It’s time to VOTE! Top 5 Things to Know About the Recall Election

It’s time to VOTE! Top 5 Things to Know About the Recall Election

If you’re 18 and eligible, you can (and should!) vote in the September 14 Recall Election! On September 14, a “special” election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom will take place  -- meaning that if Governor Newsom loses, he will be replaced as governor by another candidate.

A lot is at stake in this election! Voting – and/or getting involved in elections – are one of the best ways you can stand up for yourself, your family, and the issues you care about. 

Check out the information below for all of the things you can do to make your vote count, and your voice heard between now and Election Day!

Top 5 Things to Know About the Recall Election

1. A “NO” vote means you want Governor Newsom to remain Governor, a “YES” vote means you want Governor Newsom to be removed from office and replaced. You can learn more in this short video from CalMatters.
    
2. If 50+% of the votes received are “NO”, then Governor Newsom will remain in office. If 50+% of the votes cast are “YES”, then Governor Newsom will be removed from office and the replacement candidate that receives the most votes will become the new Governor after the Secretary of State certifies the election results.
    
3. The deadline to register or re-register to vote was August 30^th – but if you missed it, you can still vote!
   • If you missed the registration deadline, you can STILL register to vote in person ON or BEFORE Election Day at a County office, voting center, or polling place! You will be allowed to vote using a conditional ballot – which means they will just have to check your eligibility before counting your vote.
      
4. ALL registered voters (registered by August 30th) will receive their ballot by mail and are encouraged to submit their ballot ASAP!
   • You have until September 14 to leave your ballot at an official drop box, voting center or polling place location within your County.
   • The last day to place your ballot in the mail is September 14. Your ballot must be received by your County Elections Office no later than September 21 .
   • You can track your ballot and see if it was counted here: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/ 
      
5. Polls will be open on Election Day, September 14, 7 AM – 8 PM. You can register to vote, vote in person and drop off your ballot at any voting center or polling place.
   • Some counties will open in-person polling sites and drop boxes starting September 4. Voting centers will open across the state on September 11. You can find local information through your County Elections Office.

Can’t vote this time around? You can still help get out the vote!

• Pre-Register! When you turn 16 in California, you can pre-register to vote -- that means when you turn 18, you’ll be all set to go. Do your 18-year-old self a favor and pre-register. Then you can cross that item off your future to-dos.
• Talk to your friends and family! If there is a topic you feel very passionately about, talk to your friends and family – and share on social media! You may not be able to vote but they can. Let them know how you feel.

REMEMBER: Your voice is important! When you vote, you’re using your voice for change. Are you registered + ready to vote?