Reforming California’s Recall: Constitutional Amendment Passes Assembly Elections Committee
Sacramento, Calif. – SCA 1, a constitutional amendment to reform California’s recall process, passed the California Assembly Elections Committee with a 6-2 vote. The amendment from Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) simplifies the statewide recall to a single question: should the official be removed from office?
Currently, the recall process includes a second question where votes are asked to select a replacement in the event that a majority of voters support the recall. Under SCA 1, the second question would be eliminated, and the newly vacant position would be filled in the same manner as if the official had resigned or was otherwise removed from office.
“SCA 1 is essential for ensuring our recall process remains democratic and fair. This amendment will streamline election recalls to focus solely on only one question,” said Senator Newman. “Eliminating the second question will help prevent political manipulation of the recall process and uphold the integrity of our election system while still allowing voters to hold public officials accountable.”
“The issue is simple. Do you think this [office holder] should be recalled? That’s the real issue and the most serious issue we’re dealing with. Is this person worthy of remaining in office? Once you’ve made that decision, at that point, the question becomes, ‘Who is next?’” California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, testified during the committee hearing.
“SCA 1 will maintain voters’ power to hold officeholders accountable and remove those who betray the public trust while simultaneously filtering out politicized recall attempts that allow the recall to be used to undercut the will of the voters,” said Dora Rose from the League of Women Voters of California at the hearing.
Of the 19 states with recall processes, California is one of only two that utilizes a two-question recall ballot. This process can allow candidates to win political office without receiving a majority of votes cast. The pitfalls of the two-question recall were highlighted in the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. Had the recall succeeded, the leading replacement candidate could have succeeded the governor with as little as 16% of voter support, far less than the absolute majority required for the general election.
Polling during and after the 2021 gubernatorial recall showed that Californians were frustrated with the recall process. A July 2021 poll from the Yankelovich Center at UC San Diego found 68% of voters wanted to update the recall process. Additionally, a March 2022 poll from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found 59% of voters wanted the chance to vote to reform the recall process.
SCA 1 now moves to the Assembly, where it requires a two-thirds majority vote to appear on the next general election ballot for voter consideration.
To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.
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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.