California Governor Gavin Newsom (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

TL; DR

The fight for power is on. Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election on September 14, this year. If majority of citizens vote for a recall to take place, Gavin Newsom could potentially be replaced by one of 46 candidates. CA Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Nash Weber, emphasizes the importance of this election and how to navigate through it.




Ever since Gavin Newsom has come into power, California has seen some interesting days. Under immense scrutiny, Governor Newsom now faces a recall election that could potentially change the face of California. What seemed like a mere ideology a year ago has gained significant ground and September 14 will be judgement day for California and Governor Gavin Newsom.

Why does this matter?

CA Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Nash Weber, emphasizes the importance of this election and breaks down the process of a gubernatorial recall election. “It is probably the most important election that we will see in a long time, not only because of the implications of who becomes governor, but also because of the message it sends across the nation about California politics.”

Weber emphasized that this recall election is very important and voter participation will play a significant part in the future course of California. “A recall election is very important because you can potentially eliminate a person from office, not just pick a person to come into office.”

CA Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Nash Weber

How does it work?

Dr. Weber outlines steps to actively participate in the recall election later this year.

First, check to make sure you are registered to vote by visiting voterstatus.SOS.ca.gov. If not registered, register before August 30 to receive a mail-in ballot. If the August 30 deadline is missed, one can register on the day of voting and their vote will count. The election will be conducted through mail-in ballots and in-person voting. Considering the recent fallacies haunting our election process, Dr. Weber assured that voting by mail is safe and secure.

Dr. Weber also pointed a source that could track where our ballot is. If one wants to confirm that their vote has been counted and their ballot was received, visit WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

The Ballot and Results

The ballot will consist of two questions that will be independently counted:

  1. Do you want to recall Governor Gavin Newsom?
  2. Who do you want to replace the governor?

Here is where the technicalities get a little complicated. If one plus 50% of voters respond ‘yes’ to recalling Governor Gavin Newsom, then the second question is considered. The candidate that obtains simple majority from the second question wins the election.

Key dates outlined by Dr. Weber

August 16: Counties start mailing ballots.

August 24: Voter information guides will be sent out.

August 30: Last day for voters to register online and receive a mail-in ballot.

August 31 – September 14: Same-day voter registration available

September 7: Last day for counties to send vote-by-mail ballots

September 14: Election Day: polling places are open from 7 AM to 8 PM

October 22: California will conclude and finalize results of recall elections