Michigan: Gubernatorial recall approved by Court of Appeals

The Michigan Court of Appeals approved six petitions for the recall of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). Petitioners would need almost 1.1 million signatures in 60 days. Since Michigan has a one year grace period (no recall in the last year of the term) and the recalls must take place on the same date as a regularly scheduled election, petitioners must get this in by July 30 to get on the November 2021 ballot.

West Virginia: Clarksburg voting on potential recall law

Clarksburg is voting on an amendment allowing for the initiative, referendum and recall in the city. The recall would need 20 percent of registered voters to get on the ballot. 

California: Two Vernon City Councilmembers facing recall votes

Vernon City Councilmembers Diana Gonzales and Carol Menke is facing a recall election scheduled for June 1. The recall effort is over support for a solar and wind project that is proposed by a developer who is accused of stealing $20 million from City Industry , though Gonzales and Menke claim that it is about their challenges to an attempt to put family members of Mayor Leticia Lopez's in city-owned housing. Vernon is similar to the City of Industry and Bell -- a city with only 112 people which has faced threats of disestablishment.

California: 37 candidates file for gubernatorial replacement race

The recall against California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) may still be waiting for the next steps, but 37 candidates have apparently filed to run in the replacement. Former Menlo Park Mayor Mickie Winkler has now announced that she will run.

California: Sports Betting Initiative seems to be pushed off till 2022

There has been discussion that the Sports Betting initiative, which has gotten enough signatures to go to a vote, could be on the same ballot as the gubernatorial recall. The latest post from the Secretary of State suggests that it will be pushed off till 2022. 

Virginia: Six Loudon School Board members facing recall efforts

Six Loudon School Board Members, Brenda Sheridan, Atoosa Reeser, Beth Barts, Leslee King, Denise Corbo and Ian Serotkin, are facing recall efforts over complaints about alleged inappropriate reading materials in the school. The petitioners claim they are fighting against "Critical Race Theory." The recall petitions seem to have been focused on complaining about school closing to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Petitioners need between 850 to 11,600 signatures to get on the ballot. Loudon has faced discussions about recalls in recent years as Virginia is one of the most prominent states to move politically. Last year, Loudon County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall  is facing recall threats from the Young Republicans over her participation in a recent rally against police violence. The Young Republicans statement includes a reference to a violation of the 14th Amendment. 

If a recall got on the ballot, it would presumably covered by the state's Recall Trial law.

Oregon: Petitioners 61 signatures short in Ontario City Councilor recall effort

Petitioners seeking the recall of Ontario City Councilmember Freddy Rodriguez are 61 signatures short. They handed in 529 signatures and 96 were rejected.  They need 493 valids. They have until June 7 to get the full amount in there. 

The article doesn't mention the reason for the recall, though there was an earlier effort filed against Rodriguez over a kitchen sink of complaints, including that he has a restraining order against him. 

Michigan: Judge rejected appeal of Shepherd School Board Trustee looking to toss out petitions

A judge has rejected an attempt to have the recall petitions against Shepherd School Board Trustee Matthew Showalter thrown out. Showalter is accused of disparaging the name of an opponent's junior varsity football team's player. Showalter apologized for the comment and stepped down as Vice Chair, though has remained on the school board. The appeal asked the judge to require the commission to hear arguments that the petitioner didn't hear the comments. The petition was originally rejected due to a wrong date. Petitioners need 1487 signatures by July 30.

Ohio: Supreme Court stops June 1 Newton Falls Recall (Updated with suggestion that recall must be set by July 8)

The Ohio Supreme Court has stopped the June 1 recall election of Newton Falls Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D), holding that the city council did not have enough votes to legally schedule the election. It is now unclear whether the recall can go forward. This might be one of these election laws that prevent elections. 

Update: This article suggest that the date must be set by July 8. 

The recall was scheduled for June 1, with a 2-1-1 vote with Breymaier abstaining.

In one of the previous failures, Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected). A different councilmember (who opposed the recall effort) resigned.

A previous attempt to set the May 25 election date has been rejected by the County Board of Elections because three members walked out, depriving the council of a quorum. 

There was part of a previous crazy scheduling event here, as the Newton Falls City Council scheduled the recall of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) for May 25, 2021. Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected).

The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Kline is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort.  

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall.

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Should the Democrats push for an earlier recall?; New Polls!; State Union not on Newsom's side

State Senator Steve Glazer (D) suggests that the Democrats should try to get the recall done early, as the numbers favor Newsom. I throw some cold water on this idea (and maybe will write an op-ed). Newsom's big money advantage is still to come -- why not extend the air war as long as possible.

Polls! Public Policy Institute issues one and once again, it is still the same, with Newsom leading 57-40%.

Richard Louis Brown, the new President-elect of Service Employees International Union Local 1000, California's largest state employee union, said that the union won't back Newsom in the recall after union contract concessions fueled his victory (specifically, Brown said that "we're going to run his ass out of office"). The union board still has to vote on that.

An illustrated guide to the Newsom recall

Arizona: State Representative files cease and desist order against recall effort

State Representative Mark Finchem (R) has sent a cease and desist order to the group looking to launch a recall against Finchem over his alleged support for the Capitol Hill riots on January 6th and the attempted overthrow of the presidential election. Finchem is alleging that the group is defaming him, presumably by running a recall effort. Finchem is running for Secretary of State, where he would be in charge of elections. 

The effort had been facing questions after the Chair of the Casa Grande Democrats, Ralph Atchue stepped back from the effort to let professionals run it. Representative Athena Salman (D) has also introduced a resolution to expel Finchem. Finchem accepted more than $6000 from Trump in Recount legal consulting. After facing an ethics complaint, Finchem filed ethic complaints against nearly all Democrats in the state legislature, which went nowhere. 

Petitioners would need 24,774 signatures in 120 days. 

California: Los Angeles Sheriff signs Los Angeles District Attorney recall petition

Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva was one of the first signatures for the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. Signatures gathering was approved with petitioners having until October 27 to get 579,062 signatures. The recall is led by victims' rights groups and others over Gascon's criminal justice reform plans, including freeing bail; ending cash bail and other efforts. 

800 volunteers have joined the signature gathering effort, with anther 100 paid workers.

Oregon: Federal case looks at whether Oregon's 90-day signature gathering limit is unconstitutional (under state law)

A Federal Judge in Oregon is hearing arguments as to whether Oregon's 90-day signature gathering limit for recalls is unconstitutional. The 1908 state constitution provision sets no time limit. A 1933 statute adopted the 90 day limit. The question is whether the Constitutional provision should require no limit (Alaska is one state that has no limit for signature gathering).

The suit is filed by the petitioners who gathered signatures for the successful recall of Oregon City Mayor Dan Holladay in November. Though they won the recall, they are still pushing the case. 

California: Sonoma District Attorney recall set for September 14

The recall against Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch has been set for September 14. 

The recall effort is led by the owner of two senior care homes where 20 residents were abandoned in a fire when staff fled. The Oakmont Senior Living company settled for $500,000. The petition attacks Ravitch for ignoring fire safety issues. Ravitch has already announced that she is not running for reelection.

There was significant spending issue in the recall effort. Developer Bill Gallagher and his daughter are reported to have spent almost $800,000 on the recall effort, which is way over the county's limit of $3350 for individual contributions (there is no limit for a state recall effort, but county's are able to put forward their own limit). Gallagher's lawyer claims the law is unconstitutional and has said that such laws have been struck down in other jurisdictions in the state. The latest article does not mention this, so it is possible Ravitch will not sue to stop the recall on these grounds.

Petitions have met the signature requirements, handling in over 43,000 signatures. 32,128 were validated, and they needed 30,056. The recall is estimated to cost between $600,000-$900,000 and they are discussing a September 14 date. 

California: Second petition against Hollister Mayor fails

A recall effort against Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez has been rejected twice, with the petitioners blaming the City Clerk of obstructionist tactics, though the Clerk notes that the petitioners did not fill out the form properly (including writing the incorrect elections code number). Petitioners need 4389 signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

The recall issue cited by petitioners is vague, but Velazquez says the recall proponents are "anti-maskers" and are opposed to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Washington: Petitions taken out against Kent School Board members

Four Kent School Board members, Leslie Hamada, Michele Bettinger, Denise Daniels and Maya Vengadasalam were targeted with recall petitions, though the petitions against Daniels or Vengadasalam were tossed out because it is within the six month grace period before the next election (neither are running for reelection).

The lead petitioner Bryon Madsen, lost to Daniels in 2017 and is running for her seat.  

The fifth board member (Joe Bento) was appointed last year and is running unopposed. 

The petitions seem to be focused on a Superintendent no confidence vote from the education association (I'm actually not sure who passed the no confidence vote) and a host of other complaints. 

Petitioners would need 10,991 signatures for Bettinger and 8802 for Hamada. They have 180 days to get the signature.

Maine: Bangor School Board member facing petitions after stalking arrest

Bangor School Board Member John Hiatt is facing recall efforts over his arrest on charges of harassment and stalking (Hiatt claims that he is innocent and apparently blames autism). Hiatt also serves as treasurer of Penobscot County, but there are no county recall laws.

Hiatt was originally the Republican state Senate candidate, but was replaced by Sean Hinkley, who is now the leader of the recall effort is Sean Hinkley (Hinkley lost the race to the Democratic candidate). Hinkey needs signatures from 10% of registereds in 30 days (though he first needs to get 100 signatures to get the additional petitions).

Michigan: Grand Blanc School Board member facing recall threats over alleged QAnon Conspiracy support

Grand Blanc School Board member Amy Facchinello is facing recall efforts over allegations that she is a QAnon Conspiracy supporter. The recall campaign seems like it can't start till August. 

California: Newsom Recall Round-up

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer appears -- seems to be focused on a campaign message of tax cuts and end of one party rule

California's economy seems to be going in the right direction for Newsom, with the state regaining half of the jobs lost in the pandemic

More from Liz Mair on how Scott Walker beat the recall effort

A look at some demographic breakdown 

California: Infighting hits in two separate San Francisco District Attorney recall efforts

New reports are claiming infighting has impacted the San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. There are two recall efforts has been launched against San Francisco District Attorney  in his recall fight. 

The recall is over complaints over lenient treatment of criminals. Recall efforts kicked into high gear after a convict who was arrested on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and violating probation was released without bail and then ran over two women while running a red light. 

Petitioners have until August 11 to around 51,325.  

California: Recall effort started against Alameda County District Attorney

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley is facing a recall effort over the decision to not prosecute a BART officer who knelt on Oscar Grant III prior to his shooting death by a different officer. The story doesn't say how many signatures would be needed, but based on registration totals, I would guess about over 96,000.

O'Malley announced this week that she will not seek reelection in 2023. 

California: Windsor Mayor resigns over sex assault allegations

Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli has resigned in the face of a recall effort against him after nine different women, including a current councilwoman, accused him of sexual assault. Eight of nine Sonoma County Mayors called for Foppoli's resignation. 

Windsor Town Council voted to 2-1 calling for Foppoli to quit.

California: San Dieguito High School Board Trustee facing petitions

San Dieguito High School Board Trustee Michael Allman is facing petitions over a Facebook Group he ran where he criticized schools and teachers over their opposition to reopenings during the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners would need over 5000 signatures to get on the ballot. 

California: Newsom Recall Round-up --- Netflix $3M donation; Resignation of key Recall Proponent; Newsom's taxes

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has ponied up $3M for Newsom's campaign -- expect many more of these stories

Randy Economy, the official media spokesman for the recall campaign, is resigning. Politico notes that he was seen as a loose cannon.

Newsom opened up his taxes -- for 90 minutes. Politico brought tax papers to copy it all down.

Article by GOP Strategist Liz Mair comparing polls between Davis and Newsom to show Newsom's vulnerability.

UK: Conservative MPs facing potential recall elections

Conservative MP Rob Roberts is expected to be found to have violated the sexual harassment code of conduct, which could get lead to a recall effort.

California: More on the Shasta County Recall effort

Here and here

Nebraska: Petitions filed against Fremont City Councilman

Petitions have been taken out against Fremont City Councilman Mark Legband. The listed reasons are very generic (though there is a claim of being disrespectful). Hopefully we'll see more in the future. Petitioners need 574 signatures in 30 days.

New Mexico: Las Vegas mayor who resigned after multiple recall threats convicted in bid-rigging case

An update here, as Las Vegas, New Mexico Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron, who has faced two failed recall attempts in the past and resigned, was just convicted of bid-rigging and abuse of power. Giron was facing recalls and other removal threats after being indicted on bribery and kickback charges. 

California: Second petition filed against Santa Monica-Malibu School District member

A new petition has been taken out against Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board members Laurie Lieberman. There had previously been a recall filed against Lieberman and three other board members Maria Leon-Vasquez, Jon Kean and Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein over a kitchen sink group of complaints about performance. 

California: Petitions approved in L.A. County District Attorney recall effort

Signatures gathering has been approved against Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, with petitioners having until October 27 to get 579,062 signatures. The recall is led by victims' rights groups and others over Gascon's criminal justice reform plans, including freeing bail; ending cash bail and other efforts. 

800 volunteers have joined the signature gathering effort, with anther 100 paid workers.

Nebraska: Valparaiso Trustee recall set for July 13

The recall election against Valparaiso Board of Trustees member Mike Blazek has been set for July 13 (seems to be an all-mail ballot). The recall is for what seems to be about a drainage project done on his property, allegedly by a village employee. Petitioners handed in 133 signatures, they got 128 valids. They needed about 104 signatures (45% of the vote for the top performer for the position in the last election). 

Florida: Three Miami Gardens council members facing recall threats over F1 race deal

Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Reginald Leon and Councilmembers Robert Stephens and Katrina Wilson are facing recall threats for their support for a deal for an F1 race (which seems partnered with the Miami Dolphins in Hard Rock Stadium). The complaints seem focused on noise and air pollution. Petitioners will need to collect 10% of registereds signatures in 30 days and (if they hit that) then 15% in the next 60 days. 

Washington: Governor facing new recall effort

A new recall has been filed against Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, though this one sounds as likely to get on the ballot as the previous ones. Washington is a malfeasance standard state, and there is little likelihood that a judge greenlights this one.  The article does quote my post from last year. 

Ohio: State Supreme Court to hear the Newton Falls recall case

The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on the Newton Falls recall, which has faced numerous issues. No idea what will happen, especially since the recall is scheduled for June 1. 

Nebraska: Petitions taken out against Frontier County Sheriff

Petitions have been taken out against Frontier County Sheriff Dan Rupp with a whole kitchen sink of complaints, though it seems to be focused on turnover in the office. Rupp has been sheriff since 1995. Rupp claims that the lead petitioner is trying to get revenge for a previous felony arrest.

Petitioners need 312 signatures (35% of turnout) in 30 days.

Ohio: Dover Mayor who stopped coming in threatened with recall

Dover Mayor Richard Homrighausen, an eight term Mayor, is facing recall threats and calls for his resignation after he has been missing for most of the last year. The article notes that it there are alleged both physical and mental health issues.

Colorado: Westminster Councilor recall scheduled for July 20

The recall election against Westminster Councilor Jon Voelz has been scheduled for July 20, with an estimated cost between $200,000-$250,000. 

Mayor Herb Atchison recently resigned before facing a recall effort.

The Westminster recall has taken a number of twists and turns. Petitioners got enough signatures for Atchison and Voelz to get to the ballot, but petitions against Councilors Anita Seitz and Kathryn Skulley failed to clear the bar. 

A state judge ruled that a city clerk was wrong in tossing out signatures due to petitioners unstapling the cover sheets of the petitions. The judge ruled that the stapling issue was unintentional. The recall is over water bills. Petitioners needed 25% of turnout, which is 5009 signatures for Atchison and 6,098 for the three council members. Skulley's signatures missed by 61; Atchison by 282; Voelz by 635 and Seitz by 757. Atchison's effort got more than a 1000 over the limit and Voelz just got 9. Seitz missed by 35 signatures and Skulley by 23.

California: Newsom Recall Round-up -- DGA throws in some money, Taxes and a YouTuber enters the race

Democratic Governors Association puts in $500,000 for Newsom

Will big spending help the recall effort? Newsom is certainly hoping so

A look at two key figures on the recall, both of whom are backing Newsom -- Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who decides on the recall date; and Shirley Weber, just appointed Secretary of State by Newsom; now she's in charge of the recall

Newsom released his taxes and reports that he made $1.7 million in 2019.

More names! YouTuber(?) Kevin "Meet Kevin" Paffrath put out a press release saying he's running. Paffrath's release says he is a Democrat (well, the headline says it, it is not in the body of the release). 

California: Do candidates have to disclose their income taxes?

Interesting one here -- California passed a law requiring presidents to disclose their income taxes. The bill was stopped by a judge, but a provision requiring gubernatorial candidates to do so is still enforce. However, it is not clear if it applies to the recall. The law holds that a candidate must file copies of their taxes to have their name printed on the "direct primary election ballot" -- but there is no such ballot in the recall.. It also requires the filing 98 days before the direct primary, but since recalls are 90 days after the certification, it doesn't seem to have enough time to go into force. No idea how this one will play out.

Idaho: Nampa School Board member easily survives recall vote

Nampa School Board member Kim Rost survived a recall vote 631-230. The recall was over complaints about targeting the Superintendent over coronavirus related stipends given out without board approval. Nampa's school board had a recall vote in March (Mike Kipp survived). 

The victory was overwhelming and did not trigger Idaho's "Queen of the Hill" recall provision -- the recall needs both a majority of the vote AND the Yes on Recall vote must top the totals from the official's original election in order to oust the official.

Idaho: Idaho Falls School Board Trustee survives recall vote due to Queen of the Hill provision

Idaho Falls School Board Trustee Lara Hill survived a recall vote under the Queen of the Hill provision, with the vote going 374-365 for removal. Petitioners needed 591 votes to remove (which needs to be more than the Hill received in her 2019 victory.

Hill faced a recall effort over her support for hybrid learning in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners had previously attempted a recall against Hill but failed to get the signatures. They needed 481 signatures.

Another Idaho Falls School Trustee, Elizabeth Cogliati, survived a recall vote in March over the same issue (an effort against a third trustee, Hillary Radcliffe, never got the signatures).

One of the leaders of the recall effort is State Representative Bryan Zollinger (R), who apparently wanted students in school four days a week. Zollinger had supported Hill in her campaign.

Montana: Clerk tosses out new petitions against Stevensville Mayor, who survive Election Day recall vote

Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder has rejected the new recall petitions taken out against Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey, who survived a recall vote in November 52-48%. The clerk claimed several deficiencies, though the clerk cited the law limiting recalls in a two year period unless petitioners pay the previous election cost. They would need to pay about $2400 for the election cost.

Dewey previously faced a recall over a contract for services with a tech provider. The claim is that the $79,800 contract wasn't approved by the City Council. There was also five petitions filed against Dewey from 2018-2019, though none met the state's malfeasance standard and all were tossed. This new one is over other spending decisions.

Dewey argued that the previous recall does not meet the state's malfeasance standard. The judge temporarily delayed the vote, leading for a vote on Election Day instead of August 4. 

Two Councilmembers resigned after the last vote. 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Costs; Faulconer's tax cuts and more whining about direct democracy

Why does a recall election cost so much? (BTW, there is a cost attributed to recalls even if it takes place on the same day as a regular election).

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer proposes tax cuts

Richard Grenell still talking about recall run

Mark Barabak on the sore loser syndrome

Proposed arguments for Republicans against Newsom

Some more complaints about Direct Democracy

My comments in stories in the Guardian, the Atlantic and the Epoch Times

Montana: Stevensville Mayor, who survive Election Day recall vote, now facing new recall effort

Two new recall petitions have been taken out against Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey, who survived a recall vote in November 52-48%. Dewey previously faced a recall over a contract for services with a tech provider. The claim is that the $79,800 contract wasn't approved by the City Council. There was also five petitions filed against Dewey from 2018-2019, though none met the state's malfeasance standard and all were tossed. This new one is over other spending decisions.

Dewey argued that the previous recall does not meet the state's malfeasance standard. The judge temporarily delayed the vote, leading for a vote on Election Day instead of August 4. 

There is a law limiting recalls unless petitioners pay the previous election cost. Not clear how that will play out here. 

Two Councilmembers resigned after the last vote. 

California: Sonoma District Attorney recall makes the ballot

Petitions have met the signature requirements against Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch, handling in over 43,000 signatures. 32,128 were validated, and they needed 30,056. 

The random statistical sampling check came in with a 108% verification rate, while the final total was 106.9%. 

The recall effort is led by the owner of two senior care homes where 20 residents were abandoned in a fire when staff fled. The Oakmont Senior Living company settled for $500,000. The petition attacks Ravitch for ignoring fire safety issues. Ravitch has already announced that she is not running for reelection.

There was significant spending issue in the recall effort. Developer Bill Gallagher and his daughter are reported to have spent almost $800,000 on the recall effort, which is way over the county's limit of $3350 for individual contributions (there is no limit for a state recall effort, but county's are able to put forward their own limit). Gallagher's lawyer claims the law is unconstitutional and has said that such laws have been struck down in other jurisdictions in the state. The latest article does not mention this, so it is possible Ravitch will not sue to stop the recall on these grounds.

The recall is estimated to cost between $600,000-$900,000 and they are discussing a September 14 date. 

California: Four officials in North County facing recall efforts -- Carlsbad Councilwoman, Oceanside Councilwoman, Vista School Board and San Diegutio School Board

Four elected officials in North County are facing recall petitions. We've already covered the effort against Carlsbad Councilwoman Cory Schumacher. There are also efforts against Oceanside Councilwoman Kori Jensen; Vista School Board Member Martha Alvarado and San Dieguito Union High School Trustee Ty Humes. Hopefully we see the details on the other three recalls. 

Nebraska: Signatures validated against Valparaiso Trustee

Signatures have been verified against Valparaiso Board of Trustees member Mike Blazek for what seems to be about a drainage project done on his property, allegedly by a village employee. Petitioners handed in 133 signatures, they got 128 valids. They needed about 104 signatures (45% of the vote for the top performer for the position in the last election). 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Polls! Jenner voting record! And new funding proposals

New Berkeley IGS Poll shows the recall effort is still stuck in the sands, with only 36% saying they will vote to remove Newsom and 49% saying they will vote to keep him. Results look bad across the board for recall backers -- only point of interest in their favor is that GOP voters seem a bit more interested (though that may not mean much so early in the process.

Caitlyn Jenner (who is mired in fourth out of the four candidates surveyed with 6%) stated she didn't vote in 2020's presidential race (presumably to avoid taking a stand on Trump). But oops! She did.

John Cox ordered to pay $100,000 in unpaid bills for the 2018 election.

Where's the money coming from?

Newsom is proposing $12 billion in funding.

Colorado: Westminster Mayor resigns in face of recall leads to 78 rounds of voting to fill Mayor Pro Tem position

After 78 rounds of voting, a replacement has been chosen for Westminster Mayor Pro Tem following the resignation of Mayor Herb Atchison. Atchison resigned after signatures were verified in the recall effort against him and the previous Mayor Pro Temp (Councilor Anita Seitz) moved up to the position. No word yet on a replacement for Atchison in his councilor position. Councilor David DeMott was selected for the Mayor Pro Tem position.

The recall vote against Atchison is off, but there is still one set to take place in July against Councilor Jon Voelz.

The Westminster recall has taken a number of twists and turns. Petitioners got enough signatures for Atchison and Voelz to get to the ballot, but petitions against Councilors Anita Seitz and Kathryn Skulley failed to clear the bar. 

A state judge ruled that a city clerk was wrong in tossing out signatures due to petitioners unstapling the cover sheets of the petitions. The judge ruled that the stapling issue was unintentional. The recall is over water bills. Petitioners needed 25% of turnout, which is 5009 signatures for Atchison and 6,098 for the three council members. Skulley's signatures missed by 61; Atchison by 282; Voelz by 635 and Seitz by 757. Atchison's effort got more than a 1000 over the limit and Voelz just got 9. Seitz missed by 35 signatures and Skulley by 23.

Ohio: Newton Falls Recall Election set for June 1

After repeated problems in scheduling, the Newton Falls recall against Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) has been scheduled for June 1. The vote was 2-1-1 with Breymaier abstaining.

In one of the previous failures, Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected). A different councilmember (who opposed the recall effort) resigned.

A previous attempt to set the May 25 election date has been rejected by the County Board of Elections because three members walked out, depriving the council of a quorum. 

There was part of a previous crazy scheduling event here, as the Newton Falls City Council scheduled the recall of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) for May 25, 2021. Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected).

The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Kline is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort.  

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall.

Oklahoma: Norman City Charter Review considering recall changes including dealing with city council quorum issue

A Norman City Charter Review Commission is looking into changes in the recall following the failure of the effort against city council members. The commission is concerned with the problem of a recall depriving a City Council of a quorum, which stops all business from taking place. 

The Commission is considering rules that would allow the remaining councilors to vote as a whole if a quorum is removed by recall. They also want recalls tied to the next election dates, increase the timeframe for petition review (from 30 to 90 days for mayor, 60 days if there are multiple petitions) and a six month grace period at the end of the term. 

Idaho: Idaho Falls School Board member recall vote scheduled for May 18

The recall effort against Idaho Falls School Board Trustee Lara Hill seems to have been scheduled for May 18. Hill is facing a recall effort over her support for hybrid learning in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners had previously attempted a recall against Hill but failed to get the signatures. They need 481 signatures.

Another Idaho Falls School Trustee, Elizabeth Cogliati, survived a recall vote in March over the same issue (an effort against a third trustee, Hillary Radcliffe, never got the signatures.

One of the leaders of the recall effort is State Representative Bryan Zollinger (R), who apparently wanted students in school four days a week. Zollinger had supported Hill in her campaign.

Maine: Recall effort against four Cumberland School Board members fails to get the signatures

The recall effort against four Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Board members, Peter Bingham, Tyler McGinley, Jennifer Stewart and Mike Williams has failed with petitioners not getting the signatures. It sounds like they didn't turn any signatures in (they needed 1505). The recall effort was over votes in favor of hybrid distance learning in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. 

California: Four Los Gatos Saratoga School Board members facing recall efforts

Some more school board recalls are being proposed, with Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School Board members Peter Hertan, David Guidry, Cynthia Chang and Theresa Bond all facing recall efforts over efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic after they didn't put reopening schools on the agenda for a January meeting. 

California: Newsom Recall Round-up -- California by the numbers; some false starts from Jenner and Cox and new Names!

How California has changed by the numbers

Caitlyn Jenner and John Cox (presumably) have had better starts

Jenner's position on a path to citizenship for undocumented (or illegal) immigrants has her come under fire from the right

More names! Former Loyola Marymount University Philosophy Professor James G. Hanink is looking to run (he is a member of the American Solidarity Party).

My comments in Vice 

Minnesota: Petitioners look like they have the signatures against Six Red Wing City Council members over police chief firing

Reports are claiming that petitioners will probably get enough signatures for the recall of six Red Wing City Council members, Dean Hove, Andy Klitzke, Evan Brown, Becky Norton, Erin Buss and Laurel Stinson. The recall effort follows the firing of the Police Chief (the vote was 6-1).

Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state, so petitioners will need to show a statutorily specific reason for the recall. There has been only one recall that I've seen in Minnesota since 2011, and it is likely there hasn't been another one since the state-wide adoption of a recall law in 1996. 

California: Former California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso passes away

Former California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso passed away. The encomiums may note that he was recalled and removed from office (along with Chief Justice Rose Bird and Justice Joseph Grodin. This is not accurate. The three lost a mandatory retention election -- quite a different animal than a recall. 

Washington: Judge tosses out Northshore School District board members recall

A judge has thrown out the recall effort against King and Snohomish County's Northshore School District Board members Bob Swain, David Cogan, Jacqueline McGourty, Sandy Hayes and Amy Cast, ruling that the effort does not meet the statutorily defined rules for a recall, as Washington is a malfeasance standard state.

The recall effort was brought due to complaints over their handling pandemic shutdown and not opening the schools earlier. McGourty, Hayes and Cast terms are all ending in November. 

Washington: Benton County Sheriff recall makes the ballot, scheduled for August 3

The recall against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher has been scheduled for August 3. Petitioners handed in over 16500 signatures, of which 14215 were found valid. They needed 13,937.

The Deputy Sheriff's Guild membership was leading the way. An independent investigator found that Hatcher retaliated against a whistleblower and two witnesses and engaged in anti-union activity.

Hatcher also has run into personal issues with his wife filing a civil protection order claiming that he choked her during a fight over his extramarital affairs. The order meant he had to surrender his firearm. He also was previously charged with felony witness tampering and assault, though chargers were dismissed.

Hatcher is now claiming he lives in a cabin in Montana and is suing his wife to cover the expenses of the recall defense.  

The recall was approved by the Washington State Supreme Court. Previously a judge had green lit a recall effort, ruling that petitioners have met Washington's malfeasance standard on eight charges.

The recall is estimated to cost between $200,000-$250,000.

California: Quick comparison to Montana's signature law -- California's is much more difficult

I keep getting asked the question of whether California really has the lowest signature requirement in the country for governor. The basis of the question has to do with Montana's law. Montana requires the signatures of 10 percent of registered voters. California requires 12 percent of voter turnout in the last election. What does that mean in practice? Petitioners needed 1,495,709 to get the Newsom recall on the ballot. If California instead used Montana's law, based on voter registration data from February, petitioners would seem to have needed 2,215,430 signatures.

There are other reasons that Montana is vastly harder. Montana is a malfeasance standard state, so it is extremely difficult to get the petitions approved absent an actual crime. Additionally, the timeframe for collection in Montana is 90 days compared to 160 in California.

California: Petitioners get 1,719,943 valid signatures, with about a 19% failure rate; Newsom would need 224,235 removals to get recall off the ballot

Don't see any official report online, but recall petitioners are claiming that the Secretary of State announced that they got 1,719,943 valid signatures. They handed in 2,117,730 and needed 1,495,709.

As a practical matter, this means that Newsom would need to get 224,235 signature removals under the strike law in 30 business days to get the recall tossed. Remember that the only signatures that count would be those who signed the recall petition in the first place. That seems...unlikely? Who knows, but that is a lot.

The other fact that may be worth noting is that the signature failure rate would be about 19%, very close to what it was in the Gray Davis recall (a little under 18%). 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- Polls! Money Reports! Jenner's Airport Hanger and more...

Polls! Survey USA poll says 47-36% in favor of Newsom -- that 36% is I think the big number to look at. 

Despite the press interest, John Cox the Republican candidate who got beat by Newsom in 2018, leads the replacement race, with 9%. Caitlyn Jenner and Richard Grenell are tied at 5% 

Vaccination is the big divide -- 51% of those not vaccinated say that Newsom should be ousted, 67% of those who do not plan to get vaccinated want him out. 28% of those who have received a shot are in favor of a recall.

Recall proponents have a fundraising advantage $5.45M -$4.56M, though Newsom has more cash on hand. These numbers will change radically very soon. 

Caitlyn Jenner made her big appearance on the Sean Hannity's Show on Fox and it may not have gone as well as she'd like. The big takeaway was a story of her friend in the next hanger presumably packing up a private jet to leave to Arizona because of the homeless. 

John Cox is facing heat over a stunt with a bear. He has also announced a $5 million on an ad buy.

Mary Carey interview on her recall run -- she is actually opposing the recall and tells people to remove their names. And she does work in that she has an Only Fans Page (which apparently IS a real thing).

Christine Pelosi (Speaker Nancy Pelosi's daughter) opposes motion calling the recall a partisan effort and a Republican Recall. 

Further thoughts on 538 on the recall effort

Colorado: Westminster Mayor resigns after signatures verified

Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison has resigned after signatures were verified in the recall effort against him. No word yet on a replacement, though the recall against Councilor Jon Voelz will still be on. 

The Westminster recall has taken a number of twists and turns. Petitioners got enough signatures for Atchison and Voelz to get to the ballot, but petitions against Councilors Anita Seitz and Kathryn Skulley failed to clear the bar. 

A state judge ruled that a city clerk was wrong in tossing out signatures due to petitioners unstapling the cover sheets of the petitions. The judge ruled that the stapling issue was unintentional. The recall is over water bills. Petitioners needed 25% of turnout, which is 5009 signatures for Atchison and 6,098 for the three council members. Skulley's signatures missed by 61; Atchison by 282; Voelz by 635 and Seitz by 757. Atchison's effort got more than a 1000 over the limit and Voelz just got 9. Seitz missed by 35 signatures and Skulley by 23.

Colorado: More details on the Senate bill tweaking recall law -- includes grace periods

Some more details on the Colorado Senate Bill (250) looking to tweak the recall law -- and make some major changes.

The bill sets out clear timelines on certification and ballot deadlines (Colorado is a mail ballot state). It will also allow for a statement from the recall target to be included on the ballot. It will also create grace periods both six months at the start of the term and six month before the election. 

The bill also includes a bit of punitive actions -- requiring a cost estimate for the election to be included on the petition itself; a licensing requirement for signature gatherers through the Secretary of State's office; bans gatherers from making "false statements" on the petition -- which is just begging for lawsuits -- requires gatherers to have badges distinguishing between paid and volunteer circulators. 

Massachusetts: Signatures verified in Fairhaven Selectman recall

The recall effort against Fairhaven Selectman Dan Freitas is moving forward, as petitioners were found to have handed in 2521 valid signatures. They needed 2500 in only two weeks. Freitas is claiming irregulatiries in the petitions and is fighting the effort.  

The recall effort over the search for a new Town Administrator.  Freitas says the recall is an effort from former town employees. Freitas also said that the Board of Health Chair Peter De Terra and Bice Chair Mike Ristuccia will also be targeted.

Notably, the last election had only 19.2% turnout (2290 voters).

California: Petitions taken out against three Lucia Mar School Board Trustees

Lucia Mar School Board Trustees Don Stewart, Colleen Martin and Dee Santos are facing recall efforts over the board's policies to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners claim that the board took too long in reopening, while the board has said they simply followed state guidelines. Petitioners need 8302 signatures to get to the ballot. A special election is estimated to cost $350,000.

Ohio: City Council once again fails to set a Newton Falls Recall Election Date

More trouble in Newton Falls as the latest attempt to set a recall election date fails. A different councilmember (who opposed the recall effort) resigned, which makes getting a quorum that much harder. Expect this one to be decided by the courts.

A previous attempt to set the May 25 election date has been rejected by the County Board of Elections because three members walked out, depriving the council of a quorum. 

There was part of a previous crazy scheduling event here, as the Newton Falls City Council scheduled the recall of Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D) for May 25, 2021. Breymaier's supporters looked to push the recall to the May 2022 election. This was rejected after Mayor Ken Kline (R) refused to let Breymaier vote and Breymaier's two council supporters left the meeting (and the law director was ejected).

The recall is over complaint of unprofessionalism, name-calling against the mayor and a vote in favor of smart meters. Breymaier claiming that Kline is behind the recall effort. Breymaier notes that she is a swing vote on the Council. Kline denies he is behind the recall effort.  

Newton Falls has an interesting history with the recall.

Idaho: New effort to recall Idaho Falls School Board Trustee over COVID policy

Idaho Falls School Board Trustee Lara Hill is facing a recall effort over her support for hybrid learning in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners had previously attempted a recall against Hill but failed to get the signatures. They need 481 signatures.

Another Idaho Falls School Trustee, Elizabeth Cogliati, survived a recall vote in March over the same issue (an effort against a third trustee, Hillary Radcliffe, never got the signatures).

Idaho: Nampa School Board member facing May 18 recall vote

Nampa School Board member Kim Rost is facing a recall vote on May 18 over complaints about targeting the Superintendent over coronavirus related stipends given out without board approval. Nampa's school board had a recall vote in March (Mike Kipp survived). 

Idaho has a "Queen of the Hill" recall provision -- the recall needs both a majority of the vote AND the Yes on Recall vote must top the totals from the official's original election in order to oust the official. 

California: Newsom Recall Roundup -- new candidate jumps in

More names! Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt is in. Hewitt previously ran as a Libertarian candidate for the state Assembly and Senate

A look at the Talk Radio Show Friday Night at the French Laundry that has helped push the recall

Caitlyn Jenner opposes trans girls from competing in high school girls sports

California Democratic Party Convention comes all out against the recall

Breakdown by county shows that party support in the presidential election is the big indicator of who signed, not the coronavirus breakout

Canada: Op-ed calling for recall in Ontario

Here