California will be having a recall election for Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 14. Every registered voter in the state has received a mail-in ballot. Voters also have the choice to go in-person to vote.
Conservatives have taken a dislike to the governor due to his policies on immigration, taxes, death penalty, and homelessness. Elected in 2018, Newsom has been the center of controversy over his strict lockdowns in response to COVID-19. A petition was started to recall him in 2020, though was not seen as a threat until insurgence of the Delta variant and wildfires.
To get a recall election in California, a petition needs to get the equivalent of 12-percent of the vote from the previous governor election to sign. 1,495,709 signatures were needed to get the special election called.
Only two questions will be on the ballot: yes or no to recall Gov. Newsom and second, who they would like to replace him with. There are 46 candidates running for the office. There are no well-known Democratic candidates
Concerns over California getting a Republican have been growing amongst the Democrats. Conservative talk show host, Larry Elder (R), joined the race back in July and has become the front runner against Newsom. Due to low apathy amongst liberal voters, the race will be in the margin for error with only 52% of voters saying they would vote no on recalling Newsom.
County officials will have 30 days to count votes after the September 14 election. If Newsom loses, the secretary of state will announce the new governor on October 22, the 38th day after the election. The new governor will be in office for the remainder of Newsom’s term until January 2, 2023.