Proposition 5: Recall electionsRemoves the replacement-candidate question from recall elections
Read the full text of the measure: Official Voter Information Guide (PDF)
In plain words
A "recall" is a special vote to remove an official before the term ends. Today the recall ballot asks two questions: should this person be removed, and who should replace them. The replacement can win with less than half the votes. This drops the second question. If a governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor takes over. Other seats are filled by the usual rules, by appointment or a later special election, where the recalled official could run again. (lao.ca.gov (Legislative Analyst's Office) )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Questions on a recall ballot | Two: remove? and who replaces? | One: remove? |
| If the governor is recalled | Top vote-getter on question 2 becomes governor | Lieutenant governor takes over |
| Other recalled state offices | Replacement chosen on same ballot | Filled by appointment or special election under existing vacancy rules |
| Can the recalled official run to fill the seat? | No | Yes, in a later special election |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (lao.ca.gov (Legislative Analyst's Office) )
Biggest change
- Removes the second question (who should replace the official) from recall ballots; the office becomes vacant and is filled under existing vacancy rules. source: lao.ca.gov (Legislative Analyst's Office)
Who it affects most: Voters who start or vote in recalls of state officers, and the officials who could be recalled.
Cost to the state: Net effect unknown. Could be costs or savings of millions of dollars per recall, depending on how often recalls happen and which offices are involved (Legislative Analyst).
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A recall ballot would only ask whether to remove the official; the seat would be filled by the normal vacancy rules.
Recall ballots keep asking both whether to remove the official and who should replace them.
Our one-line summary. The official "What your vote means" statements are in the Secretary of State's Official Voter Information Guide, linked below.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a simple majority.
- The Legislature placed it on the ballot; it passed the Senate 32 to 8 and the Assembly 59 to 17. Since 1913, 11 state recall efforts have qualified and six removed an official. source: sos.ca.gov (Official Voter Information Guide)
- It grew out of a proposal from Secretary of State Shirley Weber's office after the failed 2021 recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Its author, state Sen. Josh Newman, was recalled from the Senate in 2018. source: CalMatters
Why supporters want it
- Official argument in favor: "Proposition 5 makes a single, commonsense change: it removes the second question from the recall ballot." Supporters say a replacement can now win with far less than majority support. Signed by Lorrel Plimier (League of Women Voters of California), Darius L. Kemp (California Common Cause) and Dan Schnur (former Fair Political Practices Commission chair). source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
Why opponents object
- Official argument against: "Proposition 5 keeps the first part but eliminates your ability to vote for a replacement." Opponents say some seats could sit vacant until a costly later election. Signed by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones and Assemblymember Joe Patterson. source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
Who backs each side
- For: California Common Cause, League of Women Voters, California Democratic Party, Indivisible CA: StateStrong. Against: California Republican Party, Election Integrity Project California, Reform California and almost all legislative Republicans. source: CalMatters
- Money: the Secretary of State listed no committees for or against as of Oct. 6, 2026. The guide lists Josh Newman, Californians for a Prosperous Golden State, as the contact for the Yes side. source: sos.ca.gov (Secretary of State)
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Secretary of State's Official Voter Information Guide .
CHANGES RECALL ELECTION PROCESS FOR STATEWIDE OFFICERS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
YES
NO
Official title copied word for word from the Official Voter Information Guide (page 34). The title and summary are prepared by the Attorney General.
Official summary by the Attorney General (tap to open)
Under current law, voters decide at the same election whether (1) to recall a state officer, and (2) who will replace that officer if recalled. Under this measure: if the Governor is recalled, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term or until a successor is elected; for all other recalled officers, the office will remain vacant until filled by a subsequent special election or appointment as specified in existing law; and a recalled officer may be a candidate in a special election to fill the office.(sos.ca.gov (Official Voter Information Guide) )
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
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Full text of the measure
The full text of the proposed law is printed in the Official Voter Information Guide. Read it in the Official Voter Information Guide (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 (Newman), Resolution Chapter 204, Statutes of 2024 , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Secretary of State: Official Voter Information Guide, Nov. 3, 2026 (PDF)
- Official Voter Information Guide: Proposition 5
- Official arguments and rebuttals
- Legislative Analyst's analysis
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.