As the deadline arrived for counties to send mail-in ballots to all registered voters in California on Aug. 16, recall supporters, opponents, and candidates urged residents to vote in the election.
James Mai, Irvine resident and chair for the Greater Irvine Republicans told The Epoch Times he would be voting “yes” on the recall along with Democrats, Republicans, and many first-time voters he had spoken to.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of people that have been stepping forward,” he said. “Some haven’t even voted before, and some aren’t involved in politics.”
Mai said concerned residents are approaching him about the state’s high taxes and increased levels of crime.
“It’s like lawlessness is going on everywhere,” Mai said. “When you have leadership at the top like Newsom that doesn’t really have a strong grasp on law and order, it’s a big concern for people.”
The recall effort brings hope for Mai to see a better future for his two children, ages 2 and 10.
“Criminals are being released into pretty much the wild, even violent sexual offenders. Repeat offenders are getting released, and that’s a major issue,” he said.
Other concerns include mandated vaccines, especially as cities and health sectors move to requiring them for city employees and patrons.
Newsom held a rally Aug. 14 in San Diego urging state voters to “vote no” on the ballot in September.
Two days later on Aug. 17, the governor asked residents on Twitter to reject the “Republican led recall.”
Meanwhile, state Sen. Toni Atkins, representing District 39 in San Diego County, expressed her support for Newsom, also asking voters to “vote no.”
“The Trump forces behind the Republican Recall are desperate to get another bully pulpit,” Atkins said. “Make no mistake, if they get it, we all know who the bullies will target, and working people and women are top of the list. We have to stand united and vote NO on the recall!”
Meanwhile, registrar offices across the state are preparing for Sept. 14 to ensure that election day runs smoothly.
Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley told The Epoch Times the county is fully prepared for the election after planning months in advance, which has allowed them to send out ballots before the deadline.
“We are the only county in California that has all operations for production in-house, including ballot printing, mail operations ... and we remain on track in all aspects,” he said.
Come September, registered voters will have the opportunity to vote whether they want to keep Newsom in office, and if not, who they think is the best fit to replace him from a list of more than 40 candidates.
