For the second time in California history, a recall attempt against the Governor of California qualified for the ballot.
A recall petition must be signed by enough registered voters to equal 12 percent of the turnout in the last election. There have been many attempts to recall California governors, and the success to recall Newsom was succeeded when the petition introduced in February 2020 was signed by more than 1.6 million Californians. The petitioners’ grievances include:
“Laws he endorsed favor foreign nationals, in our country illegally, over that of our own citizens. People in this state suffer the highest taxes in the nation, the highest homelessness rates, and the lowest quality of life as a result. He has imposed sanctuary state status and fails to enforce immigration laws. He unilaterally over-ruled the will of the people regarding the death penalty. He seeks to impose additional burdens on our state by the following; removing the protections of Proposition 13, rationing our water use, increasing taxes and restricting parental rights.”
The election will take place on September 14 and Californians will have the option to vote in person during the recall election or vote by mail. On the ballot, voters will be asked two separate questions. The first question asks if votes want to recall Gov. Newsom: yes or no. If more than 50 percent of voters vote no, then Newsom will stay in office. The second question on the ballot requires voters to pick a candidate to succeed Newsom if the recall is successful.
There are 101 candidates running for the chance to succeed Newsom, the most prominent include:
- Larry Elder, radio host (Republican)
- John Cox, businessman (Republican)
- Rep. Doug Ose, former California congressman (Republican)
- Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympic athlete and transgender celebrity activist (Republican)
- Kevin Faulconer, former San Diego Mayor (Republican)
The full list of candidates can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. Newsom is not allowed to run as a replacement candidate.
If a recall does pass and a new governor is chosen, the Secretary of State will then certify the election. The new governor would take the oath of office and assume the position within the next 28 days. If Newsom wins, he will remain in office at least through 2022. That is when he is up for reelection.
To register to vote, go online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/. Votes will also take place at voting sites, and those locations can be found at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place