California voters can elect a Barack Obama as governor, but not who you think

Still not sure who you’re voting for in the California governor’s race? Prepare to be overwhelmed.

Voters opening up their ballots will find 61 candidates to choose from for the state’s highest office.

The list, of course, includes frontrunners including two Republicans – conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco – and six Democrats: former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. All of those candidates are polling above 1%.

But that’s far from the end of it. There are some candidates on the ballot who have already dropped out of the race, such as former Congressman Eric Swalwell, who resigned after sexual assault allegations came to light. Betty Yee, former state controller, also ended her bid for governor and endorsed Tom Steyer, but her name is still technically one you can select when you cast your vote.

Then, there’s a bunch of candidates you’ve probably never heard of. One name may sound familiar: There’s a Barack Obama on the ballot. It’s not former President Obama (obviously), but rather a man who was so inspired by the first Black president that he changed his name. The Democrat’s full name, as it appears on the ballot, is Barack D. Obama Shaw.

There’s another little-known candidate whose name was changed to reflect his values. LivingForGod AndCountry DeMott is running for governor without a party affiliation. With work experience in pest control and as a chaplain, he is running on a platform against ICE raids and the vehicle miles traveled tax.

Those disillusioned with the two-party system have options who align with the Libertarian, Peace and Freedom and Socialist Workers parties. There are candidates whose day jobs range from hotel housekeeper to nurse to musician.

We find ourselves with such a long list of options because it’s relatively easy to get on the ballot in California. To qualify as a gubernatorial candidate, someone needs to:

Be an American citizen
Be registered to vote
Be free of felony convictions for bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public money, perjury or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes
Not have already served two terms as governor since 1990

There are also a few campaign filing requirements. First off, a prospective candidate needs to file an intention statement with the secretary of state’s office. They also need to file some campaign finance paperwork establishing an account for campaign contributions and expenditures, and disclose income tax returns for the past five years.

Candidates also need to pay a filing fee of $4,918.58, unless they can get 6,000 signatures on a petition to make them exempt.

Even if you know who you want to vote for, finding their name in the sea of options isn’t easy. The candidates’ names aren’t listed in alphabetic order, or by any other obvious organizing principal.

https://ktla.com/news/california/california-governor-ballot-61-candidates/