Many California residents have mixed signals on the Recall Election, but one thing is certain: the deadline to submit your completed Recall Election ballot is before 8 p.m. on Sep. 14. 

The California Gubernatorial Recall Election ballot will have two parts to it. The first thing to know is all qualified candidates for the Office of Governor will be listed. Along with their political party preference and possibly the lack of party preference. 

An important thing to note is if a majority of the votes on the recall question are a “Yes” California Governor Newsom shall be removed from office. The candidate who receives the most votes on the 2nd question will replace Newsom even if they do not win the majority of votes.

The second thing to know is if one-half or more of the votes on the recall election question are “No” California Governor Gavin Newsom shall remain in office. 

“First of all, I think all elections are important and it allows the people the opportunity to choose who is going to be making the laws by which we all have to live,” stated Bakersfield College Political Science Professor & former President of Academic Senate, Steven Holmes. 

According to Holmes, “This recall election is very unique to California and approximately 12 other states that don’t necessarily have the right to remove their public officials before the end of the term. It gives the people the ability to hold the officials accountable.” 

At the back of every California Recall Ballot, there is a square slit where a barcode is located. This is intended to help voters track their ballot, it is an interesting detail that most registered voters never paid attention to.

BC Poli-Sci Professor, Charles Kim stated “if you are not happy about the government then you need to vote to voice your opinion. Facebook and Tik Tok are places to express your feelings, but to change the government, voting is your platform.” 

“Voting is a civil duty, as an American Citizen voting is something people take for granted,” explained Kim. “My parents immigrated to America from a country where at the time my mother did not have the opportunity to vote. I think of the sacrifices she made to come to America to vote and create a better life for our family.” 

Contact the County of Kern, Elections Division at KernVote.com for any additional election information.