CALIFORNIA RECALL ELECTION 2021
How do I vote in the 2021 California recall election?
Californians are being asked whether to keep Governor Gavin Newsom or send him packing, and if so, who should replace him. Here is what you need to know...
Californians can already cast their ballot and avoid lines on the Election Day with early voting booths open across the state. Voters can get their mail-in-ballots sent off to make sure it arrives before the cutoff date.
Voters that are still wondering what they will need to do so that they can vote; here is some information that could help.
Also see:
- What time are polls open for California Recall Election?
- What you’ll need to vote in the 2021 California Recall Election
- What does the California Gubernatorial Recall ballot look like? Check out a sample ballot
- Where can I find the nearest ballot drop box in California?
- Gov. Newsom polled to survive recall bid
- When was the last Governor recalled in California? How many times has it happened?
- How does the California recall election affect the rest of the United States?
- How can I check if my ballot was received in California?
What do I need in order to vote?
Californians must meet a few simple requirements in order to vote in the upcoming recall vote. They need to be registered, which the state automatically does for residents 18 and older through the Motor Vote program. But you will want to check your voter registration status before you cast your vote.
In general voters do not need to present ID when they go in to vote. However, if you are a first-time voter and registered by mail you may be asked to show some form of acceptable ID. To find out more click here.
What will be on the ballot?
All registered voters should have received a ballot in the mail already. The state elections officials sent out ballots last month that voters can use to vote-by-mail or drop off at drop box location near them. To find out where you can deposit you ballot the state provides an online tool to locate the nearest early voting place or secure drop box in the state.
Voters can expect a simpler ballot than during a regular statewide or federal election. The recall ballot will consist of two questions, but voters are not required to answer both.
The first, “Do you want to recall the governor?” must be answered for your ballot to count. “Yes” means you want to remove Governor Newsom and “No” he gets to stay in office.
The second, “If the governor is recalled, who do you want to replace him?” Regardless of whether you voted “Yes” or “No” you can choose one candidate of the 46 contenders that could replace him should he be removed from office.
To check out a sample ballot click here.
When are the polls open?
On Election Day, Tuesday, 14 September, the polls will be open 14 September from 7 am to 8 pm. If you vote in person or choose to drop off your ballot at a voting location or a drop box it must be deposited no later than 8 pm Election Day. Those mailing their votes will need to do so on or before Election Day and it must arrive no later than three days after the election, seven days for those serving or living overseas.