Recall ballots only ask whether to remove the official. The vacancy is then filled under state law, and any replacement election needs a majority to win.
Proposition 5 · California · Nov 3, 2026
Changing how recall vacancies are filled
Official title: Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Separates the removal decision from choosing a replacement in recall elections. Vacancies would generally be filled by appointment or later special election.
At a glance
Election rule change- Does it raise taxes?
- No new tax.
- Estimated cost or revenue
- Could save or cost millions, depending on how vacancies are filled.
- Who pays
- State and county election budgets.
- Where the money goes
- Administration of recall and replacement elections.
- How long
- Not yet independently reviewed.
Worth knowing: Effects depend on which recalls occur and the replacement process.
From the official voter guide and the state’s fiscal analysis. Estimates are the state’s, not ours.
Your choice
Saved privately on this device.What your vote does
Recall ballots keep the second question choosing a replacement, who can win with less than half the vote.
Voters retain a recall removal decision.
Who it affects
Voters and offices subject to the revised recall rules.
How the money works
TypeElection rule change
Rate or thresholdNo tax rate specified in the summary.
Cost, who pays and where the money goes are in “At a glance” above.
What your guides say
No guides selected yet. Pick guides to compare.
Why they disagree
Protects majority rule: recalls should remove officials, not install a replacement with less support.
Official ballot argument for (summary)Voters should keep choosing a replacement in the same election. The measure could let the governor appoint someone or require another costly election.
Official ballot argument against (summary)Who’s funding it
We haven’t loaded campaign-finance filings for Proposition 5 yet. You can look them up directly:
Sources
- California Secretary of State
Proposition 5: Official Voter Information Guide · Official title, summary, vote effects and fiscal impact
Checked Oct 31, 2026 - Easy Voter Guide (League of Women Voters of California Education Fund)
Easy Voter Guide, November 3, 2026 · State propositions
Checked Nov 1, 2026