Vote 'yes' on Proposition 40 to avoid waste

Proposition 40 was a costly and ill-advised attempt by the Republican Party to throw out the state Senate districts drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission.

After the state Supreme Court upheld the maps, Republicans abandoned their effort, but did so too late. So this confusing measure remains on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Because it is a referendum, a "yes" vote on Proposition 40 would leave the state Senate districts as they are drawn. A "no" vote would invalidate them.

If that were to happen, the state Supreme Court would convene a panel to create a new Senate redistricting plan, unlikely to be much different from the current plan, at a cost of about $1 million.

Even the initial sponsors of Proposition 40 agree that would be a mistake. They urge a "yes" vote to retain the current maps.

A "yes" vote would save state and local governments $1 million. A "no" vote would waste $1 million. Vote "yes" on Proposition 40.