What is it?

Prop 5 changes how California recalls a statewide officer, such as the Governor, Attorney General, or Controller.

Today, the California Constitution puts two questions on a recall ballot at once: whether to remove the officer, and who should replace them. The replacement needs only the most votes, even if that is well under half. The officer facing recall cannot run for their own seat.

Prop 5 drops the replacement race. Voters answer one question: remove the officer, yes or no. If a majority says yes, the seat is vacant and gets filled the same way as any other vacancy in that office. The recalled officer cannot be appointed back in, but can run in a later special election.

If the Governor is recalled

The Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the rest of the term. One exception: if the recall lands before the nomination deadline for the next statewide election in the first two years of the term, voters pick the Governor in a special election instead.

Prop 5 does not change how many signatures it takes to qualify a recall, or the deadlines for holding it.

Read the full annotated legal text →