Prop. 5 explained: Changing how recalls replace state officials
Voters would decide only whether to remove an official; the seat would then be filled another way.
SAN JOSE - Proposition 5 would change how California recalls state officials. A recall is an election that lets voters remove an official before the term ends. Today the ballot asks two questions: should the official be removed, and if so, who should replace them. The Legislature placed the measure on the ballot as SCA 1, which passed the Senate 32-8 and the Assembly 59-17.
What it would do
According to the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO), the measure removes the second question. If an official is recalled, the office becomes vacant and is filled the way other vacancies are filled. Legislative seats would usually go to a special election. For most other statewide offices, the governor would appoint a replacement.
If a governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor would take over. If the recall occurs early enough in the term, voters would elect a new governor at the next statewide election, according to the argument in favor.
Who would be affected
Statewide officers and state legislators who face recalls, the voters who sign and vote on recalls, and county election offices that run them would be affected. Local recalls of city or school officials are not changed.
What it would cost
The LAO says the net effect is unknown. Costs or savings of millions of dollars could occur, depending on how often recalls happen and whether a separate special election is needed.
Supporters and why
The argument in favor was signed by groups including the League of Women Voters of California and California Common Cause. They point to the 2021 recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, which failed, and say a replacement can win with far less than half the vote.
"It should never be used as a tactic to 'redo' an election as a political or partisan scheme." - Argument in favor of Prop. 5
Opponents and why
The argument against was signed by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones and Assemblymember Joe Patterson. They say voters, not politicians, should pick the replacement.
"Proposition 5 will take away your voice and erode your ability to remove and replace failed or corrupt politicians." - Argument against Prop. 5
Where the parties stand
The California Democratic Party recommends yes; the California Republican Party opposes. In the PPIC survey, 56% of Democrats, 40% of independents and 28% of Republicans said yes.
The money
As of Oct. 29, the Secretary of State listed no contributions to committees for or against Prop. 5. The Secretary of State lists Josh Newman of Californians for a Prosperous Golden State as the Yes contact.
Polling
In a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey of 1,086 likely voters taken Oct. 16-22 (margin of error plus or minus 3.8 points), 45% said yes and 52% no, up from 35% yes in September.
What your vote means
A yes vote means recall ballots would no longer ask who should fill the seat; vacancies would be filled by special election or appointment. A no vote keeps the replacement question.
Source: Secretary of State, Voter Information Guide, Prop. 5; Legislative Analyst analysis, Prop. 5; Official arguments and rebuttals, Prop. 5; Secretary of State Quick Guide to Props, Prop. 5; California Democratic Party endorsements; California Republican Party endorsements; PPIC Statewide Survey, October 2026