California’s Nov. 4 special election on Proposition 50 is drawing unexpectedly strong early turnout, with more than 3.4 million mail ballots returned as of Wednesday, according to a Democratic ballot tracker. Returns are 51% Democrats, 28% Republicans and 21% no party preference, a tilt that appears to favor the mid-decade redistricting measure. Obama has endorsed the proposal, while Newsom highlighted strong returns in a livestream. Opponents argue the early electorate is unrepresentative and cite confusion around mail voting. With about 19.6 million ballots still outstanding, returns continue to flow as critics predict turnout will keep rising.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.