An election is upon us. A costly and wasteful effort to remove a governor whose term is up in 14 months anyway.

Regardless, a small group of Californians has created an election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom, at a cost of between $250 million to $400 million.

This cost, as estimated by the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, will be paid by all Californians. Yet it takes signatures of just 12% of the votes cast in the previous election to trigger a recall election.

In a state where the governor won the election in 2018 with 62% of the vote, there is a small group of residents who believe a recall is appropriate. Voters need to tell them IT IS NOT. Look for your ballot to arrive in the mail soon after Aug. 16. Election day is Sept. 14.

California ranks 10th in the nation for coronavirus vaccinations. Our economy is in strong recovery. According to Bloomberg, the state “has no peers among developed economies for expanding G.D.P., creating jobs, raising household income, manufacturing growth, investment in innovation, producing clean energy, and unprecedented wealth through its stocks and bonds.”

So why terminate success? We shouldn’t.

Most Californians want no part of this nonsense. A poll conducted in July by the Public Policy Institute of California found 69% of California likely voters say that the special election to recall Governor Newsom is a waste of money.

Although Californians do not want this recall, the only way to kill it is to participate in it. Your vote is your voice. Use it. All active registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Complete and return your ballot anytime up to and including Sept. 14. More information is available at the Lake County Registrar’s office: 707 263-2372 or http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/ROV/Upcoming/Upcoming.htm.

Susan Cameron lives in Hidden Valley Lake.