Washington: Napavine hearing discussions of recall following contentious meeting

The City Council is facing recall discussion following a difficult meeting that came after two council resignations, threats against officials and one audience member being kicked out of City Hall. The issue seems to be an ability to approve a budget.

Arizona: Cave Creek Commissioner, kicked out in previous recall, appointed to planning commission

Commissioner Reg Monachino was ousted in a March 10, 2015 recall, then lost an August 30, 2016 election, was just appointed to the planning commission.

Michigan: Language for Flint recall rejected for the second time

Here

Rhode Island: State Supreme Court allows Providence Councilman recall effort to move forward

Providence Councilman Kevin Jackson's attempt to get the state Supreme Court to toss out the recall effort against him failed. Jackson's petition was rejected by the Superior Court, and the Supreme Court declined the appeal. Petitioners got the 300 signatures needed to start the effort, and now need 2100 signatures (20%) to get on the ballot.

California: Greenfield mayor recall coming up on January 24

Mayor John Huerta, who beat back a 2012 recall vote, is now up again over his support for a medical marijuana cultivation.

North Dakota: Examining the post-recall career of Grand Forks Councilman

Here is a check-in with John Hoff, who was kicked out soon after his 2000 election.

Canada: Alberta Premier subject to online recall petition effort

This is against Rachel Notley -- though the write-up suggests this online petition would have some force of law, which seems extremely unlikely.

Ballotpedia's Year End Wrap-up

Ballotpedia has put out their year-end recall wrap-up -- this time with some great graphs! I should have mine done shortly, and, usual, I should have a higher number than them. I'll explain at that time.

They list 390 attempts, with 100 making the ballot. 56 were removed and 44 survived. I'm not sure how many resigned. They also have a list of some of the most notable recalls of the year. I'd have to think of my own list (Crystal City, Texas may be number one), but we'll wait for later.

Anyway, check it out.

Taiwan: New Power Party Executive Chairman facing recall effort over marriage equality law

New Power Party Executive Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is facing a recall effort by residents opposed to his support for gay marriage. Petitioners collected 3124 signatures, and now need 25,119 signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

New York: Spring Valley Mayor ouster effort goes before a judge

In another event that has led to calls for a recall in New York, there is a hearing scheduled for a petition to toss out Mayor Demeza Delhomme over malfeasance issues.

Wisconsin: Denouncement in Paris recall

The battle over a move to transfer part of the Paris to the village of Somers led to a recall earlier this year -- the officials survived. Now, the ordinance transferring the properties has been repealed.

Massachusetts: Two candidate running in Shirley recall

The upcoming January 30 recall against Shirley Selectmen Bob Prescott and Kendra Dumont now has two challengers. James Wilson and Holly Haase will run for the seats if there is a recall.

California: Redding City Council members hearing recall threats over increased service costs

Following two pay raises and increases in utilities, garbage, sewer and water services, there's talk and a Facebook page touting the recall of Redding City Council members. Mayor Brent Weaver and council members Kristen Schreder, Francie Sullivan would be the only ones who could face a recall immediately, with councilmembers Adam McElvain and Julie Winter not up for recall until they serve 90 days. Petitioners would need 15% of registereds -- 7615 signatures in 160 days. There were attempts for recalls in 2012 and 2009, though both failed to turn in signatures.

Louisiana: Kenner zoning rules on boat parking lead to recall threats

Kenner's City Council is facing recall threats over a new zoning code that limit where boars can be parked.

Louisiana: Mansfield Alderman survives recall vote

Alderman Mitch Lewis survived the recall vote on runoff day, 159-67.

Missouri: Lee's Summit Council recall put on April ballot

This is against Councilman Chris Moreno. Not clear if this is a special election -- I imagine that it is, but not totally certain.

California: Oakdale Irrigation District Board Member facing April 25 recall

The recall of Director Linda Santos is scheduled for April 25. Petitioners handed in 660 signatures, 628 were valid. They needed 421. The issue was claims that Santos put too emphasis on the interests of her friends, contributors and others.

Maine: Litchfield Selectman kicked out

Selectman Tim LaChapelle was removed in a 167-50 vote yesterday -- the first recall since the voters passed the law in October. Lachapelle will be replaced in an upcoming election that may not be held till February.

Lachapelle, who won in a three-way race, has pushed for transparency with a number of information requests and has accused the town manager of hiring the manager's husband to be the transfer station manager and accusing the Code Enforcement Officer of theft due to over-reporting travel expenses.

California: Judicial Disciplinary Panel find no sanctions against Santa Clara County Judge

Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky, who has faced a strong recall effort over his sentencing of a Stanford student in a sexual assault case, will not face sanctions from a California judicial disciplinary panel. Since the judge was just reelected, the recall effort's signature gathering will likely not begin until April.

Oklahoma: New wrinkle in Healdton recall after no one files to run against incumbents for seats

The legal battle over the recall against Healdton Councilmembers Treva Gage and Linda Hill, which has resulted in a lawsuit attempting to throw out the recall the February 7, now has a new wrinkle. Gage and Hill are trying to kill the recall in court. However, no candidates have filed to run in the February 7 race against the two incumbents. It could be that a recall would be put off until April (the next regular municipal election or perhaps it would be cancelled.

Michigan: Second petitions filed to recall Flint Mayor

Following a rejection of the language of his first recall petition, a Flint man filed new recall language seeking the removal of Mayor Karen Weaver. The issue is a trash contract and payment to City Councilman Eric Mays over a damage claim after being Mays was removed from a council meeting.

Colorado: Sedgwick County Sheriff recall schedule for January 10

An all-mail ballot recall election will be completed on January 10 against Sedgwick County Sheriff Thomas Hanna. Here's a copy of the ballot. Hanna is facing the recall after he was arrested for misconduct including felony offenses and sexual conduct on an inmate and soliciting prostitution. 

California: Newhall County Water District Board members

Board Members Maria Gutzeit and Dan Mortensen are facing recall efforts, allegedly over their support for a merger with Castaic Lake Water Agency. 14 of the 15 board members were in favor of the merger -- the one member opposed is allegedly backing the recall effort. A former board member who lost a race for the Castaic Law board is leading the effort.

Petitioner needed about 6000 signatures - a recall allegedly would cost up to $180,000.

Montana: Recall effort against five Whitehall officials rejected by judge

The recall effort against Mayor Dale Davis and four council members was rejected by a judge, who held that the petitions didn't meet the standards for a host of reasons, most notably the fact that there wasn't a cause under Montana's malfeasance standard/judicial recall law.

Nebraska: Madison Mayor refuses to reappoint City Clerk after recall victory

Here

Texas: El Paso City Representative facing recall effort

Representative Cortney Niland is facing petitions over a plan to build an arena. Petitioners would need about 385 signatures.

California: Oakdale Irrigation District recall likely to take place on April 25

Board member Linda Santos is facing an upcoming recall election probably on April 25 (the board has to vote. Petitioners handed in 660 signatures, and got 628 valids. They needed 421. The board is divided 3-2, with Santos *who beat an incumbent a year ago) and another new member Gail Altieri on the short end. The board majority sued the two minority members after they provided sworn declarations used by opponents in a lawsuit over a fallow for money plan.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/news/local/oakdale/article120917038.html#storylink=cpy

New Mexico: Bill pushing for amendments to recall process

Representative Dennis Roch (R) is pushing for a change in the law that will prevent political recalls -- i.e. recalls for any reason. Roch's bill will move recalls in manager/commission-type of local governments to a malfeasance standard/judicial recall plan. 

New Mexico: Las Vegas Mayor recall dropped

The recall effort against Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron has been abandoned five days before the deadline.

New Jersey: Trenton Mayor arrested on corruption charges

Mayor Tony Mack, his brother and a supporter were all arrested on bribery charges for a proposed fake parking garage. Mack faced a recall effort last year, but petitioners couldn't get enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Missouri: Petitions handed in against Lee's Summit Councilman; Recall set for April 4

This is the recall against Councilman Chris Moreno, though it has to do with the business dealing with the Park Department of a different Councilwoman, Diane Forte. Petitioners handed in 621 signatures. The recall is set for April 4.

Additional comments on the Electoral College

Here's my CNBC article shedding some light on the history of the Electoral College. The actual origins of the Electoral College and the reasons for it seem to be misunderstood, which is the focus of my piece.

A couple of additional points and some links for those interested:

• The father of the Electoral College -- Philadelphia's James Wilson -- was the delegate who was most focused on democracy. Wilson appeared to really want direct elections, but after seeing no support (outside of his fellow Pennsylvanians), he came up with the Electoral College framework. Wilson, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court died in disgrace due to his debts, but he is clearly one of the most important figures at the Convention.
• On July 24, Wilson also suggested a system of "picking lots" -- whereby they would randomly choose 15 members of the legislature who would choose the executive (not called a president at that time).
• There was significant debate of whether (after the narrowing to five candidates by the EC) the president should be chosen by the Senate or the House. The decision to give the choice over to the House was seen as a nod to the larger states -- though since each state has one vote, that doesn't seem to be much of a benefit.
• The original idea of Congress choosing the executive may have resulted in a quasi-parliamentarian system, though the existence of a powerful Senate makes it a black box as to what that would have meant. One important variable would have been the vice president. Unanswerable historical possibility under this system -- with the VP heading the Senate, would the VP have become a more important figure than the President? This is not as outlandish as it seems -- Texas has a weak Governor/strong Lieutenant Governor model.
• Among the changes made by the 12th Amendment was limiting the amount of candidates sent to the House from 5 to 3. This may seem like a minor point, but it has huge repercussions on US history. Henry Clay came in 4th in the 1824 election and was eliminated from contention. If Clay had been sent to Congress and won instead of Adams or Jackson. Since the Adams/Jackson's battles can be seen as the birth of the two party system, what would have changed if the far better politician Clay had been elected instead of Adams?
• To get any understanding of the Electoral College, it is important to look at the elections of 1796, 1800, 1824 and 1876. 

Some links here:

Madison's debate notes

Antifederalist # 4

Federalist # 68

Some of the State Constitutions

Texas: Latest lawsuit in El Paso recall dismissed by appellate court

These cases have been going on for five years. Here's the latest dismissal of a counterclaim by the church against the city over the question of standing

Ohio: East Cleveland City Hall ransacked after recall

So far, no suspects have been named.

Washington: Seattle City Councilwoman facing online petitions

Seattle City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant (the first socialist elected to their council in 100 years) is facing internet-based petitions for her removal after she called for demonstrations of the Donald Trump inauguration on January 20.

Needless to say, internet-based petitions are not worth anything. Washington is also a "malfeasance standard/judicial recall state", so a recall effort will not likely make the ballot regardless.

Wisconsin: Green Bay Mayor facing petition of removal

Mayor Jim Schmitt (R), who is plead guilty to misdemeanor charges of campaign finance law violations in September, has had a petition filed against him -- though it is a bit different than the usual recall. This petition is under the rarely used provision which allows the city council to vote out the mayor. It is not clear how that will work.

Oregon: Columbia River People's Utility District recall leads to tort lawsuit over removal of lawn signs

The $400,000 lawsuit is over removal of political sign opposing the recall during the February recall and claims of intimidation.

Colorado: Park Hospital Board of Directors facing recall effort

Park Hospital Board President Diana Van Der Ploeg is facing a recall effort seemingly over the dismissal of longtime staffers, the contract for Estes Park Medical Center Interim CEO Mark Gregson and the hiring of a management company without board approval. There are also questions of whether Van Der Ploeg can serve a third consecutive term. Petitions with 458 signatures were sent demanding the removal of Van Der Ploeg and Gregson, but these are not the real petitions. Petitioners claim they have 300 valid signatures on another petition.

Montana: Whitehall recall effort decision expected this week

A Judge is set to rule on whether a recall can be launched against Mayor Dale Davis and councilmembers Tom Jenkin, Gerry Keogh, Joe Adams and Gary Housman. The questions are about whether there are legal reasons under Montana law to have a recall -- Montana is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state. The petition claims that there were a violation of oath of office and official misconduct, but the claim is about events that happened in a council meeting on April 11. The town attorney disputes that the claimed events happened.

Colorado: Crawford Mayor recall on the ballot, set for February 7

Petitions have been verified for the recall of Mayor Wanda Gofforth -- the council is looking to set the recall for February. The issues were hiring a town attorney on her own to represent the town clerk in a civil protection order that the clerk filed against a resident as well as alleged open meeting law violations. The resident, Carl Page, who ran for the council was requesting email addresses and phone numbers of council members. Page attempted to recall the former mayor Susie Steckel in 2014.

Update: Recall set for February 7 -- it is suppose to cost $900.

New Jersey: Bill looks to set standards for homeowners' associations recall

Here -- looks like they will need 10 percent of members.

Missouri: Lee Summit Councilman facing recall effort

Councilman Chris Moreno is facing a recall effort, due to the state's Ethics Commission's investigation in Councilwoman Diane Forte for her business dealings with the parks department.Forte's companies twice sold awards that to the department (the value of the sales was about $2000). State law holds that there should have been a bid. Moreno has been a leader of the effort against Forte, which petitioners have called counterproductive. They already claim to have gathered 650 signatures.

Taiwan: Recall effort planned against DPP candidates

The KMT (Chinese Nationalist Party) is planning to launch recalls against members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party for their support of lifting a ban on importing food from areas affected by the Fukushima disaster in 2011. There are some questions of whether the attempt shows disorganization on the part of the KMT.

Washington: Effort to change Snohomish form of government leads to mayoral recall effort

Mayor Karen Guzak faced a brief recall effort led by the chief proponent of the group that backed a proposal to change the government to a "strong-mayor" form. The bill passed, but the leader of the effort, Bill Betten, lives outside of the town. Guzak has requested a recount. Betten filed the recall petition on June 23, but withdrew it 3 weeks later.

Michigan: Threats against Roseville School Board VP over alleged racist Facebook posts

Roseville School Board VP Alfredo Francesconi is facing complaints and what sounds like a possible recall threat following posts on his private Facebook page that allegedly claim that Muslims are terrorists and African-Americans don't vote. Still seems early on this one

Alaska: Galena School Board President kicked out in recall vote

School Board President Kim Kopp was removed 102-67. The replacement will be appointed.

Former school board member Jenny Bryant (who resigned this summer) launched the recall, which needed 25 signatures.

The issue seemed to be a claim that Kopp's role with a bible church and the school board was a "very divisive wedge."

Colorado: Federal Heights Mayor and councilman facing recall

This article is a little odd in that it states that the recall happened though it seems that the signatures were just handed in.

Mayor Daniel Dick (300 signatures handed in, 295 needed) and Councilman John Hamilin (102 handed in, 84 needed) are facing a February 7 recall vote. The issue was their support for a rental inspection program.

Louisiana: Mansfield Alderman facing recall vote

Mansfield Alderman Mitchell Lewis is facing an upcoming recall, with 316 valid signatures being handed in (petitioners needed 296). The effort against Mayor Curtis McCoy failed.

Ohio: East Cleveland Mayor and City Council President ousted

First reports are out that East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton Jr. (548-528) and City Council President Thomas Wheeler (229-211) both lost their recall vote on Tuesday. This was Wheeler's third recall -- he survived one in December and June. This was the first time that Norton faced a recall (he was elected in 2009 and reelected in 2013).

The vice president of the city council Brandon King will become mayor, and the council will appoint replacements for Wheeler and King.

The issue was a debate over bankruptcy or merging with Cleveland.

Arizona: Superior ex-mayor sued by town clerk

The former town clerk sued the Mayor Frank Valenzuela and the town for firing of her after she reported the felony theft over the mayor's use of a town credit card at a casino. Valenzuela was kicked out in a recall earlier this year.

California: Tulare Healthcare District Board Member facing petitions

Board member Dr. Parmod Kumar, on the board since 1994, is facing petitions. Petitioners need 1049 signatures by January 3. The issue seems to be an $85 million bond to complete an addition to a hospital, which was never built, as well as bringing in a association to serve as administrator of the hospital.

Wisconsin: Senator Schilling wins recount against Kapanke

This was the recall rerun for 2011

California: Greenfield Mayor facing second recall vote in four years

Mayor John Huerta Jr. will be up for a recall vote on January 24, 2017 over his alleged interference for a criminal investigation of the medical marijuana industry. The city council censured Huerta already.

Petitioners needed 1078 signatures and they got 1081.

Huerta barely survived a recall vote in 2012 that took out two city council members.At that time, the issue was over a merger of the police department.

Ohio: East Cleveland recalls get Jeers of the week

Here --- claiming that the recall will cost the city $30,000 less than 10 months before the regular mayoral election. Note that it mentions that Mayor Gary Norton was fined $114,100 for mishandling campaign finance documents.

Massachusetts: Shirley Selectmen try to kill recall effort

Selectmen Kendra Dumont and Robert Prescott have filed a petition to toss out the recall effort over complaints the town clerk allowed more time then the 30 days legal alloted and that the signatures were gathered by people who weren't the actual petitioners. The recall is scheduled for January 30.

The recall is over a vote to give the Town Administrator greater health insurance benefits after a town meeting rejected the idea.

Taiwan: Legislature passes amendment loweringsignatures and turnout requirement for recalls; allowing campaigning during recall effort

Under the old law, a recall needed turnout of half the voters (and half of those had to vote to remove) for it to pass. The turnout requirement has now dipped to 1/4 of the voters. Signature gathering is much easier, it went from 2% of the total electorate to 1 % for the first stage of the recall, and the follow-up petition now needs 10% as opposed to 13%. The time grame has been doubled from 30 to 60 days.

Campaigning is now allowed in recall efforts as well.

The bill follows the 2014 "Appendectomy Project", which was launched by activists with the intention of recalling Kuomintang lawmakers activists claimed were unfit to serve, including Tsai Cheng-yuan, Lin Hung-chih and Wu Yu-Sheng.
Out of the three cases, only the motion to recall Tsai garnered the requisite number of signatures, but it did not attract required voter turnout numbers.
The Taipei City Election Commission fined the team that launched the project NT$600,000 in March of this year on the grounds that they breached the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act by campaigning for Tsai's recall after the motion had received enough signatures.

Colorado: Snowmass Property Owners seek recall of 5 board members

Snowmass' Base Village Metropolitan District board members Matt Foley, Steve Sewell, Letitia Hanke, Jim D’Agostino and Craig Monzio are facing a recall attempt over developer and commercial debt from a stalled project. Petitioners already claim to have signatures from over 40%. Four of the five board members work for companies involved in the debate.

Seminole Tribe of Florida looking to have another replacement race after September 28 recall

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is now considering having a second replacement race following the September 28 recall of Chairman James Billie. Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. won the first race on October 31, defeating Billie 319-297, though now there is some question if he meets the residency requirement. Billie was also chairman from 1979-2001 when he was impeached.

Ohio: East Cleveland Mayor allegedly assaulted on Election Day

East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton Jr., who is facing his second recall of the year on December 6, has claimed that he was assaulted on Election Day.

Oklahoma: Healdton recall set for February 17

Here

Taiwan: Recall effort started over same-sex marriage issue

Democratic Progressive Party caucus whip Ker Chien-ming is facing an online recall effort which seems to be over his attempt to find a middle ground in the fight over a same-sex marriage law. Ker has also been accused of trying to prevent the lowering of the signature requirements for recalls.

Petitioners would need 6500 signatures (2%) to start the campaign.

Michigan: Flint Mayor recall language debated by Election Board

An effort to recall Mayor Karen Weaver is now before the Genesee County Election Board. The leader of the recall effort is Alex Harris who previously led recall efforts against Mayors Woodrow Stanley (who was recalled) and Don Williamson (who resigned). The recall effort is over her support for a garbage company contract that has been linked to a federal investigation.

Wisconsin: Town Chairman and Clerk resign over recall

No idea what this was about yet (there is very little on this), but Long Lake Chairman John Halada and Clerk Cyndy Halada both resigned before facing a recall vote. The replacment vote was on Tuesday.

Colombia: Opposition calls for Congressional recall

The Democratic Center party is looking for a referendum on a recall of Congress. The issue is the government's peace deal with FARC. It is not cear how this would work, though it seems that petitioners would need 40% of voters to get the referendum off the ground, and then the approval of 60% of people who voted in the 2014 election to pass it.

Louisiana: Jefferson Parish President recall effort loses second effort in court to allow signature gathering 100 feet from ballot box

Louisiana District Court Judge Stephen Enright Jr. has rejected an attempt to block the enforcement of a rule preventing signature gathering from any closer than 600 feet from the ballot box. This is in the recall attempt against Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni. The recall proponents argue that Louisiana Supreme Court law would allow signature gathering up to 100 feet from voting sites (this would be for the December 10 runoff for the Senate). Here's the Louisiana Supreme Court case, State v. Schirmer, that holds that the 600 feet limit can be overbroad for recall petition gathers.

Petitioners need 90,527 signatures. Yenni is accused of sexting with a 17-year old high school student (this was back when he was Kenner's mayor).

Wisconsin: Recount in state Senate re-run of recall race

It looks like the Wisconsin Senate race of state Senator Jennifer Shilling versus Dan Kapanke is going down to a recount. Shilling, who beat Kapanke in the 2011 recall, is up by 56 votes.

Wisconsin: Three Paris Board members survive recall vote

The three members of the Paris Town Board all survived a recall vote, Chairman Virgil Gentz (397-256) beat Joe Kolnik, Supervisor Ron Kammerzelt (397-255) defeated Paul Terry, and Supervisor Ken Monson (388-263) triumphed over Robert Fliess.

The issue was an agreement to transfer 2500 acres from Paris to nearby town Somers and share revenue from a development in the land. Paris would also pay Somers $1.25 million (a provision that was later struck down).

Virginia: Prince William School Board Chair facing petitions

Chairman Ryan Sawyers is facing a petition after a plan to expand nondistricmination, as well as which on bathroom used by transgender students,

Texas: Hearne Councilman claims that he will resign

City Councilman Rodrick Jackson claims that he will resign following the start of a recall effort against him (though a lack of a quorum has caused some difficulties for the petitioner).

Nevada: Petitions filed against Storey Country Sheriff

Sheriff Gerald Antinoro is facing petitions agter an investigator found that he sexually harassed a female subordinate. Petitioners must get 472 signatures -- though it may be that all of the signers had to vote in the 2014 election (5% of turnout).

Tennessee: Rutherford county commission asks for recall law

Following the suspension of Sheriff Robert Arnold for domestic assault and witness tampering, the county commission passes a law calling on the legislature to allow recalls for elected officials accused of a felony.

Arizona: Four Buckeye officials facing recall threats over water bills

High water bills are leading to threats to recall Mayor Jackie Meck, the vice mayor and two city councilmembers.

Maine: Litchfield Selectman faces December 20 recall

Selectman Tim Lachapelle is set to face a December 20 recall. Petitioners handed in more than 213 signatures, they needed 172. Lachapelle narrowly won a three-way race and has since accused a Code Enforcement Officer of stealing and questioned the legality of hiring the town manager's husband as transfer station manager. There has been complaints that Lachappelle has been absent from meetings.

Oklahoma: Healdton council members look to technicalities to defeat recall effort

Council members Treva Gage and Linda Hill are fighting the recall efforts launched against them.

California: Signatures handed in against Oakdale Irrigation District Board Member

660 signatures were handed in against board member Linda Santos. Petitioners needs 421. Due to the uncounted ballots, signature counting won't even begin until next week.

Virginia: Portsmouth Mayor loses race

Mayor Kenny Wright, who was facing a recall threat that was tossed out by a judge, lost his reelection race. Wright gained office by defeating the previous mayor in a recall.

South Dakota: Court hearing arguments in recall effort against Nisland Board President

The recall effort against Board President Harold Gray is in court over whether the recall should go forward based on a possibly late challenge to the petition.

Maryland: Taneytown votes to adopt recall law

Taneytown adopted a recall law yesterday, which would only be used for violations of law and three consecutive unexcused absences from meetings. According to the article 35 Maryland municipalities have recall provisions.

The vote was 565-460 in favor of the recall law.

Two op-eds on the election

CNBC and LA Times

Nebraska: Hitchcock County Assessor ousted

Assessor Marlene Bedore was oused in a recall, which opponents claim was started after she manipulated property values to punish her opponents and reward supporters.

Texas: Windcrest Councilwoman loses recall effort

Councilwoman Kimberly Wright lost her seat 1916-839, or 69% against. Rick Cockerham was chosen on November 21 to replace her.

Michigan: New Buffalo Mayor beats back recall effort

Mayor Lou O'Donnell beat back a recall effort by leader petitioner Ray Kirkus, 475-331

North Carolina: Tobaccoville Mayor removed

Mayor Billy McHone lost the recall effort against him 855-378.

Kansas: Minneapolis Mayor loses recall vote

Mayor Ryan White was kicked out, 522-312 after claims that White was failing to do his job, though he says the recall effort was also over his decision not to reappoint the City Clerk.

Kansas: Franklin County Commissioner ousted

Commissioner Steve Harris lost 1283-443, with the issue being Harris' absence from the commission since he took a new job.

California: Calaveras County Supervisor loses seat

Supervisor Steve Kearney lost his seat to Clyde Clapp in Tuesday's recall. The vote against Kearney was 61%. The issue was Kearney's vote in favor of an asphalt plant and a vote to not push a developer to pay for a left turn lane.

California: Yorba Linda Water Board Members ousted

Two Yorba Linda Water Board members, Gary Melton and Robert Kiley, appeared to have lost with 71% against (the board president also lost his race). The issue was a vote to raise bills by $25. The two look like they will be replaced by Al Nederhood and Brooke Jones.

New Jersey: Vineland Mayor who survived recall loses seat

Vineland Mayor Reuben Bermudez, who survived a recall earlier in his term, lost to Anthony Fanucci (though Fanucci may face a runoff). Bermudez received 3620 votes or 17.31%.

Wisconsin: State Senator wins recall rerun rematch

State Senator Jennifer Shilling apparently beat Republican ex-Senator Dan Kapanke in the recall rematch race 43,565-43,507. That's heading for a recount.

California: Moreno Valley City Councilwoman returns to office two years after recall

City Councilwoman Victoria Baca, who was ousted in a recall two years ago, came back and won a new term in office.  She was a supporter of a development complex and her and the mayor received $65,500 from the developer in campaign funds.

Arkansas: 3 Mayors ousted in recall votes, 1 survives

In what officials are calling the most recalls in one cycle (though they had 6 votes in 2012), 3 Arkansas mayors were kicked out of office, with one surviving.

Earle Mayor Carolyn Jones was removed 522-239 (the replacement vote will be in January); Humphrey Mayor Rodney Harrison lost 120-93, with an interim mayor being named and it sounds like the job will be filled by appointment. Hartford Mayor James Baker lost 141-87.

Hughes Mayor Grady Collum survived 277-232.

Michigan: Lowell Mayor ousted in recall

Mayor Jeff Altoft lost his recall election to Greg Canfield, chairman of the Lowell Light & Power Board. The vote was almost 70% in favor of Canfield. The issue was Altoft's role in the firing of the former city manager.

Arkansas: Hartford Mayor ousted in recall

Mayor James Baker was tossed out in a recall, with a 141-87 vote against him. The issues seemed to be hiring policy and vote to move City Hall.

Virginia: Petersburg officials facing recall efforts

"Clean Sweep Petersburg" is looking to recall city officials after starting the fiscal year $19 million in the red, and with $12 million in cuts. The recall -- which would be a recall trial -- would be against four council members and Treasurer Kevin Brown. The two big targets are Mayor W. Howard Myers and Vice Mayor Samuel Parham. Petitioner would need 86 signatures to get Myers in front of a judge and 160 for Parham.

Colorado: Platte Canyon School Board members survive vote

Board President Chet Lawrence and Board Member Jon DeStefano survived the recall vote, both at 65-34%.

14 Recalls on Election Day; Several jurisdictions look to change their recall law

Edit: I added another recall in Arkansas:

While the Presidency/Senate/Marijuana legalization/Plastic Bags Bans votes may be top of mind on Election Day, we still have a number of recalls going on. By my count, there are 14 (edit added) recalls today, plus five others later in the month. There are also a few jurisdictions looking to edit their recall ordinances, though I don't see anyone voting on whether to adopt a new recall law.

There is every chance I'm missing some key recalls today -- it always happens. In 2011, there were 30. In 2012, we had 22 recalls on Election Day. In 2014 we had 31. What explains the drop-off? Probably Michigan. I only see two Michigan recalls on ballot here. In 2014, 26 of the 31 recalls were in Michigan.

Two other events of interest:

In Wisconsin, State Senator Jennifer Shilling is facing ex-State Senator Dan Kapanke. This is a re-run of the 2011 recall, where Shilling knocked out Kapanke.

In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, there has been a debate over whether signatures can be collected 100 feet from the polling place. The AG is stating that petitioners have to be 600 feet away, making their jobs much harder.

Arkansas:
Earle Mayor

Hartford Mayor

Humphrey Mayor

Hughes Mayor

California:

Calaveras County Supervisor

Colorado:
Platte County -- Two School Board Members

Kansas:

Franklin County Commissioner

Minneapolis Mayor

Michigan:
Lowell Mayor

New Buffalo Mayor

Nebraska:

Hitchcock County Assessor

North Carolina:

Tobaccoville Mayor

Texas:

Windcrest Mayor Pro Tem


Maine:

Two Peru Selectmen (on November 18)

Wisconsin:

Three Paris Councilmembers (November 22)

Changes to recall law:
California: San Diego 


Connecticut: Westerly

Texas: Bastrop

California: Yorba Linda Water District recall up for a vote today

Board members Robert Kiley and Gary Melton are facing votes today after petitioners handed in over 9,520 valid signatures. The issue was a $25-a-month increase to a basic service charge following the state mandated water conservation efforts.

North Carolina: Tobaccoville Recall set for Election Day

Months after the state signed the recall law into force, Mayor Billy McHone is facing a recall vote. Petitioners handed in 441 signatures, they got 369 and needed 343. McHone resigned from office in January and changed his mind within the day. The issue seemed to be an ordinance that restricted firearms within 1000 feet of an occupied building and banning the use of high velocity targets.

McHone claims the real debate is over his budget policy. He's been mayor for 6 years.

Oregon: Klamath Irrigation Board member survives recall

Grant Knoll survived the recall vote 84-16. He joins fellow member Ken Smith, who beat back a recall vote last month. The board chairman Brent Cheyne lost his seat in the same recall.

Arkansas: Judge reverses ruling, votes will be counted in Hughes Mayor recall

The recall vote against Hughes Mayor Grady Collum is back on, after a judge reversed her ruling stating that any votes in the recall would not be counted. The issue seems to be the dismissal of the entire police force and the hiring of a replacement chief without any explanation. There are allegations of racism in the dismissal and the mayor did call the police on officers asking questions about the firings.

Maine: Litchfield Selectman facing recall effort

Selectman Timothy Lachapelle is facing signatures after accusing local officials of misconduct. 213 signatures were certified, petitioners need 172.

Colorado: Two members of Basalt Town Council facing recall threat

Councilwomen Jennifer Riffle and Katie Schwoerer are facing recall threats over allegations that they are lobbying altering marijuana regulations. The claim is an open meeting violation. They need 274 signatures (24% of turnouts).

Arkansas: Judge orders recall effort against Hughes Mayor not counted

The recall against Mayor Grady Collum has been held up by a judge, who has ruled that the petition wasn't certified in a timely manner. The petition was filed 90 days before the election -- it has to be 91 to 105 days before.

Louisiana: Registrar in recall against Jefferson Parish President looking to recuse self; Board agrees on 100 foot limit from polls for signature gathering

This is for the recall against Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni. The recusal is over claims of bias.

Venezuela: Election Commission Halts recall attempt, country facing convulsions

Here and Here

Illinois: Activists call for recall law passage

Activists noting the second anniversary of the shooting of Laquan McDonald have called for passage of recall law sponsored by State Representative Ken Dunkin. The recall law is specifically targets the Chicago Mayor, and goes after no other official. 

New York: Indictment of Nassau County Executive leads to new calls for recall law

The indictment of Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano (R) has led to new calls for a recall law in the state. The state Senate passed a recall law, though it would be a malfeasance standard/for cause/judicial recall law, requiring felony charges or misdemeanor conviction to get the recall started. The law was sponsored by Senator Sue Serino, though it is a "one-house turkey" in the Albany parlance -- no bill has even been sponsored in the Assembly.

The law would require signatures of 20% of turnout for state legislators, 30% for local officials and 15% in each congressional district for statewide officials. Petitioners would have 180 days to gather the signatures.

Wisconsin: Calls for recall effort against Milwaukee Sheriff

Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke (D), who has called for "pitchforks and torches" in his advocacy of Republican nominee Donald Trump, has faced calls for a recall, though nothing serious yet. Petitioners would need 92,032 signatures to get on the ballot.

Myanmar: MPs discuss adopting recall law

Here

Arkansas: Humphrey Mayor recall on Election Day Ballot

Mayor Rodney Harrison is facing a recall vote on November 8. The article doesn't note the reasons for the recall.

Michigan: Ontwa Township Supervisor who won seat in recall two years ago not seeking reelection

Supervisor John Bossler is not seeking reelection to the seat he won two years ago, ousting Supervisor John Breilmaier.

Louisiana: State Rep discusses changing recall law to turnout from registered voters

Here

Maine: Public Hearing set for two Peru Selectmen recalls

Selectman Wendy Henderson and John Witherell are facing set to face a recall vote on November 18. Petitioners handed in 107 signatures to get it on the ballot.

California: Recall effort against Yorba Linda Water District Board of Directors leads to angry confrontations

Bob Kiley and Gary Melton are up for recall and others are facing a regular vote in a tense fight over high rates and government waste.

California: San Diego voting on recall law

Here

Nigeria: Bauchi Senator facing recall effort

Baluchi South Senator Ali Wakili is facing a recall threat by five political associations over a claimed failure to meet expected representations and establish offices in his senatorial zone. The recall cited Article 69 of the 1999 Constitution, Chapter V, Part 1(C).

Rhode Island: Petitioners against Providence City Councilor claims slowdown effort

Petitioners have handed in 360 signatures City Councilor Kevin Jackson and claim that Jackson is trying to slowdown the recall effort. Jackson was arrested on charges of embezzling more than $127,000 from a youth sports organization.

California: Antioch School Board Trustee facing recall petitions

Board Member Debra Vinson was served over alleged mistreatment of a school employee, with the employee and the union asking for an apology.

Michigan: Houghton Lake Community School Board Member facing May 2 recall

School Board Member Kevin Nagel will be facing a recall vote on May 2, 2017. The issue was an open meeting law violation by voting to hire a private investigator to investigate an employee. There were also recalls outstanding against Board President Kelly Christian and Treasurer Mark Souder.

Kansas: Minneapolis Mayor facing recall on Election Day

Mayor Ryan White is facing a November 8 recall vote over claims that he failed to perform his duties. Petitioners handed in 251 valid signatures. They were needed 243. White claims that the recall is over his decision to not reappoint the City Clerk.

Missouri: Lee's Summit City Council member facing recall petitions

Council member Chris Moreno is facing petitions over claims of voter intimidation and misconduct, including complaints over  Target's transgender bathroom, as well as lawsuits against a council member calling for her resignation following illegal bids and a bankruptcy filing.

Petitioners need 522 signatures in 60 days.

Florida: Bradenton City Council recall effort fails

The move to recall three city council members, Patrick Roff, Gene Brown and Bemis Smith, has floundered. The issue was the council's decision to relocate Glazier-Gates Park for development. The committee was called Recall Them All, but three council members are up for reelection so they couldn't face a recall. The drive couldn't not get the first set of signatures. It would have needed 4500 signatures (15% of registereds) in 60 days.

Missouri: Columbia Councilwoman who faced unsuccessful recall effort not seeking reelection

The recall against Laura Nauser never got on the ballot.

Canada: Op-ed calling for recall in Canada

Here's a piece in the Toronto Sun, noting that British Columbia adopted the law in 1991 with 81% in favor. There have been 26 attempts, all failed. Two MLA's resigned in the face of a recall, including Premier Gordon Campbell.

Louisiana: Lawsuit over Jefferson Parish President recall effort tries to overturn 600 feet ban from voting sites

The effort to get a recall on the ballot against Mike Yenni over improper texts to a 17 year old high school student has a new wrinkle, as petitioners are suing to overturn a Louisiana law banning any signature gathering within 600 feet of a voting site. The recall petitioners want to be able to get as close as 100 feet to get signatures to get the recall on the ballot. The group need 90,527 valid signatures by mid-April, and Election Day does seem to be the best moment for gathering.

The lawsuit seems heavy on the invective calling Yenni "an admitted child pedophile and open homosexual while being married with children."

Wisconsin: Paris Town Board facing November 22 recall

The recalls against Chairman Virgil Gentz and Supervisors Ronald Kammerzelt and Kenneth Monson have been scheduled for November 22. The vote is over the transfer of land from Paris to another city.

New Mexico: Las Vegas mayor facing petitions

Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron is facing a recall effort, with petitioners needing at least 920 signatures (25% of turnout). The leader of the effort is a former campaign volunteer for Gurule-Giron. The petitioners are claiming that she lost moer than $4 million from stopped water projects, terminate employees without explanation and refused to protect animals.

Pennsylvania: West York Mayor's racists and anti-Clinton posts led to calls for ouster

West York Mayor Charles Wasko is very active on Facebook, and not in a good way. This article notes that only two states (Utah and Mississippi) have less ability than Pennsylvania to remove recalcitrant elected officials.

This article notes that there were 22 attempts to add a local recall law to Pennsylvania
s constitution since 1979.

Rhode Island: Providence Councilman challenges recall signatures

Councilman Kevin Jackson, who was indicted on charges that he embezzled $127,000 from a youth track and field team, is appealing the signatures in the first stage of the recall petition against him. Petitioners handed in 360 signatures, they need 300. At this point, they would need 20% of registered voters (about 2000) signatures in 120 days.

Maine: Two Peru Selectmen facing November 18 vote

Chairwoman Wendy Henderson and Vice Chairman John Witherell are up for recall on November 18, though there is still debate on the validity of the signatures. Some residents claim that a witness wasn't present at the signing, though that may not be a requirement.

Michigan: Flint Councilman targeted in recall effort

Councilman Scott Kincaid is facing petitions after the council tabled three resolutions by Mayor Karen Weaver in an attempt to teach her a lesson, though there are questions as to whether he can be recalled (his term ends in 2017). Kincaid has been in office for 31 years.

Oregon: Portland Commissioner facing petitions over new police contract

The group "Don't Shoot Portland" is now trying to recall Commissioner Nick Fish, changing its focus from Commissioner Amanda Fritz (who starts a new term on January 1), The group would need about 36,000 signatures in 90 days. The issue is a new police contract.

Oregon: Klamath Irrigation District removes Board President, retains 1

The unofficial vote is in for the Klamath Irrigation District, as Board President Bret Cheyne lost his seat 89-77. A second board member, Ken Smith survived 52-51, with one absentee ballot outstanding (the ballot was unsigned). From the article, it is not clear what a yes would mean. The recall was over alleged poor performance.

A third member, Grant Knoll, will face a recall on November 7.

California: Petitions printed against San Francisco Mayor

While not many are giving the effort a chance to succeed, signature gathering has started against San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. Petitioners would need about 47,000 signatures.

Louisiana: Failed effort against St. Tammany Parish Coroner leads to calls for recall reform law

A State Representative Paul Hollis (R) has a study looking at how the recall law should be changed. Louisiana has arguably the most restrictive recall law in the country (among states with a political recall law).

Here's an editorial by Representative Hollis on the subject.

Tennessee: Rutherford County Sheriff indictment leads to calls for recall law

The indictment and arrest of Sheriff Robert Arnold over allegations that he profited from the sale of JailCigs has led to calls for a recall law.

Maine: Litchfield voters approve recall ordinance

There was little discussion of the ordinance at the special town meeting. Voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal (there seemed to be one opposed vote) -- the provision was the one put forward by the selectmen -- and rejected the original provision (as discussed here).

Arkansas: Hartford Mayor facing recall in November

Mayor James Baker is facing a recall vote in November. Petitioners handed in over 100 signatures (including four city council members), They needed 40. The issues seem to be over hiring policies and a vote to move City Hall.

Louisiana: Jefferson Parish President under recall fire over sexts to HS student

Parish President Mike Yenni has refused to step down after sexts to a 17 year-old high school student. The age of consent is 17 in Louisiana, but there's now federal questions about sexts to an under 18 year old.

Petitioners would need 90.157 signatures in 180 days to get the recall on the ballot.

Kansas: Leavenworth County Commission Chairman facing petitions

Leavenworth County Commission Chairman Bob Holland (R) is facing a recall effort over what he claims is his problems with the county treasurer Janice Parys, who was connections to the recall leaders. Three members of the Commission had to sign a consent order agreement with the state's AG over their violations of open meetings law. Holland claims that he was following instructions from county Counselor David Van Parys (the treasurer's husband).

Petitioners need 2012 signatures by early January.

South Dakota: Nisland Board Chairman facing recall effort

Chairman Harold Gray is facing a recall effort, though the board seems to be holding up any approval. I've yet to find any article explaining this recall.

Nevada: North Las Vegas Municipal Judge still on the bench, Supreme Court still not coming down with a decision on recall law

Long after the signatures were handed in against North Las Vegas Municipal Judge Catherine Ramsey, the Nevada Supreme Court still hasn't ruled on whether judges in Nevada can face recalls and it seems that it very intentional -- and for reasons that are unclear (I'm guessing they don't want judges to have a recalls put against them -- does anyone have another reason?).

Ramsey signed a discipline agreement but she has not sent apology letters nor fulfilled the rest of her agreement.

Particularly noteworthy is this paragraph:

Nevada Supreme Court spokesman Michael Sommermeyer said he hoped last month’s sanctions against Ramsey would squash any initiatives to recall her.
With less than four months left on her term when factoring in the upcoming suspension, Ramsey is “essentially finished,” Sommermeyer said. To recall her now, opponents would have to refile a court order and recollect the necessary signatures to proceed.
“There wouldn’t be anything like that,” Sommermeyer said. “All we did was close the case after we accepted this agreement.”

Virginia: Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk recall before a judge

The recall effort against Clerk Erica Williams (D) over the dismissal of four deputy clerk is set for a hearing before a retired judge. This is not the actual recall trial, just the first stage.

Oklahoma: Healdton puts recall on the ballot

After two failed attempts to schedule a recall against Councilmembers Treva Gaga and Linda Hill, the council has finally put the recall on the February 14, 2017 ballot. Interestingly, the charter requires a special election in 30 days, but state law no longer allows special elections.

There is now a recall effort going against Councilman Manuel Davila as well for opposing putting the recall on the ballot.

Maryland: Taneytown looking to adopt a recall law

This will be on the ballot 

Maine: Litchfield to vote on recall election ordinance on October 11 town meeting

There are two ordinances -- one is from a petition with 257 signatures, the other is by the selectmen. Both requires 10 percent of turnout from the gubernatorial election. The selectmen's proposal includes a three month waiting period at the start of the term, and a six month grace period after a recall is held.

Louisiana: Mansfield recall effort validated by AG's office

The recall against Alderman Mitch Lewis is moving forward. Petitioners turned in 327 signatures, then got 316. They needed 296. Lewis has been an Alderman since 1989. There's another recall effort against Mayor Curtis McCoy.

Texas: Bastrop to vote on whether to lower signature requirement for recall

Here

Wisconsin: Supreme Court turns down hearing appeal in John Doe investigation

Here -- the investigation was about whether Walker's recall defense effort was too closely coordinated with the Wisconsin Club for Growth

Colorado: Basalt Town Council member facing recall threats

Councilwoman  Jennifer Riffle is facing a demand that she resign by fellow councilman Mark Kittle over allegations that she lied in an email to Kittle and other council members as to whether the Police Chief was against making it easier to sell marijuana. The recall effort couldn't be started until mid-October.

Michigan: Ontwa Township Clerk who won recall in 2014 ousted

Teri McNaughton, who won office in the 2014 recall of Paula Ralph over the opposition to a wastewater plant, lost her seat.

Georgia: Judge stops Grovetown councilman recall

No big surprise, as a judge rejected the recall effort against Councilman Dennis Trudeau. The issue was that he is the step-father of the city clerk who is facing a federal investigation into water bills. Georgia requires a judicial recall/malfeasance standard "for cause" showing, and this wasn't enough to meet it.

Louisiana: Monroe School Board pushed to resign, discussion of recall

Monroe School Board Brenda Shelling is facing a push to resign after she has been accused of making racists comments about white people and anti-gay comments, with a discussion of threats of a recall.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation ousts board secretary

Secretary David Close was removed as Board of Trustee Secretary 312-257, over allegations of following procedure, elder abuse and abuse of positions.

California: Oakland Mayor recall not gaining traction

Here's a piece on the recall effort against Libby Schaaf, which mentions the frequent efforts against Oakland mayors.

California: San Diego Measure E on the ballot

This will allow the City Council (by 3/4ths vote) to get a recall on the ballot for a conviction for felony, civil fraud or a court declaration.

Texas: El Paso Bishop upset about payment to mayor over recall effort

Here's a discussion of a letter to the editor written by Bishop Tom Brown over the $418,750 that the Word of Life Church had to pay former Mayor John Cook over the recall effort in 2011.

Rhode Island: Providence Councilman facing recall attempt

Councilman Kevin Jackson, who is charged with embezzling over $127,000 from a youth sports team and violating campaign finance laws, is facing a recall effort. He was previously the majority leader of the council. Petitioners handed in 388 signatures. They need 300 signatures. If those are certified, petitioners will hten have 120 days to get about 2000 signatures (20% of registereds) to get on the ballot. The vote will be a two stage/two day process (a recall vote and then a special election replacement later).

Connecticut: Westerly Charter Commission recommends recall law

Westerly voters will have a recall law up for vote as a charter amendment in November.

Requries 35% of registered voters to sign, and needs a supermajority of 2/3rds of the vote to succeeded. A separate provision would ban recalled and removed officials from holding elected or appointed office for two years after the recall (or resignation).

Michigan; New Buffalo Mayor facing November 8 recall

Mayor Lou O'Donnell is facing a recall over his vote to allow the city manager to sue the planning commission. The lead petitioner, Ray Kirkus, will be running against the mayor. Petitioner needed 159 signatures to get on the ballot.

Venezuela: Opposition promises to keep push recall effort

Here

Texas: Court rejects attempt to stop Windcrest Council recall

Here

Oregon: Third Klamath Irrigation District Board member on the ballot

The effort against director Grant Knoll succeeded. 16 signatures were handed in -- petitioners needed 15. Board Chairman Brent Cheyne and director Ken Smith are also facing recall votes.

New Jersey: Bayonne Mayor recall fails

No signatures were handed in for the recall of Mayor Jimmy Davis -- petitioners needed 8178 by September 26.

Massachuetts: Court tosses out attempt to restart Lawrence Mayor recall

The effort to revive the recall effort against Mayor Daniel Rivera was reject by a Superior Court Judge, as he held that the 665 signatures that were tossed out were invalid. Since the mayor can't be recalled next year (last year of his term), it seems the recall effort is dead.

Florida: Bradenton Council facing recall effort

The relocation of Glazier-Gates Park is leading to threats for a recall against Councilmembers Patrick Roff, Gene Brown and Bemis Smith (the mayor and two other councilmembers are up for reelection). Smith actually opposed the project. Manatee County Commissioner Charles Smith has given the recall a "boost."

Petitioners would need 1517 valid signatures (5% of registered voters) for the first stage -- which would have to be completed by the end of Ofctober. Then petitioners would need 4500 signatures in 60 days (15% of registereds). They also need to hit malfeasance standard, so it seems unlikely that it would meet that standard.

Massachusetts: Petitions handed in for Shirley Selectmen recall

Petitions were handed in against Selectmen Kendra Dumont and Robert Prescott -- several hundred were handed in and petitions have more time to collect. The issue is the granting of better health insurance instead of a raise for the Town Administrator after the town meeting voted down the raise.

California: Salinas women pleads guilty to signature fraud

A Salinas women, Maria Del Toro, who was hired to help get a recall against Salinas School Board member Janet Barnes on the ballot in 2014 has plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of filing false signatures (she got 397 signatures and was paid $1900). The recall was not successful. Del Toro got three years probation, 40 days in county jail and had to repay the money.

Maine: Bar HArbor recall amendment rejected by council

The City Council unanimously rejected a proposed recall amendment proposed by a resident.

California: Union Tribune recommends vote for San Diego's Measure E

Measure E allows the City Council to initiate a recall if three-quarters of the council wants to put it on the ballot. They also will have officials removed if they are found to be incapacitated, liable for fraud or convicted of a felony.

Colorado: Castle Rock pushes forward ordinance for recall reimbusement

Here

Oklahoma: Healdton City Council recall expected to pass on Thursday

The council has rejected the first two attempts to get a recall against city council members Treva Gage and Linda Hill on the ballot, but the city attorney expects the council to pass it this week.

Colorado: Sedgwick County Sheriff facing petitions

Sheriff Thomas Hanna is facing petitions after his arrest for misconduct including felony offenses and sexual conduct on an inmate and soliciting prostitution. Petitioners need at least 300 signatures. The recall can not get on the ballot for the November election.

Venezuela: National Electoral Council continues to hold up recall effort

The National Electoral Council held that a recall against President Nicolas Maduro wouldn't be held until 2017, which would prevent a replacement candidate from being chosen (the Vice President would automatically take the position).  They are also requiring that the four million signatures be gathered over 3 days in October. 

Wisconsin: Green Bay Mayor facing recall threats from councilman following campaign finance violation plea

Here

Louisiana: Jefferson Parish President recall effort not allowed to set up petitions closer than 600 feet from polling place

The effort to recall Parish President Mike Yenni faced a blow, as a judge (and the attorney general) refused to allow petitioners to go up to 100 feet from polling places to get signatures. The petitioners claim that the rules preventing signature gathering anywhere closer than  600 feet from the polls was ruled unconstitutional in 1995. The case will not be heard until next week.

Petitioners need 90,000 signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

Oklahoma: Another Healdton recall threatened

Healdton Councilman Manuel Dovilla, who opposed the recall election of two fellow councilmembers Linda Hill and Treva Gage, is now facing a potential recall himself over his no vote. Unlike in California, there does not appear to be a procedure that would require the election commission or city clerk to put the recall on the ballot. Dovilla's vote has held up the recall effort that is by law suppose to be on the ballot. Petitioners would need 110 signatures.

California: Paradise Irrigation District recall set for January 24

The recall against directors Larry Duncan and Sep Carola will be by mail-in ballot.

Georgia: Petition turned in against Grovetown Councilman

Petitions were resubmitted against Councilman Dennis Trudeau over the firing of the police chief and an investigation of his step-daughter, the former city clerk. The first petitions were rejected because they didn't have enough signatures. Petitioners would need 1369 signatures to get on the ballot.

Arkansas: Hughes Mayor sues to try and stop November recall vote

Hughes Mayor Grady Collum has filed suit to prevent a recall being put on the November ballot. Collum (elected in 2014)  is arguing that the petitions weren't filed in a timely manner.

The issue seems to be the hiring and firing of police, with a racial component thrown in.

California: Effort underway to recall Oakland Mayor

Petitions have been taken out against Mayor Libby Scaaf by the Anti Police-Terror Project, who are upset about the scandals involving the police department. Despite the group's name, they have used the kitchen sink approach in listing reasons for the recall.

Petitioners would need 33,000 signatures.

Colorado: Castle Rock Council recall withdrawn

Following Mayor Paul Donahue's surviving a recall with over 70% of the vote, petitioners have withdrawn the recall effort against Councilmember Renee Valentine, though they had the signatures. That is definitely an unusual occurrence at this late stage.

Colorado: Initial effort for Platte Canyon School Board recall falls short against three members due to withdrawn signatures

Petitions against School Board members Chet Lawrence, Katie Spodyak, Katy Davis, Susan Carpenter and John DeStefano failed after 177 were withdrawn. Petitioners needed 646 for each. Two of the members (Lawrence and DeStefano) have enough signature to at least review. The others went under the 646 amount. However, petitioners now have a 15 day period to collect the additional signatures.

The issue is poor ACT scores, poor management and water quality issues.

Venezuela: Opposition protests calling for speedier recall vote

Here

Colorado:Drive against Custer County Commissioner fails

Petitions were not handed in against County Commissioner Bob Kattnig -- petitioners needed 490 valids. The issue was unpreparedness, misogynistic behavior and the fact that he only owns 20 acres of land and therefore is not a "rancher."

Florida: City Manager firing leads to talk of recall in Winter Haven

The firing of a city manager has led to a Facebook push by to recall Commissioner William Twyford (who won last year by 20 votes in a runoff). Twyford is seen as leading the ouster effort. The recall effort is being pushed by former City Commissioner Jamie Beckett.

Texas: Rio Bravo Mayor ordered to move forward by Judge

A district court judge has ordered a recall against Mayor Francisco Pena to be put on the November ballot after Pena had claimed that petitioners did not have the 170 valid signatures (petitioners handed in 260 total).

The recall is about Pena does not meet the city's residency requirements.

Non Recall op-ed on non-moderated debates

I wrote this for CNBC

Michigan: Resignation of school board members ends recall effort in Croswell-Lexington School Board

Following the resignation of three school board members, two of whom, VP Linda France and Laurie Ebner, were facing petitions; recall efforts have been cancelled against two of the remaining members, Treasurer Lyle Clarkson and trustee Katie Gordon. A clarity hearing was already scheduled.

The recall effort was over the resignation of principals and paying $800,000 to former administrators.

Wisconsin: John Doe investigation documents leaked, show fundraising efforts, and early attempt to tarnish effort with voter fraud claims

The Guardian has a detailed look at the new documents leaked from the John Doe investigation into Scott Walker's recall effort. While it is an interesting read, anyone who have followed American politics for the last decade or hey, the last century shouldn't be that surprised in how the fundraising efforts went about

However, Rick Hasen at the Election Law Blog notes one specific email, where "a Republican operative" suggests "messaging 'widespread reports of election fraud' so we are positively set up for the recount regardless of the final number."

Longtime readers, if any, of this blog may remember that this early push on election fraud claims definitely happened in a very specific way:

Here is Scott Walker claiming that he needs over 53% of the vote because voter fraud is going to claim 1-2% of the vote.

Here's RNC Chair Reince Priebus backing up the same voter fraud claim.

Here's future state House Speaker Robin Vos claiming that the Republican's loss in a Wisconsin Senate recall race was partly due to fraud.