CA Recall: Ballot Drop Off, Polling Places In Venice, Mar Vista

VENICE, CA — The Golden State's upcoming recall election could oust first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. Ballots have already arrived in mailboxes across the state, but Californians will have an opportunity to vote in person on Sept. 14.

There were more than 6 million people registered to vote in Los Angeles County as of July 16, according to the California Secretary of State's office. Those who haven't registered to vote can do so here.

Ballots include 46 candidates who are vying for Newsom's job, including 24 Republicans, nine Democrats and 13 others. But voters should know that former GOP Rep. Doug Ose withdrew his bid for governor last week after having a heart attack.

The state Republican Party earlier this month decided not to endorse a candidate after party delegates agreed that rallying behind a particular front-runner could alienate voters who are passionate about a particular candidate.

For Democrats, the election so far has been plagued by voter apathy, which could rattle Newsom's stability in power, according to recent polls. A staggering 40 percent of likely voters were undecided on who should replace Newsom, according to a recent poll from the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies.

On the recall ballot, voters will be asked whether Newsom should be recalled and who should replace him. If more than 50 percent of voters cast a ballot to recall Newsom, the replacement candidate with the largest share of votes will win the governor's seat.

Democrats are pleading with voters to leave question two — where voters can select a replacement candidate — blank amid a lawsuit and allegations that California's recall process is flawed. Read more about that here.

SEE ALSO: 2021 RECALL VOTER GUIDE FROM CALMATTERS

Here's how you can cast your vote in Venice and Mar Vista.

Ballot Drop Boxes

Every registered voter in California received a recall election ballot this month, and there are plenty of ballot drop boxes throughout the county in which to deposit them.

Here are some drop boxes near you.

• Marine Park, 1406 Marine Street, Santa Monica
• Venice - Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library, 501 Venice Boulevard, Venice
• Mar Vista Branch Library, 12006 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles
• Lloyd Taber - Marina del Rey Library4533 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey

Polling Places

Venice and Mar Vista residents can vote on Election Day or choose to vote in person early. Accessible voting locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 to Sept. 13 and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day at the following locations.

In-person voting locations will offer same-day voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance for those who need it. Here are several polling locations:

• Oakwood Recreation Center, 767 California Ave., Venice
• Mar Vista Recreation Center, 11430 Woodbine St., Los Angeles
• Stoner Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles

Ready to cast your vote? Don't forget that the state allows you to sign up to track your ballot throughout the process. Have any questions? Learn more about the recall election at the county website or by calling 510-272-6973.

What's A Recall?

California has had recall elections as part of its political system since 1911. The process allows the public to attempt to remove an elected public official from office before the end of his or her term. Before a recall election can be initiated, a certain number of voters must sign a recall petition within a specified amount of time.

The state has had 54 previous attempts to recall California governors. Only one governor was recalled in California's history: Gray Davis in 2003.

Newsom has pushed back against the effort to unseat him, painting the campaign as one backed by extremists, supporters of former President Donald Trump and those against the coronavirus vaccines.

"This is — and forgive me — a Republican-backed recall where the principal proponent of the recall effort wants to microchip immigrants," Newsom has said. "These folks don't believe in science let alone climate science, and they don't believe in the science behind this pandemic. There's a lot at stake for Californians in this race."

Read more about California's gubernatorial recall election:

• Recall Candidate Doug Ose Exits Recall Race After Heart Attack
• Larry Elder Faces Claims Of Abuse, Financial Misrepresentation
• CA Recall: Newsom Lambasts Elder On Campaign Trail
• Lawsuit Argues California Recall Is Unconstitutional
• California Republicans Skip Recall Candidate Endorsement
• CA Recall Election: Who Is Running?
• Newsom Recall Election Officially Happening: What To Know
• A Serious Man: Can Kevin Faulconer Run For Governor Without The Gimmicks?
• Follow The Money: Gavin Newsom Recall Edition
• Total Recall: An Illustrated Guide To The Newsom Recall