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Voter Guide:
Newsom Recall Election

Every registered voter in California has been mailed a ballot for the September 14 recall election. You can check whether you’re registered at the correct address and check the status of your mail ballot.

Counties are also offering options for voters who would like to cast a ballot in person.

The deadline to register to vote has passed, but you can still register to vote conditionally and update your address in person at select locations.

The ballot will ask voters two questions: First, should Gavin Newsom be recalled (removed) from the governor’s office? Second, if Newsom is recalled, which candidate should replace him?

Read FAQs about how to fill out your ballot, and what to do if you make a mistake.

Top Candidates

If a majority of voters approves the recall, the replacement candidate who receives the most votes becomes governor. You can select a replacement candidate even if you choose to vote “no” on the recall.

The candidates highlighted in this guide were the top six candidates whom likely voters chose in a poll conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley from July 18 to 24. Here is a full list of the 46 potential replacement candidates who will appear on the recall ballot.

Newsom Recall Coverage

Newsom Vows to Take Latest Recall Effort 'Very, Very Seriously'

Gov. Gavin Newsom discussed the recall attempt in a wide-ranging interview with KQED’s Political Breakdown. The episode will drop into podcast feeds today.
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An illustration shows a pair of hands opening up a wallet with many 'Vote No on the Recall' signs.

Newsom Staved Off the Recall — Now His Campaign Donors Are Looking for Results

The recall election gave interest groups an opportunity to try to wield influence. They donated millions to help Gavin Newsom keep his job. Now he's deciding the fate of their bills.
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A person clutching an American flag and a Larry Elder poster wears a face mask and bandana printed with the flag.

'Almost Like Two States': Recall Results Highlight California's Geopolitical Divisions

The results of the Newsom recall confirmed what many thought about California: Democrats tend to dominate cities, and Republicans are more prevalent in rural areas. But geographic polarization wasn't always the rule in Golden State politics.
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Protesters hold up a sign that reads, "Medicare for All! Defeat the Recall! Healthy California Now."

Labor Helped Newsom Beat Back Recall. Now They Expect Him to Show Up for Them

Labor organizations made a massive effort to defend Gov. Gavin Newsom. They're hoping he remembers in coming years.
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Juan Rodriguez on How the Newsom Campaign Defeated the Recall

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Gov. Newsom brandishes a fist as he speaks at a podium in from a Vote No sign.

Newsom Crushed the Recall. Now Democrats Want to Change the System

Less than 24 hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom survived an effort to remove him from office, California Democrats began discussing ways to reform a process they consider deeply flawed.
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Gov. Newsom speaks flexing his right fist in front of an IBEW union symbol.

Newsom Soundly Defeats California Recall Effort, Holds Onto Job as Governor

A solid majority voted to keep Gov. Gavin Newsom in office despite a concerted effort by his mostly Republican opponents to oust him, well over a year before the end of his elected term.
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