Proposition 5
Delay replacing recalled state officials
Under current law, after choosing whether to recall an elected official, voters are asked who should replace them. This constitutional amendment, placed on the ballot by state lawmakers, would delay the election of a successor until a separate election. The recalled officer would be allowed to run in that election. If the governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor would take over their duties until a new governor is elected.
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Summary
Support
Proposition 5 is a constitutional amendment born out of a proposal from the secretary of state’s office following the unsuccessful recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021. Secretary of State Shirley Weber told lawmakers her office felt a recall election should focus on whether the elected official should be recalled, not whether other potential candidates would be better in the role. Democrat Josh Newman, who was successfully recalled from his state Senate seat in 2018, authored the measure, saying it would reduce the “political gamesmanship” that elevates candidates who otherwise wouldn’t receive a majority of votes.
Oppose
Opponents including the California Republican Party and Election Integrity Project, which advocates for voter ID requirements and restrictions on mail-in voting, argue that allowing the lieutenant governor to assume the governor’s position if the governor were recalled would dissuade people from participating in a recall election. Almost all legislative Republicans also opposed it, arguing that it would dilute the power of voters while protecting incumbents. The current recall process is how former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, was elected in 2006.
People and organizations
Support
- California Common Cause
- California Democratic Party
- League of Women Voters
- Indivisible CA: StateStrong
Campaign finance
Proposition committees raise money to support or oppose propositions. Outside groups can also raise and spend money independently to influence outcomes.
- Proposition committees
- Outside spending
- Difference to other side
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Proposition committees
These committees are primarily formed to campaign for or against a proposition. They must identify donors who give $100 or more. There are no limits on how much donors can give. Below, we exclude donors whose contributions total less than $100.
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Outside spending
Separate from proposition committees, outside groups can pay for ads, mailers and other efforts to influence voters. They can’t coordinate that spending with proposition committees. There is no limit on how much they can spend.
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Ballot text
CHANGES RECALL ELECTION PROCESS FOR STATEWIDE 5 OFFICERS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Under current law, voters elect replacement candidates at the same time as the recall election. This measure instead fills recall vacancies by subsequent special election or appointment. Fiscal Impact: Net fiscal effect unknown. In the event of a recall, savings or costs of millions of dollars to administer the election depending on the office recalled.
Source: California Secretary of State
