California recall election cost taxpayers $200 million
A ballot for a recall election seeking to remove California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is seen in Los Angeles, August 15, 2021. - The California Gubernatorial election will take place on September 14, 2021. Forty-six candidates, including nine Democra
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The election of whether to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom cost taxpayers just over $200 million.
The final tally released Thursday by the Secretary of State's office is about 28% less than what state officials had budgeted. The state Legislature set aside just over $278 million for the Sept. 14 election.
Of that, about $243 million was divided up among the state's 58 counties. However, it cost the counties $174 million to put on the election, leaving $69.5 million left over. More than 81% of voters chose to keep Newsom in office. Secretary of State Shirley Weber said the recall process needs to be changed.