How Palisadians Voted in the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

With final results slated to be released toward the end of October, the following is an analysis of the Tuesday, September 14, California gubernatorial recall election of the precincts that constitute Pacific Palisades.

The precinct-level results reflect early, mail and election day ballots counted as of September 15.

According to Mike Sanchez, who handles media and communications at Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: “The Palisades is a neighborhood of [LA] and therefore doesn’t have official boundaries that would be found in the Statement of Vote Cast by community.”

This means the Palisades’ vote was recorded by precinct. Of the precincts, most fall within the boundaries of the 90272 zip code, while others fall within the Santa Monica Canyon 90402 zip code.

In total, there was a turnout of 11,615 voters as of September 15—well short of the 19,192 Palisadians who voted in the 2020 presidential election.

The official ballot for the gubernatorial recall election had two questions for voters: Should Governor Gavin Newsom be recalled? Who should replace Newsom if the recall passes?

All candidates for the office of governor were listed on the ballot, for a total of 46 contesting candidates, ranging from media personalities Caitlyn Jenner and Larry Elder to college student John R. Drake, cannabis policy advisor Jacqueline McGowan and farmer Doug Ose.

Voters were able to vote on either one or both parts of the recall ballot.

Across the Palisades, within the data available to date, 70.3% voted “no” on the recall, with 29.7% voting “yes.” In the precinct of the Palisades that covers the Alphabet Streets and adjacent areas, there were 1,558 “no” votes and 549 “yes.”

In the El Medio Bluffs area, there were 1,558 votes for “no” and 570 votes for “yes.” In Marquez/Castellammare, 1,352 voted “no” and 680 voted “yes.”

The Bluffs/Huntington area had 1,477 votes for “no” and 671 “yes.” In Rustic Canyon/The Riviera, there were 1,061 “no” votes with 338 “yes.” And finally, in Palisades Highlands, 1,130 people voted “no” and 630 “yes.”

“Thank you, California,” Newsom shared to social media. “Now, let’s get back to work.”

Elder emerged as California’s favorable replacement for Newsom if the recall succeeded with approximately 40% of votes on the second question.

As of Monday, September 27, 62.2% of California voters had voted against removing Newsom from office, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The California Secretary of State is expected to certify the election results on Friday, October 22, once all county officials report their official tallies.