What to know about Poway’s recall election

POWAY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Tuesday, Nov. 4, is California’s Special Election Day. Voters will decide on the fate of Proposition 50, and San Diegans in District 2 will also have a special recall measure on their ballots.

What is Proposition 50?

Prop 50, brought forth by Governor Gavin Newsom in August, is part of the “Election Rigging Response Act.” It comes in the wake of Texas’ new congressional map, as advocated for by President Donald Trump, which gives Republicans more of an advantage in the 2026 Midterm Elections.

Supporters of Prop 50 argue it “evens the playing field” and puts the power back into the hands of voters. Opponents, however, refer to it as a “political power grab.” If passed, Prop 50 would add five more Democratic seats to the House of Representatives.

How Poway is different

For Poway residents, there is an additional measure on their ballots. It is a recall measure for Poway Councilmember Tony Blain, who was recently charged with four felonies. These include perjury, asking for a bribe, soliciting a bribe, petty theft and destruction and removal of public papers.

If found guilty, Blain faces up to four years behind bars for perjury and bribery, and up to three months for destroying public records. He also faces six months for a misdemeanor charge for stealing election signs.

The charges come at the end of nearly a year’s worth of efforts to get Blain out of office. Now, on Nov. 4, District 2 voters will have the chance to vote to recall him. District 2 constituents have been working to get Blain out of office for quite some time, with the Poway City Council voting unanimously in August to call for the special election.

Blain’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday, Nov 3, the day before the election.

What happens if District 2 recalls Blain

If a majority of voters vote “yes” on the District 2 measure, Blain will be removed from office. That vacancy will remain open until it is filled, as according to the law.

If most voters say “no," then Blain will remain in office.

How and where to vote

Mail-in ballots were delivered during the week of Oct. 6. Californians must post mark their mail-in ballots by no later than Nov. 4 and must be counted by Nov. 12. All vote centers will be open daily starting Nov. 1, and voters have until Election Day to cast their ballot.

California voters will only see the single matter of Prop 50 on their ballots. Those in District 2 will only have that measure, along with the additional Blaine recall on theirs.

For a list of ballot drop-off locations and in-person voting centers, see the San Diego Registrar of Voters website.