Proposal would let recall targets see who signed petition
SACRAMENTO >> California politicians facing recalls would be allowed to see the names of people who sign the petitions to oust them under legislation that cleared its first committee Thursday.
If passed, it would take effect next year, meaning it would not apply to the expected recall election against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. But leaders of that effort showed up at the Capitol in opposition to the proposal, saying it would discourage people from signing future petitions for fear of retaliation.
“This is a dangerous and reckless bill,” said Orrin Heatlie, the lead proponent of the Newsom recall. “It would stifle the process.”
State Sen. Josh Newman, the bill’s author, sees it differently. Newman, who represents parts of Orange and other counties, was recalled in 2018 before winning his seat back last November. He says the proposal would allow politicians to make sure voters weren’t duped into signing petitions and let them explain to voters how to withdraw their signatures if they wish.
Petition signers would then have 45 days to remove their names. Currently, people have 30 days but finding and convincing people to walk back their signature is a difficult task.
“It is a fundamental tenet of the American justice system that the accused should always have the right to face his or her accusers,” Newman said during a public hearing before the Senate elections committee.
He sought to distance the bill from the recall against Newsom, even praising the organizers in a break from Democrats who have painted the effort as deceptive about its ties to Republican movements.
“They have been nothing if not direct and honest with the people of California,” Newman said. “Anybody who has signed their petition probably has a very clear understanding as to what they’re asking and why.”