Proposition 5 would drop successor question from California statewide recall ballots
The measure would remove the successor selection question from recall votes for offices such as governor, attorney general, and legislators, leaving only a yes-or-no vote on removal. Supporters, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber and most Democrats, argue it prevents a candidate from winning office with a small plurality. Opponents like Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio contend the change would let unelected officials, such as the lieutenant governor, assume office without voter endorsement. No major campaign spending has been reported, and recent polling shows about 35% support versus 59% opposition.
Proposition 5 proposes to amend California’s recall rules for statewide offices by deleting the ballot’s second question that lists replacement candidates. Under one outlet system, voters first decide whether to recall an official and then choose a successor from a list, a process that has allowed candidates to win with less than a majority, as seen in past recalls of Gray Davis and Gavin Newsom. The amendment would align state recalls with local ones, leaving only the removal question; any vacancy would be filled by appointment or by the lieutenant governor until a special election.
Democratic leaders, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, back the change to focus debate on the merits of removal, while Republicans such as Carl DeMaio argue it undermines voter choice and could place an unelected lieutenant governor in power. Polling by the Public Policy Institute of California shows roughly 35% in favor and 59% opposed, with no significant campaign spending reported on either side.
