California Voters Decide on Proposition 5 Recall Reform

California voters are deciding on Proposition 5, a constitutional amendment designed to restructure the state's recall process. Under the current system, voters determine both whether to remove an official and who should replace them on a single ballot. The proposed amendment would split this into two separate elections: an initial vote to decide if the official should be removed, followed by a second election to select a replacement if the first vote succeeds.

Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber supported the measure, which was placed on the ballot by Democratic lawmakers. Proponents argue the existing system is expensive and can produce undemocratic results. The effort was led by Democratic State Senator Josh Newman, who authored the precursor to the proposition.

Republican lawmakers oppose the change, claiming the two-election requirement would increase costs and dilute voter power. Public opinion remained split leading up to the vote, with mid-October polling showing 45% support and 52% opposition.