Gov. Gavin Newsom is backing a ballot proposal that would give California lawmakers the power to redraw congressional districts for the next three elections if Republican-led states approve new maps that strengthen GOP control in the U.

Stanislaus County is among the areas affected by the potential California redistricting – moving places that were "toss-ups" in the last election into solidly blue territory. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for a special election to authorize mid-decade congressional redistricting in direct retaliation to Texas doing the same.

Calling a statewide special election sounds simple in theory. But executing one with fewer than 75 days notice? As one California county election official put it, that’s a “herculean” effort.

The cost for a special election in Riverside County “typically ranges between $15 million to $16 million,” said Elizabeth Florer, a registrar’s office spokesperson. Riverside’s registrar of voters’ office, Florer added, “anticipates increased workload and will require additional resources should a special election be called.”

The bill is scheduled to hit the California legislature's election committee on Tuesday, then the appropriations committee Wednesday. If it passes those committees, a full vote by both houses will need to happen by Thursday to meet California's secretary of state deadline to get the initiative on a Nov. 4 special election ballot.

Other Democratic lawmakers have joined a colleague in staying at the Texas Capitol rather than accept around-the-clock police escorts meant to prevent them from blocking a vote on a Republican plan fo

The maps need to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott before they become official.

Former President Barack Obama gives his approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting strategy as Texas debates over its proposed plan.