California voters to decide on campaign finance and recall reforms

California voters will consider two significant ballot measures during the November 2026 general election regarding political processes and financing.

Proposition 4 aims to allow the state and local governments to establish public campaign financing programs. Currently, state law prohibits such programs outside of certain charter cities. Proponents argue that providing voluntary public funding for viable candidates could reduce the influence of large donors and wealthy interest groups in state elections.

Proposition 5, authored by State Senator Josh Newman, proposes reforms to the state’s recall election process. Under the current system, voters decide whether to remove an official and select a replacement simultaneously. If passed, Proposition 5 would separate these actions, filling vacancies through subsequent special elections or appointments. A poll by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that 59% of likely voters opposed the measure, while 35% supported it.