Five Reasons We Will Fight the California Recall

Five Reasons We Will Fight the California Recall
Photo: Gage Skidmore

The NRDC Action Fund and other leading environmental and environmental justice groups oppose the California recall against Governor Gavin Newsom. The election has officially been set for September 14, 2021, and we have a fight on our hands. All active registered voters will be mailed a ballot by August 16 and should return it as soon as possible. 

Here are five reasons why we’ll vote NO on the California recall and why you should too: 

  • Governor Newsom is leading on climate. Governor Newsom believes in science and has charted the path for important climate progress in California. Whether it’s issuing an aggressive ban on fracking, protecting public lands and waters, or mandating that new cars sold be zero emission by 2035, Newsom has led by example on the national stage, and we need stability, ambition, and continued leadership to fight the climate crisis. 
  • Californians can’t afford Trump-led anti-environment attacks. Trump’s allies are behind this radical effort to undo California’s progress, and we’ve seen what happens when they’re in charge. The state is on track for another year of record drought, wildfires, and heat waves, and families are feeling the effects of climate change firsthand. Let’s not take a step back. 
  • The NRDC Action Fund stands with communities of color and is committed to an equitable and just future. The racist recall effort is actually not about the pandemic. Rather, the petition drafted by proponents before the pandemic disingenuously argues that Newsom should be removed for not enforcing immigration laws and for favoring foreign nations over citizens. However, the pandemic hurt communities of color the hardest—the same communities that helped our economy stay afloat with many members putting themselves in harm’s way to provide essential services. As we work to move past the pandemic and rebuild our state better than ever, we need leadership that prioritizes equity, not works to dismantle it. 
  • The fight for 2022 begins now. Opponents of climate action have made it clear that they see an opportunity in California to defeat climate champions. President Biden has a bold climate vision but needs strong pro-climate majorities and state partners to get it accomplished. We need to soundly defeat this recall effort and show that there’s no place for climate change deniers in California heading into next year. 
  • We must win. Most polling shows voters oppose the recall, but there is not much room for error. Republicans are more energized and actively working to suppress voters. We must organize and get out the vote if we’re to win. 

Remember to vote NO on the recall against Governor Newsom. 

Here are some key dates to remember: 

  • August 16: The last day for counties to begin mailing ballots. Every registered voter will receive a mail ballot this election! 
  • August 30: The last day to register to vote. After this date, you’ll have to register and vote provisionally. 
  • September 14: Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can drop off your ballot or vote in person if you’re in line at 8 p.m. If you’re mailing your ballot, it must be postmarked by this day and received by September 21. 

Track when your ballot was mailed, received, and counted here!

Register to vote!

Paid for by the NRDC Action Fund.