5Changes recall elections (no replacement candidates on the same ballot)

#Key findings

• The 2021 recall of Gov. Newsom cost taxpayers just over $200M ($174M counties, $26M state). He kept his job. ^[1]
• Under today's rules, the replacement with the most votes wins, even without a majority. ^[2] Supporters say a replacement can win with "far less than 50%"; the 2021 recall would have seated someone backed by about 28% of recall voters. ^[3] (In 2003, Schwarzenegger's 4.2M votes actually topped the 4.0M cast to keep Davis. ^[4][5])
• No campaign on either side. No committees registered as of Oct 22, 2026. ^[3][6]
• The author, Sen. Josh Newman, was himself recalled in 2018 and won the seat back in 2020. ^[7][2]
• The idea came from Secretary of State Shirley Weber. Under Prop 5, a recalled governor would be replaced by the lieutenant governor until a new election (or for the rest of the term, if late in the term). ^[7][8]

#Track record

#Money and conflicts

• Democratic lawmakers put it on the ballot. Republican lawmakers voted no, saying it would "dilute the power of the voters" and add special-election costs. ^[9] Opponents argue politicians, not voters, would pick who fills the seat. ^[3]

#Does it solve a lasting problem?

• It fixes a real quirk (a plurality replacement), but it also removes the main reason to run a recall, which is getting your candidate in. Supporters call that stability; opponents call it a weaker voter tool.

#If you vote yes: accountability

Bottom line: If Prop 5 passes, an official removed by recall would be replaced later, in a special election or by succession or appointment. Who fills the seat, and when, becomes the thing to watch. ^[8]

#Who's accountable

• The Secretary of State runs statewide recalls and certifies the results. That race (Weber vs. Wagner) is on this ballot, and the idea for Prop 5 came from Secretary Weber. ^[7]
• The Legislature would write the details of the special elections that fill a seat. ^[8]
• County registrars run the elections and bear most of the cost: the 2021 recall cost counties $174M. ^[1]

#What to ask for

• A published cost estimate before any separate special election, and a deadline for holding it.
• Clear rules for who governs in the meantime, so vacancies don't stretch on.

#Public records to request (CPRA)

Anyone can file a California Public Records Act request (the state's version of FOIA), with no reason required. Agencies must respond within 10 days, or 24 in unusual cases. ^[10] Ask your county registrar for its cost reports from the 2021 recall and any later special elections. Counties file these with the state to get reimbursed.