California recall voters so far largely Democratic and older

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and KATHLEEN RONAYNE
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democrats have an early edge in the California recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. State figures show Democrats are returning mail-in ballots at more than twice the rate submitted by Republicans. Not every Democrat will be voting to retain Newsom. However, the trend is worrisome for leading Republican Larry Elder and other conservatives who hope to drive Newsom from office. Meanwhile, a new poll by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California shows 58% of voters oppose the recall, with 39% saying they want Newsom removed. Campaigns are trying to turn out voters with texts, emails and digital ads.