California voters approve Proposition 5, changing recall process to two-step system

California voters approved Proposition 5, a Democratic-backed ballot measure that will change the state’s recall process to a two-step system. The measure passed with 52% of the vote, compared to 48% against, with about 91% of the vote counted. Under the new system, voters will first decide whether an official should be recalled, and if so, they will vote separately on who should replace the recalled official. Previously, voters were asked both questions in a single election.

Democratic lawmakers placed the constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024, arguing the current system leads to unnecessary state expense, confuses voters, and can result in ‘undemocratic’ outcomes since the winner does not need a majority to win. Republicans opposed the measure, arguing the reform was not needed, would dilute voter power, and lead to additional special election costs due to the need for two elections.

Voters in Democratic enclaves such as San Francisco, Alameda, and Los Angeles counties passed the measure by a wide margin. More rural, Northern California counties like El Dorado and Shasta favored keeping the current system. The measure got on the ballot after lawmakers passed Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 in 2024. Democratic Sen. Josh Newman, who was recalled himself in 2018, carried the proposal in the Legislature. Republican lawmakers voted against it.

The origins of Prop. 5 trace back to the aftermath of the failed recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021. The recall effort cost taxpayers about $200 million, and campaigns on both sides spent another $100 million. Newsom walked away unscathed, with 62% of voters electing to keep him in office. Unlike some of the tax measures on the ballot that spurred multimillion-dollar spending sprees, no group spent any money on the effort.

Recalls are often initiated but rarely make it to voters. Only 11 recalls have made it to the ballot in California since 1913, and only six have been approved by voters. The current recall process is how Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came into power, replacing Gray Davis in 2003.