In less than one month, California will be voting if current Governor Gavin Newsom should stay in office or be recalled and, if so, who should be his replacement. Every eligible California voter will be getting a ballot in the mail starting this week. Here are three easy steps to help you get ready to vote in the Recall Election:

1. Make sure you are registered to vote. You can check your voter status here and make sure your ballot is going to the right place: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
2. You can vote by mail or in person. You can find early voting locations or where to drop your ballot using this nonpartisan online voter guide: https://votersedge.org/ca
3. Sign up to track when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/

      How does a Recall Election work?  

There will be two questions on the ballot that every eligible Californian can vote on:

1. Do you want to recall the governor (remove him from office)?
2. If the governor is recalled, who do you want to replace him?

If more than 50% of voters say “no” to the first question, the governor remains in office. If more than 50% of voters say “yes” to the first question, the person who gets the most votes on the second question becomes the governor.

A replacement candidate does NOT need more than 50% of the votes to win, they simply need more votes than any of the other candidates.

You don’t need to answer both questions! You can answer just the first or second question, or both. It’s your choice. No matter how you answer question 1 you can still vote for a replacement candidate.
Find out where you can vote in person, drop your ballot, and about the candidates: https://votersedge.org/

     Frequently Asked Questions  

Many California voters are asking, “If I vote no on the recall (first question), can I still pick a candidate on the second question?” Answer: Yes. You may vote on the second question no matter how you vote on the first question.

Answering the second question (choosing a replacement candidate) ensures that your voice is counted on which candidate should be governor if more than 50% of voters choose yes on the first question. You are not required to answer both questions for your vote to count.

Your vote is your voice. Vote on or before Election Day on Sept. 14, 2021.

Elizabeth A. Leslie is the Communications Manager of the League of Women Voters of California.

Isabelle Price

Posts by Isabelle Price