What is on the ballot?
The recall ballot will ask only two questions:
1) “Shall Gavin Newsom be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor?”
2) If the governor is recalled, who do you want to replace him?
If 50% or more vote NO to question 1, the governor would REMAIN in office.
If more than 50% vote YES, the governor would be REMOVED from office and the person with the most votes would replace him.
Can I vote on Question 2 even if I vote “No” on the recall?
Yes, regardless of how a voter responds to the question of recalling the governor, they can still cast a vote for a potential replacement candidate, or they can leave the question blank.
How do I vote, and by what date do I need to vote?
All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the September 14, 2021 recall election. Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by August 16, 2021.
Return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail with prepaid postage as long as it’s postmarked by September 14, 2021 or in-person to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on September 14, 2021.
In-person voting locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance to those who need it.
Find your in person voting location or ballot drop off location here.
Make sure your ballot is postmarked by Tuesday, September 14th!
What if I am not yet registered to vote?
Register to vote by Monday, Aug. 30 in order to vote by mail. Register here.
After August 30th, You can still “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office or polling location after the voter registration deadline, up to and including Election Day, September 14th. .https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg
Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations where you can complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process. Need to register on Election Day? Visit here to find your local polling location.
What if I didn’t receive my ballot?
Track when your ballot has been mailed, received, and counted here.
If Ballot Trax says your ballot has been mailed, but you never received it, contact your County Department of Elections and let them know. The information is provided on the webpage as shown below or can also be found here.
Furthermore, if you never receive your ballot, you can vote provisionally in-person at your polling place.
What if I go to vote in-person and my name isn’t on the official polling place list?
You can cast a provisional ballot. Vote-by-mail voters who did not receive a ballot or forgot to bring it to the polling place can also do this. Provisional ballots are counted after it’s confirmed that you’re registered to vote.
Find out how to check your provisional vote’s status here.
Why is this recall election happening?
To read the proponents’ statement of reasons for the recall, from the recall petition circulated throughout the state, and the Governor’s answer, please visit page 7 of the official voter information guide here.
How Do I Protect My Vote
If you feel like your right to vote was violated or any of the conditions listed on California’s Voter Bill of Rights were not met, you can contact the California Secretary of State; Online: Click here, or call 800-345-8683 or email elections@sos.ca.gov