California Proposition 5 — Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers

What it does

Under current law, voters decide at the same election whether (1) to recall a state officer, and (2) who will replace that officer if recalled. Under this measure: if the Governor is recalled, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term or until a successor is elected; for all other recalled officers, the office will remain vacant until filled by a subsequent special election or appointment as specified in existing law; and a recalled officer may be a candidate in a special election to fill the office. Summary of Legislative Analyst's estimate of net state and local government fiscal impact: Net fiscal effect unknown. Possible state and local government savings or costs of millions of dollars to administer recall elections. These costs or savings would be rare, and depend on the office recalled and how often recalls occur.

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.

Needed to pass

A simple majority

Put on the ballot by

the Legislature

Official text: source

Also on California ballots

• Proposition 1 — Authorizes Bonds for Housing Affordability Programs
• Proposition 2 — Increases State’s Rainy Day Fund
• Proposition 3 — Provides Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
• Proposition 4 — Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns
• Proposition 37 — Creates Loan Program for Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
• Proposition 38 — Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research
• Proposition 39 — Prohibits Citizens from Voting Unless They Present Government-Issued Identification
• Proposition 40 — Imposes One-Time Tax on Certain Taxpayers
• Proposition 41 — Prohibits New State Taxes That Exclude Revenues from State Spending Limit. Requires Audits for New State Special Taxes
• Proposition 42 — Prohibits New State Personal Property Taxes and Certain Retroactive State Taxes
• Proposition 43 — Limits Voters’ Ability to Raise Revenues for Local Government Services
• Proposition 44 — Requires Community Health Clinics Spend 90% Of Revenue on Program Services
• Proposition 45 — Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects

All California races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on California Proposition 5 mean?

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.

What does a NO vote on California Proposition 5 mean?

Voters would continue to be asked who should fill the vacancy as part of recall elections.

How many votes does California Proposition 5 need to pass?

A simple majority

Should I vote yes or no on California Proposition 5?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.