How to Vote in the California Recall Election

by Sheila D'Amico

Regardless of your position on the recall election, you'll want to vote whenever that election takes place. You can vote whether or not to recall Governor Davis, for a replacement candidate should the recall succeed, and on two propositions. For the first question, if you want Gov. Davis removed, vote Yes; if you want him to remain in office and fulfill his term, vote No. It sounds counterintuitive, but Yes means he's out, No, he stays. Next, you may vote for a gubernatorial candidate. Read carefully. It's best to review your sample ballot before heading to the polls so you know where on the ballot you will find your candidate. Remember also, although more than 100 names are on this ballot, you may vote for only one. That's the end of your choices in the gubernatorial recall election, but not the end of the ballot. You will see two proposed state constitutional amendments. Proposition 53 asks if you want the California budget to set aside three percent of funds annually for infrastructure repair. Proposition 54 asks if you want California to stop collecting racial, ethnic, and national-origin data in certain instances. Vote Yes on each Proposition if you want it to pass; vote No if you don't want it to pass. Wherever you vote, all Metro readership precincts have new touch-screen voting machines that are easy to use but if you are nervous, ask a poll worker for help. The touch screens give you a chance to review your ballot before casting it. After making your choices, press Review Ballot. When you are satisfied that you have voted the way you intended, press Cast Ballot. Precincts in Alameda County have been consolidated. Frankie Scheinoha, a County Registrar of Voters (ROV) clerk, says, "Your polling place may have changed; check your sample ballot for the location." If you still aren't sure, you can call the ROV hotline at 663-VOTE (8683). You can also check out the touch screens on the Web at www.co.alameda.ca.us/rov. To find out more about the recall, the candidates, and the substance of these propositions, read your sample ballots. Should you encounter voting irregularities or any problems at the polls on election day, call the ROV main office at 272-6933. If you are voting absentee and haven't returned your ballot, you have until the close of polls on election day to bring it to any polling place in Alameda County. Read your daily press to keep track of the election roller coaster.