Contest 5 of 14
Proposition 5
Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Fiscal Impact
Short Term
LAO gives no net estimate — recalls are rare.
Long Term
LAO gives no net estimate — in the event of a recall, savings or costs of millions of dollars, depending on the office recalled.
Social Impact
- Recall ballots would no longer include a replacement question; voters would decide only whether to remove a statewide officer from office.
- If the Governor is recalled, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor; other vacancies are filled by a later special election or appointment under existing law.
- Supporters say removing the replacement question will prevent a replacement from taking office with far less than 50% of the vote.
- Opponents say removing the replacement question will take away voters' ability to choose who replaces a recalled officer at the same election.
A YES vote means:
Recall ballots no longer include choosing a replacement; if the Governor is recalled, the Lieutenant Governor takes over, and other empty offices are filled later by a special election or an appointment, depending on the office.
No argument in favor of this measure was submitted to the official voter guide.
A NO vote means:
Voters keep choosing the replacement on the same ballot as the recall vote itself.
No argument against this measure was submitted to the official voter guide.
Cost (Legislative Analyst): 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: CA Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide