California · Ballot measure · November 3, 2026
Proposition 5
Independent information project. Not an official government website.
Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers.
Official ballot information
- Official summary
- Under current law, voters elect replacement candidates at the same time as the recall election. This measure instead fills recall vacancies by subsequent special election or appointment. Fiscal Impact: Net fiscal effect unknown. In the event of a recall, savings or costs of millions of dollars to administer the election depending on the office recalled.
- A YES vote means
- Recall elections would no longer include a question about who should fill the vacancy. Instead, vacancies typically would be filled through special elections or appointments, depending on the office and timing.
- A NO vote means
- Voters would continue to be asked who should fill the vacancy as part of recall elections.
- Fiscal impact
- Not listed in the source reviewed.
- Official links
-
Official voter guide page (external site, opens in new tab)
Full text of proposed law (PDF) (external site, opens in new tab)
Legislative analyst's analysis (external site, opens in new tab)
Ballot arguments
In favor
Proposition 5 restores the recall to its original purpose: removing corrupt officials. It closes the loophole that allows replacements to win with a small fraction of the vote, reducing the politics and costs of future recalls. Endorsed by League of Women Voters of California and California Common Cause. Vote YES
Against
Proposition 5 degrades California’s century-old recall process by limiting voters’ right to select a replacement for recalled officials. Instead, when statewide elected officials are recalled, other politicians would choose a replacement. For lower offices, another costly, taxpayer-funded election would come months later, leaving the office vacant and the people unrepresented.
Official party recommendations
Democratic Party
Support
Republican Party
Oppose