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California · Proposition 5 · Election: 2026-11

Eliminates the successor question during a recall attempt for state elected officials

Plain-English Summary

Proposition 5 would remove the second question from state-level recall elections, which currently asks voters to choose a replacement for the officeholder being recalled. If approved, a recall effort would become a simple yes-or-no choice on whether to remove the incumbent. The measure also outlines how vacancies would be filled if an official is successfully recalled.

What each outcome does

IF YES PASSES

If Proposition 5 passes, state-level recall elections will only ask voters whether to remove the officeholder, eliminating the question of who should replace them. If a governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor would fill the role, unless specific conditions trigger a special election; for other state offices, vacancies would be filled according to state statute.

IF NO PASSES

If Proposition 5 fails, state-level recall elections will continue to ask voters two questions: whether to remove the officeholder and who should replace them. The current process for filling vacancies after a successful recall would remain in place.

Who is funding each side

YES SIDE
Sponsor: Secretary of State Shirley Weber, League of Women Voters of California
Reported funding: Not yet reported
NO SIDE
Sponsor: Election Integrity Project California
Reported funding: Not yet reported

BallotPulse is non-partisan. We summarize each outcome in plain English and disclose the money on both sides. We do not tell you how to vote. Always read the official ballot text and decide for yourself.