Here’s what to know about voting in the California governor recall election

Californians are in the midst of deciding whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom and cut short his four-year term.

Registered voters should have already received their mail-in ballots. As of this week, about 2.8 million ballots, or 13% of the approximate 22 million ballots sent out to Californians, have been returned, according to tracker by Poltical Data Inc.

Here’s what you need to know about filling out your mail-in ballot.

By when do I need to mail my ballot?

Voters must postmark their ballots by Sept. 14. Each ballot will come with prepaid postage.

If you haven’t received your ballot and would like to know its status, visit this ballot tracker website.

Visit this California state website to find a ballot drop off location near you.

What’s on the ballot?

Your ballot will contain two questions, according to the Secretary of State’s website.

The first is: Do you want to recall Gov. Newsom?

The second: If the governor is recalled, who do you want to replace him?

Forty-six candidates are on the California ballot for the second question. You can read more about them in The Sacramento Bee’s voter guide.

Do I need to vote on both questions?

No. According to the Secretary of State’s website, voters can answer both questions or just answer one. For example, a voter can vote against recalling Newsom and still choose a replacement.

Can I vote in person?

Yes. California voters can also submit their ballots to a secure drop box, voting location or county elections office by 8 p.m., when polls close.

If you are in line at a voting location before polls close, you will still have the right to cast a ballot.

If you feel like your voting rights have been violated or would like to report voting fraud, contact the Secretary of State’s confidential hotline at 800-345-8683.

This story was originally published August 18, 2021 at 10:39 AM.