicians until the 2030 midterms. Now, and like I mentioned earlier, the maps would be redrawing most of the districts with special focus on districts one, three, 22, 41 and 48.
00:24:49:09 - 00:24:55:03
ANDREA
These are the areas where Republicans would most likely be ousted. And Democrats would fill their seats.
00:24:55:05 - 00:25:09:24
DINO
Now, these districts that you just described, we know that we don't have predominantly Republican districts out here in Southern California. But where are these districts located? Give me a geographic location.
00:25:10:01 - 00:25:27:21
ANDREA
Yeah. So mostly located in the Central Valley. Sacramento County is one that would be shuffled around. To add more blue voters in different areas. Some counties up north, there are a few down. And so that will be changed drastically as well.
00:25:27:21 - 00:25:37:00
DINO
So what's the political climate like in Sacramento around proposition 50? Bipartisan interest or clear partizan divide.
00:25:37:02 - 00:25:54:12
ANDREA
It's a pretty clear partizan divide. Of course Republicans hate the idea of losing their seats. So they've been framing prop 50 as a way as a power grab by Democrats. And Dems, of course, have been saying the opposite, saying California needs to stand up to Trump and even out the playing field. So it's definitely split along party lines.
00:25:54:14 - 00:26:02:12
DINO
Now, in terms of local elections versus regional political power, how might proposition 50 affect that?
00:26:02:14 - 00:26:23:20
ANDREA
Yeah, well, since the maps are being redrawn, that means a lot of cities and counties that are currently grouped together will be split up. So this could definitely have an impact on local elections. So think different fundraising, campaigning, increased competition. It's also worth noting, I think if federal representation shifts, local candidates might be inclined to adjust their policies and their priorities to match.
00:26:23:22 - 00:26:39:12
ANDREA
And then regionally, there will be a lot of minority groups being shuffled around, in many cases enhancing their voting powers. Specifically, like I mentioned in Orange County, the Central Valley and Inland Empire. So regionally, those areas are going to look quite different in terms of voters.
00:26:39:14 - 00:27:03:00
DINO
So I imagine in your coverage, have you gotten an insight as to what the communities are saying or are they supportive? I know we'll be going a little bit more into some of the polling, but, you mentioned Orange County, which is close to to our studios here. How has the, residents and communities in general responded to this?
00:27:03:02 - 00:27:27:12
ANDREA
Well, I think it's quite mixed, right, depending what area of the state you're talking to. Orange County specifically is interesting because with the new maps, they will now be represented by a Democrat instead of many people in Orange County be represented by a Democrat instead of a Republican. So I think there's definitely a lot of fear that representation will go up in smoke if if their ideal candidate is no longer there.
00:27:27:14 - 00:27:32:07
DINO
You know, to be a fly on the wall and, and the city of Huntington Beach, that would.
00:27:32:07 - 00:27:32:21
ANDREA
Be right.
00:27:32:22 - 00:27:59:13
DINO
Exactly right. Hunter beach, of course. Being the the probably the most conservative, city in the state of California. So, Andrea, what about the financing? Right? I mean, we, and the opening of of our show, we talked about just the astronomical number of hours of money that has been raised, something to the tune of 100 plus million dollars in support of this.
00:27:59:13 - 00:28:22:17
DINO
In fact, as I look at my notes, I believe there's $114 million compared to, you know, in the grand scheme of things, $44 million, which of course is a lot of money. But, you know, proposition of cost you $100 million these days. We're talking about a, an initiative that is going to have significant, long term federal implications.
00:28:22:17 - 00:28:26:00
DINO
How much money is being thrown around for this?
00:28:26:02 - 00:28:50:11
ANDREA
Well, like you said of the F-150 side, that has substantially raised more money than the no. On 50 side. And a lot of that comes from individual small donor, donors just sending money because they want to support the measure. But as far as what the state is spending, it's estimated that the state will be doling out about 251 million to cover county's cost of the special election.
00:28:50:13 - 00:29:07:22
ANDREA
And the secretary of state has also been allocated 31 million to support the election. So in total, prop 50 is costing California around $282 million. And for comparison, the 2021 recall election against Governor Newsom cost taxpayers just over $200 million.
00:29:07:24 - 00:29:09:01
DINO
Wait a minute. Okay.
00:29:09:03 - 00:29:09:18
ANDREA
I said.
00:29:09:24 - 00:29:37:03
DINO
That's interesting, right? Because I live in and, rather, somewhat at times conservative, city out here in Southern California. And, you know, we have our pockets of opposition there that are mostly using, social media, but the recent or not so recent, effort to house, Governor Newsom, you said cost how much?
00:29:37:05 - 00:29:39:11
ANDREA
It was just over 200 million.
00:29:39:13 - 00:30:05:17
DINO
200 million. And there was a failed initiative. So when, next time I hear, some of, my conservative neighbors scream about the, 280 million. Then it serves to remind them that, their initiative was just as expensive, but plus or minus a few million dollars. Right? So have you seen any significant misinformation or confusion around this topic?
00:30:05:18 - 00:30:26:12
DINO
I know I've seen Arnold Schwarzenegger on the television, as well as everybody from AOC to President Obama, and they all seem to be talking about democratic principles. They all seem to be talking about community control. And, you know, for those of us that are not political pundits, what does that do for the average voter?
00:30:26:14 - 00:30:44:15
ANDREA
Yeah. So, I mean, first of all, I think any journalist would tell you misinformation. And one of our biggest issues nowadays that we have to keep an eye out for. But my focus area specifically is policy that affects Latinos. So in that realm, I've seen a lot of misinformation about how redrawing the districts would affect Latino representation.
00:30:44:17 - 00:31:01:04
ANDREA
But in actuality, a report came out recently and showed that the proposed map will only enhance Latino voting power across the board. It'll keep 16 districts that are already Latino majorities and create two more that are heavily influenced by Latinos. So that's a big piece of information that I don't think is talked about enough.
00:31:01:06 - 00:31:37:22
DINO
So in the state of Texas, we see the systemic disenfranchisement of communities of color, in particular, Latino voters in the state of California. Based on what you're describing, we're actually going to see a strengthening and empowerment of Latino communities. Have you, have you put a focus, any focus on how the Latino community is reacting? I know we'll be talking to, one of the pollsters that just really supportive specifically on this issue, but from a statewide context, have you seen any indication of where Latinos are?
00:31:37:24 - 00:32:06:14
ANDREA
I think just from, you know, ear to the ground, I think it's a generally positive, reaction to prop 50, given that it is a direct response to, Governor Abbott and President Trump trying to gerrymander Texas maps. And, of course, many Latinos are not happy with the current administration and its practices. So I think by framing the yes on 50 campaign as an attack towards President Trump is what's making it so successful with the Latino community.
00:32:06:16 - 00:32:32:16
DINO
So it's, the Latino community responding that I'm guessing here that, the attacks on the Latino community, the immigrant community in particular, and we now know that their attacks have have expanded into direct impact on, naturalized and other American citizens with proper documentation. What you're saying is that the Latino community is responding in part to that.
00:32:32:18 - 00:32:34:07
ANDREA
I would say so, yes.
00:32:34:09 - 00:32:53:02
DINO
Well, so and then as we, as we close out, what are the things that we as a community should be looking at? In terms of the coverage and the news that's likely to be generated in the next 24 to 48 hours up leading up to Election Day on Tuesday.
00:32:53:04 - 00:33:12:09
ANDREA
Yeah. Well, I think, first of all, you know, it has been shown historically, Latinos tend to vote later, they tend to vote in person. So definitely show up to vote. Make your voice heard. Understand? You know that if you vote together, you have a bigger voice. So if we all work together as Latinos, we will have a bigger voice together.
00:33:12:09 - 00:33:24:22
ANDREA
And we're not a monolith. A lot of Latinos vote very differently for very different reasons. But at this moment in time, you know, keep an ear to the ground, make sure you know what people are thinking, how people are feeling, and just go from there and we'll see.
00:33:24:24 - 00:33:47:07
DINO
Andrea Valadez this is a Capitol correspondent in Sacramento covering state politics and ballot measures across California. Andrea, thank you for breaking down proposition 50 and helping us here at the studio. And our listeners understand what is really at stake. Always a pleasure. Having that kind of news, information and analysis on our show. And it's a pleasure to have you join us.
00:33:47:07 - 00:33:51:07
DINO
We hope to have you back very soon as this story continues to develop.
00:33:51:08 - 00:33:51:22
ANDREA
My pleasure.
00:33:51:24 - 00:33:52:11
DINO
Thank you.
00:33:52:13 - 00:33:55:00
ANDREA
Thanks.
00:33:55:02 - 00:34:00:01
MUSIC
Good bye.
00:34:00:03 - 00:34:05:01
MUSIC
I'm not just the American government.
00:34:05:03 - 00:34:05:20
MUSIC
But government.
00:34:05:20 - 00:34:23:24
MUSIC
In general. I'm your US living. I'm not saying your stop on. And I said I can all get inside and let you get up outside of my uni.
00:34:23:24 - 00:34:25:08
MUSIC
And, like, I still.
00:34:25:12 - 00:34:30:22
MUSIC
If you say hi to them all and see you all.
00:34:30:24 - 00:34:32:24
DINO
Welcome back.
00:34:33:01 - 00:34:59:00
DINO
Today's episode. We've been dedicating our time to this issue of proposition 50, an issue that we've covered here before. And of course, if you are a walking, breathing human being in California, you've seen, you know, one of 2 or 3 dozen ads promotions on either one side or the other, although it does clearly seem like the pro, support.
00:34:59:02 - 00:35:36:13
DINO
Yes. On 50 is is winning the advertisement game. As we've been talking to our previous guests, Lydia Camarillo from president, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, and Andrea Valadez a political reporter, covering Sacramento. It's abundantly clear that this is an issue that has national implications. And it's not just an issue that, as one recent, conservative, commentator said, you know, I live in California, this you know, I worry about what affects me.
00:35:36:15 - 00:35:57:17
DINO
He said, to which, of course, I actually couldn't help but just to laugh a little bit. And, you know, we mentioned, touched on this idea that the polls, right? The polls, the polls, the polls we've seen at a national level, polls can sometimes be misleading. Sometimes at the local level, they are a clear indication of what's to come.
00:35:57:19 - 00:36:31:03
DINO
And that is why we're bringing back, a previous guest and somebody who is, in this, political, atmosphere that is polling now and, this is not a procedural partner and chief operating officer, as you know, communications, excuse me. You know, strategies, rather. And her firm did a recent poll suggesting that Latinos could actually be the decisive force determining the fate of proposition 50, which increasingly seems to be the case with a lot of the elections that are happening here in California.
00:36:31:05 - 00:36:56:07
DINO
And, you know, it speaks to this broader, bigger issue that we touched on with both Lidia and, and our Sacramento reporter, because there's a reason why the federal administration is seeking to disenfranchise Latino voters and Nora is going to help us explain why that power, is scaring them so much. Not a welcome to the no. Once again.
00:36:56:09 - 00:36:58:05
NORA
Thank you for the invitation. Happy to be here.
00:36:58:07 - 00:37:12:23
DINO
So your team recently released a new poll that, on prop 50. Well, give us the takeaways. What is it that your poll is showing us and reminding us of?
00:37:13:00 - 00:37:44:05
NORA
Yeah. This week, a statewide survey conducted by Fortune Research and new strategies of more than 1100 registered Latino voters. We did it in English and Spanish using phone, text and email interviews, and we texted the exact ballot language that voters are going to see for prop 50 on their ballot. And the findings, show that a narrow majority, 51% of those Latino voters polled said they would vote yes on prop 50.
00:37:44:07 - 00:38:21:04
NORA
About 31% said they would vote no and 18% were undecided. That is almost 1 in 5. So among Latino voters, those numbers were, nearly identical. After respondents were, given arguments from both sides, the overall support for the yes position increased modestly, with about 6 in 10 folks aligning with that side. That shift suggests that Latino voters are still very much forming their opinions about prophecy, and can be influenced by providing them additional information.
00:38:21:06 - 00:38:35:23
NORA
And I do want to emphasize this is one of the few, public polls that focuses exclusively on Latino voters and use the official ballot text. So it gives a very real picture of how people are encountering this measure.
00:38:36:00 - 00:38:55:18
DINO
So does this does this indicate, that we have a divided Latino electorate, or, as you said, likely more of a undecided Latino electorate? What are the implications of that for those that are managing the yes and no side?
00:38:55:20 - 00:39:24:24
NORA
Yeah, we found that among Latino voters, support is leaning positive. But opinions do vary depending on the party affiliation. We saw that Democrats were the most supportive, Republicans largely opposed, said, and independents were leaning towards. Yes. Again, roughly 1 in 5 voters remain. And sure, that is a significant number of the electorate, folks. And that indicates, that division isn't purely ideological.
00:39:25:01 - 00:39:42:16
NORA
It reflects that many of those voters are still learning about the matter and weighing how it might affect, representation. We do see that Latino voters tend to take their time to evaluate a measure. They want to know what it does and, who it's helping before making up their mind.
00:39:42:18 - 00:39:56:02
DINO
So as far as trends within the Latino voter turnout and enthusiasm, how does this compare to previous elections or previous initiatives where Latinos may have been in that middle road?
00:39:56:04 - 00:40:22:16
NORA
We're seeing right now that so far, Latinos are accounting for about 16% of the ballots that have been returned, even though we make up roughly one third or 29% of registered voters in California. So 16 have turned and 60% have turned in their ballots. But again, we're about 25% of registered voters. That shows that turnout is still building, which is very typical in a special election.
00:40:22:16 - 00:40:47:05
NORA
Right. And while the poll didn't exactly like measure, emphasize them again, it does show that Latino turnout is still building and buying influence. What stands out to us is that a lot of voters, like you said, are still undecided on prop 50. There's room for engagement as they learn more about what's at stake. And we also it's a reminder, right?
00:40:47:05 - 00:41:03:24
NORA
As we see here, turnout gaps in Latino voters are often about connections and not really about motivation. When voters see their values reflected in what's on the ballot, they show up. They just need that accurate information to be able to to make a decision.
00:41:04:01 - 00:41:26:19
DINO
So in fact, that leads into my next question right on point. Right. So what is resonating? What's the messaging that's most resonating with the Latino voters about proposition 50? You know, Andrea, earlier the reporter touched on this, right? She said, well, it's a referendum in part on Trump is that something you see in on your end?
00:41:26:21 - 00:41:55:04
NORA
It's really about fairness and representation. That's what kept coming up again and again in our work. Those are the things that are turning to unite voters across party and generation. So when presented with sort of statements from both sides, we saw that 61% of Latino voters say they agree more with the Pro Prop 50 messaging, which emphasized fairness and representation, compared with 27% who agree with the Republican message.
00:41:55:06 - 00:42:08:00
NORA
That really shows us that ideas about fairness and equal voice in government are resonating strongly across different groups of Latino voters. So again, it goes back to, this messaging of fairness and representation.
00:42:08:04 - 00:42:33:01
DINO
So, yeah, so democracy, fairness and representation, seem to be having that, key impact. Now, let's, let's go into the media sphere about this issue a bit if we can, Spanish language, community based media, how is that having an impact or how is its coverage, affecting overall? Yeah. Interest.
00:42:33:03 - 00:42:55:02
NORA
The poll showed that voters and Spanish speaking households are actually more likely to be undecided. Up to 1 in 4. So the difference was 1 in 5 are undecided. But when we're talking about Spanish speaking households, it's higher. It's 1 in 4. And that again suggests that as you were pointing out, access to information plays a big role, right?
00:42:55:02 - 00:43:20:19
NORA
And frustrated at community and Spanish language media are critical sources, in helping voters understand and make sense of complex matters, which proposition 50 could be seen as complex? And I think that's, again, for those who are engaged in, reaching the voters that's wide, culturally rooted and in language outreach is so important. We know that it's in new strategies.
00:43:20:19 - 00:43:34:20
NORA
Right? When people people tend to trust information that comes from voices and sources they already know. But it has to be accurate information, and it has to be information that is meeting them where they're at.
00:43:34:23 - 00:44:16:00
DINO
The good old school rule that sometimes, people are trusting when the information comes from those that actually look like you. Let me read. I do. You know what I know? I see others, partner, chief operating officer, you know, strategies. And our conversation now is about, some of the information her team has gathered, some polling, some surveys that they did that are indicating that in the Latino community, while the they're still gathering and looking to support the political process, the democratic process of voting, it's still not a slam dunk, as we've seen in other issues where Latino representation and Latino voting power has come through on that.
00:44:16:04 - 00:44:46:18
DINO
You know, I know that reminds me of one initiative, a few years back, actually, and many years back now, I'm thinking back to, one of the propositions on, cannabis in which we saw older generations, opposing younger generations supporting. Of course, this predates the, 2016, prop 64 that eventually did, regulate and legalize cannabis in the state of California.
00:44:46:20 - 00:44:56:00
DINO
And on this particular issue, our generational differences emerging and how Latinos view ballot measures like this.
00:44:56:02 - 00:45:30:05
NORA
You know, it's really interesting in this case for prop 50, to see that regardless of generation, the sense of wanting fair treatment and equal voice in government is something that's connecting people. So, for example, the data showed consistent levels of support, around 50%. Yes, across first, second and third generation Latino voters. So again, that suggests that interest in representation and fairness is broadly shared, regardless of a voter's age or how long their family has been in the US.
00:45:30:05 - 00:45:34:22
NORA
So we're seeing support across, for a second and third generation voter.
00:45:34:24 - 00:46:06:19
DINO
So first, second and third generation. Now, for those of you who are wondering, well, what does that mean? We're talking about, generations, after the initial migration or immigration, a community into a particular, city state, what have you, or in other words, the, the children of that first generation, or in my case, the second, third generation, my children would be since, you know, those before me and my family arrived in this country.
00:46:06:21 - 00:46:28:18
DINO
And the the same applies to all communities, right? Short of you being a direct descendant of our indigenous brothers and sisters, we are all immigrants. And this country has the the immigrant issue. Did you guys see anything come up? And and your survey or any of the information that was shared? I'm kind of throwing this off the field because we're not talking about immigration.
00:46:28:18 - 00:46:37:13
DINO
And clearly immigrants don't vote. And these elections, but has there been any ancillary correlation to that?
00:46:37:15 - 00:47:06:12
NORA
We did not take into account, immigration, issues in this. We did conduct a separate poll, that is measuring, the views of Latino voters, on various issues like the economy, immigration, and other issues. We will be releasing that, shortly. But for purposes of this poll, we did not we did not add any questions or information gathering on immigration status.
00:47:06:15 - 00:47:30:07
DINO
Well, we look forward to talking about that poll as well. Let me ask you about the geographic differences. No. To, have did you all see any, difference in, you know, let's say major urban centers like L.A. versus smaller regions? I think in on the outskirts of L.A. or whatever part of the state. What did the data show there?
00:47:30:09 - 00:47:58:06
NORA
So the released data did not include regional results, but it does show differences by language use. So by lingual and Spanish dominant households, which are more common in areas like the Central Valley and Inland Empire, for example, have higher undecided rates. That to us is pointing to how community engagement and access to information may vary across regions.
00:47:58:08 - 00:48:08:02
NORA
Some areas have fewer local outlets or community groups doing this kind of education. So information gaps show up in the data in that way.
00:48:08:04 - 00:48:44:05
DINO
So and as we, as we closed down, no. Let me ask you, so does your polling reveal what does your polling reveal about the expanding political influence of Latinos in California and beyond? We heard from Nydia, who said, look, you know, in Texas, you know, we've seen significant growth. Indeed. She was making the argument that in the case of Texas, what we've seen is such significant growth that the administration is looking to, neutralize that growth by disenfranchizing voters.
00:48:44:05 - 00:49:08:20
DINO
In fact, in Texas in 2016, they went from 2.6 million and Latino voters engaged voters to, 4 million by 2024. So that's a significant increase. And I could see why there would be concerned that the administration would want to neutralize that, as it would have a significant impact. So, does your polling reveal what does your polling reveal?
00:49:08:20 - 00:49:14:17
DINO
Our other about the expanding political influence of Latinos in California?
00:49:14:19 - 00:49:46:15
NORA
Well, Latinos now make up, like I said, about one third of California registered voters, or 29%, reflecting both diversity and growing influence statewide. The survey is showing us a wide range of opinions by party generation language. But really, taken together, it lets us know that Latino voters represent a decisive share of California's electorate. Right. And while this research really wasn't designed as a campaign advice, it does identify, right?
00:49:46:17 - 00:50:20:18
NORA
Those who may be more responsive to information and how to get that information to them, because this may not be unique to prop 40 and how to reach them. It's one of the reasons why, you know, we have to keep in mind that in order to reach that growing, expanding influence of Latino voters, we have to really meet them with, authenticity and clear information that is factual information in plain language and sometimes in their language to help them feel more informed and confident about participating in the electoral process.
00:50:20:20 - 00:50:45:00
NORA
And, you know, lastly, I think attorney strategies, we really do see that diversity in the Latino voters as a, as a strength, we are, Latino electorate that is very complex and dynamic and understanding that nuance really helps everybody make better policy and communication decisions. And it's going to set the course right for California. And what's to come.
00:50:45:02 - 00:51:19:05
DINO
You know, let me if I if you have time to ask you another question, you know, you're so you're describing the, the the complex, the non homogenous, Latino voter. How do in your case said soon as strategies which I understand also has a a media component. How do you mitigate that. Right. I mean how do you create messaging if this is something that that the either your poll looked at or if you have all looked at this, you know, strategies, how do you compensate for that?
00:51:19:08 - 00:51:44:14
DINO
On the one hand, you have to message to maybe, first generation Latinos, naturalization, naturalized Latinos. But on the other hand, sometimes a younger demographic clearly needs a different approach, whether it's through micro technology on your handheld device or even radio and and web. Has there been any look at this particular effort?
00:51:44:16 - 00:52:07:15
NORA
There are a number of efforts to reach voters on prop 50. But a two shot is usually what we do when we're talking about, because here, as the poll shows, that although they share under the underlying values, all voters, and there is a, across generations sort of agreement on those values that matter for them on this proposition.
00:52:07:17 - 00:52:31:08
NORA
We're also seeing that younger voters may receive a message different, Spanish speaking households may need additional information. And so it's keeping in mind not just the audience, but the modes of communication. Right. Knowing, how that information is best received, which which is one of the reasons why, a two strategies we really do focus in.
00:52:31:10 - 00:52:55:02
NORA
How are we tailoring that message that is culturally competent, factual, informational from trusted messengers that are meeting people, in language when necessary and in the places where they get their information? And I think a poll such as this really, sets out our roadmap for who do we still need to talk to and provide more information?
00:52:55:02 - 00:53:04:11
NORA
And, and you know, what language, what type of messaging resonates? That's basically what we're learning from this effort.
00:53:04:13 - 00:53:30:02
DINO
That's, that's fantastic. And we look forward to having you back and tell us a little bit more. Are you guys planning on doing any additional polling, poster, band or analysis? Maybe we can have you back to talk to us more about that. Not others. Partner in chief financial. Excuse me, chief operating officer. As soon as strategies, where her team, is tracking demographic trends and voter engagement across California.
00:53:30:04 - 00:53:39:22
DINO
No, no, no, no, thank you for, sharing the latest polling and insight, by your firm. And, we appreciate you being back with us.
00:53:39:24 - 00:53:41:20
NORA
Thank you for the invitation.
00:53:41:22 - 00:54:08:24
DINO
So, listen, y'all, I mean, it's it's abundantly clear that the political landscape at the federal level has a clear and direct correlation, to what's happening here in California. And, you know, voter engagement is more than ever a key to that continued success as a leader in the nation, the state of California, as a leader in the nation.
00:54:09:01 - 00:54:35:16
DINO
And what is going to happen in the coming years and really decades. So with that, you know, today's conversation reminds us that democracy is not something we inherit, right? It is something we build and and have to protect every day from Texas, or Texas. For the bilingually challenge to California, the fight for fair representation and political power is about more than maps or measures.
00:54:35:21 - 00:55:03:06
DINO
It really is, at the end of the day, about participation, about your engagement. California has long been a leader in shaping national policy and setting the standard for inclusion, for progress. So what happens here really does matter everywhere across this state. And as we move forward as a country, it is important that we keep this in mind that we continue to engage.
00:55:03:08 - 00:55:28:06
DINO
So what do you support prop 50 or you opposed prompt 50? The important thing is that you get out there and vote. Because if you don't, if you choose to say, hey, I'm too busy or you know what? I don't get it. I don't understand. Or, you know, the one that I love the most and hate the most is when people say, I'm not political.
00:55:28:08 - 00:56:03:24
DINO
I remind you that your existence is the very definition of politics, more so when you have entire political efforts seeking to disenfranchize you and turn you into somebody who embraces the idea that you are not political. My thanks to Lydia Camarillo, Andrea Valadez, and Nora Preciado for joining us today on The Signal and their work, which looks to strengthen democracy, provide use information and analysis, and do so for all communities here in California and beyond.
00:56:04:01 - 00:56:27:05
DINO
I want to remind you that, The signal broadcasts every weekend on Saturdays at 12 noon. So tune in. You can also hear us on Kpfk, dawg, where you can actually support this kind of radio or this kind of program and this kind of journalism. Kpfk.org by making a donation. And also take a moment to look around our website.
00:56:27:05 - 00:56:49:09
DINO
Right. There's a lot of great shows that are happening. And this is part of what community broadcasting and this is part of what public radio is. This is part of what free speech media is all about. So remember you can catch us on Kpfk, dawg. Our program is archived there. I'm your host, you know, and this has been the signal at Kpfk, 90.7 FM.
00:56:49:11 - 00:57:12:11
DINO
Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay in the fight. Special thanks to our producer, Ornella Barbara or as I know her, Nela and our board engineer Sly rivers for their outstanding work and for bringing this broadcast to life. Stay tuned for our friends at the car show coming up next. See you next week.
00:57:12:13 - 00:57:17:17
MUSIC
Coming.
00:57:17:19 - 00:57:21:01
MUSIC
In July.
00:57:21:03 - 00:57:26:00
MUSIC
I'm not just saying I can get.
00:57:26:02 - 00:57:27:00
MUSIC
A government in.
00:57:27:01 - 00:57:53:01
MUSIC
General. I'm ideas living on Monday. Same. Your staff in on. And I said I can all get inside and get up outside. Sheila maloney. And like I say, I'm. If you say hi to Grandma Lucille o.
00:57:53:03 - 00:58:09:11
MUSIC
Signal president, local lawmakers. It's movie these at. And they look at me and I do and get Dennis on through hand to say president. So let's get getting.
00:58:09:12 - 00:58:23:17
MUSIC
Glad that he made it this way that you sign up for this.
00:58:23:19 - 00:58:52:03
MUSIC
This won't be 19 again. And I think our man our diet that people that want to get the. My pockets. La la la la la me and thought I was just going to get you. Yeah, that's my final idea. He never get away. I said that. Look, I'm sorry. I know she ain't no la la la la song.
00:58:52:05 - 00:59:00:00
MUSIC
I lost them all. Is. Yo, I was no signal president.
00:59:00:00 - 00:59:14:24
MUSIC
But look at that salami cap. That's movie D fat. And then don't get it is in its own two hands. They say your president can't sell us, can't get.
00:59:14:24 - 00:59:29:23
MUSIC
Any credit back, even back when the Jews had an umbrella.
00:59:30:00 - 00:59:56:14
ANNOUNCER
Hi, this is Jim Hightower. You're listening to Kpfk 90.7 from a station that puts the public airwaves to work for the public. Imagine.
00:59:56:16 - 01:00:03:00
ANNOUNCER
This is Chuck foster. I host Reggae Central every Sunday afternoon right here on Kpfk at 2:00.
