Election day is next week, yet the urgency to vote is strikingly low. This year, California will be holding a special election on Proposition 50 — a constitutional amendment replacing the state’s current congressional district map with newly drawn lines.

Gov. Gavin Newsom launched the proposition to counteract partisan redistricting efforts in Texas in July, which flipped five previously Democratic congressional seats through extensive gerrymandering. California is privileged to have the opportunity to vote on such a proposition; in my home state of Texas, this decision was made by the lawmakers without citizen input. Given this opportunity to have a voice, we are obligated to use it.

Republicans are anxious about a Democratic sweep in the 2026 midterms and are, consequently, resorting to measures that undermine equitable representation. Newsom, rather than following in the footsteps of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, decided to let Californians vote on redistricting instead of solely lawmakers.

At first glance, this election might seem small — but it serves as a measure of how Californians, both residents and students, will respond to the wave of aggressive redistricting efforts sweeping across the nation. The elections that matter the most are often the ones that are most ignored, and this trend persists, especially given media focus on national elections rather than local ones.

When we can’t pinpoint exactly where our vote goes, there is an underlying presumption that it is insignificant. Historically, small margins have dictated presidential outcomes. In 2000, the presidential election between former President George W. Bush, who was aiming for reelection, and Al Gore came down to just 537 votes in Florida. A few hundred citizens altered the state of history, and we must not let Proposition 50 have such a close call.

Every vote matters. Civic space liberties persist for this reason: for each individual to exist freely in our world and participate in shaping democracy. At USC, we talk a lot about change — whether through advocacy on environmental sustainability, mental-health resources or community initiatives. None of those conversations matter if we don’t show up when the ballot is in front of us.

We elect the lawmakers who govern our communities. Students from other states may feel that they hold a temporary residential status here in Los Angeles, but if we reside in California, we still have the responsibility to vote. Even if you’re only here for four years, L.A.’s political map defines your presence in City Hall and Congress. It is imperative that we take action, otherwise, lawmakers will decide which communities count and which are neglected from power.

Real progress commences at the ballot box. If you are an international student, you can stay involved by joining campus political organizations, volunteering with voter registration drives or attending civic-engagement events.

This election is more critical than ever. Many students are likely not aware that Proposition 50 is on the ballot, yet the implications of ignoring civic participation are grave. Texas aims to flip five Congressional seats for the GOP, and will continue to follow through with systemic gerrymandering — the redrawing of electoral districts’ boundaries to unfairly favor one party — unless we counter it.

If we normalize such an imbalance, we allow for trends revealing that political representation is based on partisan lining, rather than public will.

While Proposition 50 has been gaining a large turnout — with 4.4 million ballots already cast — this doesn’t signify that we should overlook other states’ elections, too. If the process to register seems tedious, communicate with on-campus political organizations that specialize in political participation.

Your vote is your voice. Anyone who tries to inhibit this right is doing so knowing the deep meaning and influence of even one vote. Let your perspectives and values drive you as you decide what matters to you. Silence is not acceptable at a time like this, where democratic participation affects the state of our country.

Political manipulation must be combatted with electoral participation. California is one of the most vital defenses against recent gerrymandering efforts, influencing legislative patterns for future election cycles. When we are poised as such a stronghold — fighting against threats spurred by fellow states — let us affirm our responsibilities.

Register to vote at vote.gov. If you are registered in L.A. County, you can return your ballot by mail, vote centers or to drop-off bins located on USC’s University Park and Health Sciences campuses by Nov. 4.