The Year in Recalls: Return to Normalcy edition -- 415 attempts, 108 recall actions -- 88 recall elections (52-37 removals), 18 resignations (updated!)

I have an article in Plurbius News on the Year in Recalls, providing the year-end recap. Here's Ballotpedia's look, though they don't seem to have the results.

Recalls seem to be back on the normal track this year after two years of coronavirus-related drop-offs, with 415 (now, I would say 417) attempts. 88 recall elections (I'll explain the discrepancy from the article below). 52 officials were removed and 37 survived. There were 18 resignations. (updated to 52 from 50 with two discovered Nebraska School Board recalls). 

The recalls took place in 21 states, including perhaps the first removal in Minnesota since at least the adoption of the state-wide law in 1996. The big ones were the San Francisco District Attorney and three SF School Board members, as well as the failed Los Angeles District Attorney recall. On the international level, the Mexican Presidential recall was the big moment, albeit an anticlimactic one. 

The number of officials who faced actual recall elections rose this year, but the number of attempts to recall officials dropped back to more normal levels. In 2020 and 2021, voter anger over pandemic-era lockdowns inspired far more recall efforts. In 2021 alone, voters attempted to recall officials more than 600 times, compared with 415 times this year.

In 2020, just 66 officials were forced into recall elections, and 14 more resigned before they had to face a recall. The same number, 66, faced recalls in 2021, and another 17 resigned early. 

In 2019, 87 officials faced a recall vote (37 removals, 16 resignations, 34 survived). In 2018 (which I never published) saw 150 recalls make the ballot or lead to a resignation, with 85 removals, 28 resignations and 37 survivals. In 2017, we had 102 recalls, 2016, we have 119 recalls. In 2015, there were 109; 2014 (which, I never actually wrote up), 126 recalls. In 2013, we had 107 recalls. 2012 we had 166, and a 2011 we had 151 (the numbers do not always exactly match up to the links – I checked back and found additional recalls and removed a few).

Some caveats here:

• We are definitely missing recalls here. As I've mentioned many times before, the death of local newspapers is a disaster for local political coverage (not to mention for the country and democracy in general). The result is a number of recalls fall the cracks and are not reported on. Sometimes they pop up later.
• 2021 was the first time since I've been keeping track (since 2011) that more officials survived a recall vote than lost. 2022 is back to form.
• The one missing recall survival that I've added was the East Cleveland one. I was not sure how to put that one in because they weren't counting the results, but it's clear it should be in the survived recall column.

What do we have coming up? More recalls -- 12 already scheduled for 2023, including Turner, Oregon's on January 3rd. 

Michigan: Petitions approved against Fremont Township Board over wind proposal

Petitions were approved against all four Fremont Township Board members Supervisor Jeff Furness, Clerk Reta Gardner, Treasurer Patti Shinn and Trustee Michael Noll Jr.. The recall was another one over wind energy projects. The vote was over raising a maximum height.

Petitioners need 112 signatures each.

The original efforts were all rejected by the Sanilac County Election Commission on factualness grounds. 

Ohio: Waterville Councilmembers facing recall effort

Waterville Councilmember Anthony Bruno and John Rozic are facing recall efforts over a vote in favor of the construction of a concert venue/amphitheater. Petitioners have also turned in a resolution demanding that the amphitheater decision be put to a vote.

Bruno is also facing claims that he lives outside of Waterville. 

Petitioners need 15% of the turnout from the last municipal elections in 90 days.

Canada: British Columbia Premier threatened with recall effort

A recall effort is being launched against British Columbia Premier David Eby, an NDP MLA, over the passage of a Health Professions and Occupations Act. Petitioners would have to get more than 17000 signatures to get on the ballot. No recall has gotten to the ballot in BC history.

Previous articles have noted that this would be the 28th recall petition taken out since 1995, though there have been no recall elections held. Only six have been turned in with signatures. Five failed to get enough signatures, and the MLA resigned during the verification process in the sixth.

Malayasia: Anti-Party Hopping law leads to recall efforts

Malaysia's anti-party hopping law may result in recalls after four lawmakers from Sabah switched their party and backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The leader of the Bersatu party has asked that the former members face a recall vote due to switching parties. 

Oregon: Morrow County Commission lack of quorum may force it to shut down for end of the year

The repercussions of the Morrow County Commission recall in a state that uses a recall law that involves an appointed rather than elected replacement model is showing its head again. Morrow will have only one member on the council and cannot have meetings without a quorum to approve bills. The Governor has to appoint replacements and it is not clear that Governor Brown will do that.

The two officials, Jim Doherty (1319-1169) and Melissa Lindsay (1248-1237), appear to have lost the recall election held on November 29 (though they are waiting for postmarked and challenged ballots). Lindsay's term is over at the end of the year. 

Petitioners handed in 657 for Lindsay and 648 for Doherty. They needed 564 valid signatures.

The recall seems to be about the firing of a county administrator (who is now suing the county for wrongful termination), ambulance service issues and nitrate contamination. 

Virginia: New effort in Portsmouth to create Malfeasance Standard to limit recalls

There's a new push to change the Portsmouth's recall law at the state level. 

The change would have created a malfeasance standard/judicial recall law, requiring specific statutorily delineated grounds (approved by a judge) for the recall to move forward. 

The previous effort was killed in the House of Delegates, with Delegate Tim Anderson (R), who supported a recall effort against Senate President Pro Temp Louise Lucas (D) last year, credited with stopping the proposed law.

At the moment, there is a new recall effort against Portsmouth Vice Mayor De'Andre Barnes and Councilmember Mark Whitaker over a vote to fire the city manager and replace her with the former police chief.

Portsmouth is the site of the first (that I know of) two-time recall loser, Mayor James Holley (in 1987 and 2010) and a failed effort against Mayor Kenny Wright in 2016. 

Michigan: Recalls make the ballot for four officials in Cato and Belvidere -- over wind turbine ordinances

Recall Elections against Cato Township Supervisor Larry Gilbert, Clerk Todd Lincoln and Trustee Jourdan Lindsay and Belvidere Township Supervisor John Anderson are all heading to the ballot on May 2. All of the officials are Republicans.

Petitioners needed 283 valid signatures for the three Cato officials. They got Gilbert (411), Lincoln 383) and Lindsey (365). For Anderson, they got 358 valid signatures and needed 227. 

The recalls are all over votes to approve wind and solar energy ordinances, as have been many in Michigan over the last year. 

Oregon: Baker City Councilors recall effort fails

The recall effort against six Baker City Councilor, Joanna Dixon, Johnny Waggoner Sr., Dean Guyer, Kerry McQuisten, Shane Alderson and Jason Spriet, has failed, with petitioner not handing in signatures. They needed 680. 

The recall was over a decision to accept the City Manager's proposal to remove ambulance services from the fire department's job and cut fire department employees. A seventh councilor is ineligible until September 22.

Texas: Odessa Mayor and City Council member facing recall threats

Odessa Mayor Javier Joven and City Council members Mark Matta and Denise Swanner (and potentially a fourth member) are facing recall threats over a 5-2 vote to fire the City Manager and City Attorney.  The vote was apparently scheduled at the last moment and the public was not able to speak until after the vote.

Michigan: Petitions against Fremont Township Board rejected on factualness grounds

Petitions against four Fremont Township Board members, Supervisor Jeff Furness, Clerk Reta Gardner, Treasurer Patti Shinn and Trustee Michael Noll Jr., were all rejected by the Sanilac County Election Commission on factualness grounds. The recall was another one over wind energy projects. The vote was over raising a maximum height.

Virginia: Signatures collected in Prince William County Supervisor recall

Petitioners claim that they are near the signature requirement to get a recall trial against Prince William County Board of Supervisor Chair Ann Wheeler (D). Petitioners need 11,209 valid signatures. This would not be a recall election, but a recall trial presided over by a judge. 

The recall, and the recent resignation of Supervisor Peter Candland in the face of recall threats, appears to be over the supervisors' approval of development proposals for data centers. Apparently, Candland, who served 10 years, abstained from the vote and "stands to make millions of dollars from selling his home on land now earmarked for data centers."

Oregon: Turner City Councilmember facing January 3 recall vote

Turner City Councilmember Mark McCracken is facing a January 3 recall election over complaints about bullying behavior and his support for the expansion of an urban growth boundary and opposition to a school bond. The big issue seems to be negative comments he apparently made on a Facebook group about a neighborhood child with brain cancer. Petitioners got 157 signatures. 

Oregon: John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation District Board Member survives recall vote

John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation District Board Member Lisa Weigum survived a recall election, 447-715. The recall was over complaints that she broke public meeting and publication laws, though her supporters note that she doesn't have the ability to make some of these decisions. The issue seems to be a $4M poll bond initiative that failed by close margins (in May, it failed on a 802-802 tie).  Petitioners handed in 295 valids and needed 289.

California: Replacement vote still on for Banning City Council member

Banning City Council member Mary Hamlin resigned from office in the face of a recall, but because of the lateness of the resignation the vote was still held. Hamlin lost, 2469-119. The recall was over a vote to approve an industrial warehouse space project. 

L. Michele Walter and Sheri Flynn are running in the replacement race, which was scheduled for December 13, but ballots can still be received by December 20.  Flynn is currently leading by almost 30% (over 700 votes).

California: Big Bear Lake City Councilmember loses recall vote

A little late on this one, but Big Bear Lake City Councilmember Alan Lee lost his recall, 321-114. The recall was over complaints of violating campaign spending and public records law and creating a hostile work environment for the city manager, though it seems vacation rental policy was a key issue.

Kendi Segovia won the replacement race against Jim Eakin, with 62.9% of the vote

Op-ed on the recall and the Progressive Prosecutors movement

Here's my op-ed in the Hill on the recall as one tool in the recent battle over the growth of the Progressive Prosecutors movement.

Arkansas: Centerton Mayor facing recall effort

Centerton Mayor Bill Edwards is facing a recall effort, seemingly over the fact that 52% of voters cast ballots for other candidates (Edwards got 48%. Second place was at 18%). Edwards is starting his fourth term. The recall notes the arrest of the head of the Public Works Department for theft, police department issues and animal shelter euthanization. The article notes that they would need 3094 signatures (25% of eligible voters -- which is like the Wisconsin law, rather than registered voters).

The article notes that the Arkansas legislature adopted a recall procedure law in 2009 for all cities with a four year mayor-council form of government. Arkansas had adopted a recall in 1912, but a questionable state Supreme Court decision tossed it out. 

Kansas: Douglas County District Attorney facing recall threats encouraged by Sheriff

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez is a target of a recall effort, with encouragement by Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister. Valdez accepted a plea bargain in a sexual assault case to aggravated battery, after the lead detective was pulled over misconduct concerns. One resident complained to the sheriff who apparently responded "Why on earth have you not filed a recall petition against this DA?" Perhaps unsurprisingly, Valdez and Armbrister have had other noteworthy disputes.

Kansas is a malfeasance standard state and as such would require a showing of cause. In an interesting twist, the DA is the one who makes the initial determination of sufficiency, but a judge will have to appoint someone else to make that decision. Petitioners would need 40% of turnout in 90 days (which seems to be 18,392). 

Virginia: Prince William County Supervisor resigns

Prince William County Supervisor Peter Candland resigned in the face of recall threats over the supervisors' approval of development proposals for data centers. Apparently, Candland, who served 10 years, abstained from the vote and "stands to make millions of dollars from selling his home on land now earmarked for data centers."

There was also an attempt to recall Supervisor Ann Wheeler (D), though no word on what happened there. 

Maine: One of two Oxford Hills School Board Members resigns

One of two School Board Members in Paris' Oxford Hills School District who is facing a January 10 recall (though that is up for debate), has resigned. Julia Lester is reported to have quit the board (along with another member who was not facing a recall effort.

No word on the second member, Sarah Otterson, who is presumably facing a recall vote. The issue was  their support for a proposal to promote a "safe learning environment of students of all gender and sexual identities." Recall proponents arguing that the proposal would "allow teachers to withhold important information from parents."

700 signatures were turned in, though the recall seems to have a significant issue in that it is not clear that the town has the ability to initiate the recall because the school district serves multiple communities.

Update: Troy Ripley has been appointed to fill Lester's position.  

California: Petitions approved against L.A. Councilmember

Petitions have now been approved against Los Angeles City councilmember Kevin de Leon (the former President Pro Tempore of the State Senate) in the continuing fallout from racist comments from City Council President Nury Martinez regarding redistricting. Martinez. has already resigned due to the revelations, and still no word on a recall against the third council member who was in the room, Gil Cedillo.

Notably, Pamela Adkins, one of the petitions has filed three previous recall attempts against de Leon in July 2021 and May 2022 (over homeless issues). Earlier articles noted that Adkins would be pushing from the right, while the current criticism is from the left.

Petitioners would need 20,437 signatures to get to the ballot.

California: Los Angeles Judge gives petitioners access to some records in review of LA D.A. recall effort

 An L.A. County Superior Court Judge has given the petitioners in the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon recall effort some access to voter records in order to review the invalidated signatures that resulted in them just missing getting the recall on the ballot. The judge noted that the limited rules for review would have taken the petitioners 18 months to complete the process.

California: Federal Appellate Court rejects challenge to recall law

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to the one-day, two-step California recall process, focusing on the inability to vote for the targeted official on the second question. The plaintiff claimed it was a violation of one-person, one vote law. This was rejected, with the court noting, among other points, that term limits are constitutional under California law. California's law used to prevent people who voted no on the first question from voting for the replacement, but that has since been tossed out.

Oregon: Morrow County Commissioners losing recall votes

Morrow County Commissioners Jim Doherty (1319-1169) and Melissa Lindsay (1248-1237) appear to be losing the recall election held on November 29 (though they are waiting for postmarked and challenged ballots). Lindsay's term is over at the end of the year. 

Petitioners handed in 657 for Lindsay and 648 for Doherty. They needed 564 valid signatures.

The recall seems to be about the firing of a county administrator (who is now suing the county for wrongful termination), ambulance service issues and nitrate contamination. 

Georgia: General threats floated for recall of Habersham County Board of Commissioners

Not clear if this is serious at all, but there seems to be threats against the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, though the article notes that it is difficult to pull off. 

Nebraska: Petitions taken out against Gretna School Board members

A recall effort against Gretna School Board members Rick Hollendieck, Kyle Janssen and Dawn Stock needed 2429 signatures each by December 2 to get on the ballot. No word on whether they handed in the signatures, though it sounds like they did not get there. The lead petitioner ran for the school board last year.

The recall effort is over complaints about a property tax levy and transparency and spending claims.

Update: The recall effort failed. No signatures were handed in. 

California: Gilroy Councilmember recall fails, as random sampling shows a too high failure rate

The petition to recall Gilroy Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz failed. Petitioners handed in 6375 signatures. Petitioners needed 6218 signatures. A random sampling of 500 signatures found only 383 valids, which would have resulted in 4744 valids, less than the 90% needed to do a full count. 

The recall is over two fatal shootings that took place at a party at a house. a party which she apparently helped host for her son. An investigation found that she didn't fully cooperate with investigators. 

Arizona: Cochise County Supervisors facing recall threats

Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd (R) and Tom Crosby (R) are facing recall threats after they refused to certify the November votes of the county due to baseless claims of election deniers. The two folded after a judge stepped in. Petitioners would need to get 3788 signatures for Judd and 4865 for Crosby. 

New Jersey: Jersey City Mayor facing recall threats

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is hearing some noises over taxes, though New Jersey is notable for being a particularly difficult state to get recalls to the ballot.

Other Recall-related news from Election Day

Here's a round-up of recall adjacent stories from Election Day (not including actual recall elections which you can see below):

Michigan Democrats captured the Senate for the first time since 1983... when a recall ousted two Democrats and replaced them with Republicans, giving the Republicans control of the chamber. 

Gallagher died -- he came in 16th in the 2003 California Gubernatorial recall.

Kevin Kiley, who ran against Newsom, won a Congressional seat. 

Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, who ran in the recall against Newsom, also lost his seat.

Here's my interview on KGO-TV on Governor Newsom's potential chances at national office.

Wisconsin State Senator Alberta Darling, who survived a recall in 2011, resigned her seat. 

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who faced a serious recall effort, easily won reelection.

Michigan: Four Lyon Township officials survives recall vote

Four Lyon Township officials survived recall votes on election day, with Clerk Doug Schnell defeating Joe Wagster (561-293), Treasurer Susie Grier defeating Gregory Pearn (579-282), Trustee Lenette Tomak topping Ron Byelich (569-302) and Trustee Eric Carlson beating Laura Piaskowski (559-309). The recall was over a vote in favor of a $130 Million sewer project.

Oregon: John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation District Board Member recall set for December 13

A recall election will be held on December 13 against John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation District Board Member Lisa Weigum over complaints that she broke public meeting and publication laws, though her supporters note that she doesn't have the ability to make some of these decisions. The issue seems to be a $4M poll bond initiative that failed by close margins (in May, it failed on a 802-802 tie).  Petitioners handed in 295 valids and needed 289.

The recall would cost between $2,000-$3,000.

Maine: Paris sets recall for two Oxford Hills School Board Members, though authority in question

Two School Board Members in Paris' Oxford Hills School District, Julia Lester and Sarah Otterson, are facing recall efforts over their support for a proposal to promote a "safe learning environment of students of all gender and sexual identities." Recall proponents arguing that the proposal would "allow teachers to withhold important information from parents."

700 signatures were turned in, though the recall seems to have a significant issue in that it is not clear that the town has the ability to initiate the recall because the school district serves multiple communities. 

Update: The recall is set for January 10.

New Jersey: Hoboken Councilman recall effort fails

The recall effort against Hoboken Councilman Phil Cohen claims of promoting special interests failed, with petitioners not handing in any signatures and instead focusing on school board elections

Ohio: Newton Falls approves charter amendment on time limit for recall petitions

Voters approved a charter amendment in Newton Falls by 10 votes (663-653) that sets a 90-day time limit on recall petitions and also require recall elections to be timed with the next general or primary election. Newton Falls had a protracted legal fight over a recall in 2021.

Update: It passed by 2 votes. 

Oregon: Signatures verification fails against two Coos Bay Hospital Board Members

Petitions against two Coos Bay Hospital Board of Directors Members, Chair Dr. Thomas McAndrew and Secretary Dr. Donna Rabin, have failed. Petitioners needed 2853 valid signatures. They handed in one petition with 3511 signatures, but only 2465 valids. The second had 3426 signatures with 2472 valids. Apparently out of district signatures were the prime problem. 

The recall had some very unusual moments, specifically when petitioners targeted four other members, Mark Sheldon, Barbara Taylor, Troy Cribbins and Carma Erickson-Hurt, but claimed that 2400 signature sheets were stolen from their campaign office. 

The recall is backed by two labor unions, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 and the Oregon Nurses Association. The two unions have reportedly spent $85,000 for the recall effort.

Petitioners claim that the recall is over hiring a senior executive who was a convicted embezzler and a board decision to shut an acute psychiatric unit (the decision was later reversed). The unions are in the middle of contract renewal negotiations.

The App That’s Teaching Americans Spanish in Just 3 WeeksBabbel

Each petition needed to have 2,853 valid signatures to qualify.

Of the two petitions, the first had 3,511 signatures, with only 2,465 being proven valid, according to Murphy.

The other had 3,426 signatures submitted, but only 2,472 were valid.

Murphy says signatures had to match the signer's voter registration signature. Signers also had to be active registered voters in the district when the petition was signed.

She says many signers were not residents of the Bay Area Health District.

Bay Area Hospital's director of marketing and communications, Kimberly Winker, released a statement Friday afternoon saying the hospital can now continue to serve patients without the interruption of a recall that would've caused "significant disruption to the hospital's ability to conduct business and damaged the hospital's reputation as the premier healthcare facility on the South Coast."

Colorado: Republicans move away from recall against party-switching State Senator

Republicans appear to be walking back their recall effort against Colorado State Senator Kevin Priola, who switched from Republican to Democrat last year, following losses in the November election that prevented the recall from giving the GOP a chance to gain control of the chamber with a recall. There was an earlier attempt to recall Priola, with petitioners claiming that they got 20,000 signatures and spent $200,000. But then the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a District Court judge ruling that has put on hold the recall effort, saying that petitions cannot go out until January 9 (when the Priola is sworn in). The recall effort had received the green light from the Secretary of State.

The issue is a complicated question of which district the recall should take place in. The Secretary of State previously announced that any recall effort against Priola would take place in the 13th district, his new, more Republican district (4%  GOP lean), rather than the 25th, which is evenly split. The change was due to regular redistricting.

Petitioners would need 18,291 signatures in 60 days.  

The Senate at the time was Democratic (21-14) and Priola is term-limited. He barely won office in 2020, 50.84-49.16. Priola switched parties due to his opposition to Republican election denial and conspiracy theories.  In addition to his switch, petitioners are also citing his vote for road-use fees and a bill to make most drug possessions a misdemeanor, as well as drug injection sites in Denver.

Republicans leaned heavily into recalls after their disastrous showings in 2018, though to no effect (none got on the ballot). Colorado did have two recalls which led to the removal of two Democratic Senators in 2013 over gun control laws. 

Voters have used the recall against party flippers twice in the past (arguably three times). In 1995, California Assemblyman Paul Horcher was ousted over moving from Republican to Independent and voting for Willie Brown for Speaker. Assemblywoman Doris Allen also moved from the Republicans in the same year and had herself elected Speaker, which led to her ouster. While seen as a betrayal, I don't believe she actually left the party. And in 1981, Washington State Senator Peter Von Reichbauer switched from Democrat to Republican, which flipped control of the chamber. Von Reichbauer survived the recall vote. 

California: Two San Francisco School Board members appointed in recall race win election, one fails

One of the three appointed school board members, Ann Hsu, lost her seat to Alida Fisher, finishing fourth. 118,762 -115-188. The other two San Francisco School Board appointees have made it through the election.

Michigan: Maple Valley Township Supervisor loses recall vote over wind farms

Maple Valley Township Supervisor John Schwandt was ousted on Election Day by Dan Boes, 449-378. The recall effort was over two votes regarding wind farms. One was a vote in favor of a six month moratorium and the other was the cancellation of a ballot question on wind farms. Schwandt is also facing an opening meeting violation complaint over closing public comments over parking. Presumably, the recalls are from opponents of wind farms.  At the same election, a wind energy ordinance was shot down, 593-265.

Colorado: Walsenburg Mayor and Six Councilmembers facing petitions

Walsenburg Mayor Charles Bryant and six council members, Greg Daniels, Veronica Maes, Nick Vigil, Carmen Lara, Ricky Jennings and Don Martinez are facing petitions. The issue seems to be an internal battle in the government and the mayor has encouraged the recall effort against what he calls a "culture of corruption" saying they need a "hard reset." Apparently, the mayor and  Jennings (who is mayor pro tem) are on one side of the aisle. 

Not sure how many signatures are needed, but they have 60 days to get them. 

Arizona: New Book out on the Arizona State Senate President recall of 2011

Randy Parraz was one of the leaders of the successful recall of Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce in 2011 and he has a new book out "Dignity by Fire: Dismantling Arizona's Anti-Immigration Machine."

Michigan: Three Winfield Township Board members ousted in recall

Winfield Township Supervisor Phyllis Larson, Clerk Colleen Stebbins and Trustee John Black were all ousted in recall votes. Larson lost to Ryan VanSolkema (543-487), Black lost to Julia Potratz (525-503) and Stebbins lost to Ken Bloom (526-506)

The recall was over complaints about ordinances dealing with wind and solar energy. The three were in favor of wind and solar power projects.At the same vote, an ordinance over wind was shot down, 355-736. 

There are debates over the publication of public notices in a weekly paper and whether publishing only in a weekly shopper that doesn't have online publication counts. 

There was also a recall effort against Treasurer Cathy Killinger and Trustee Steve Cole, though it is not clear what happened with those. 

An earlier solar ordinance lost a referendum vote.

California: San Francisco Recall Elections revisited -- DA and School Board appointee elections

Still waiting for the final results, but it sounds like two of the three San Francisco School Board appointees have made it through the election, while Ann Hsu is leading in her race against Alida Fisher. All three were appointed to replace members who lost a recall race. 

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who replaced Chesa Boudin after his recall, is up by 10% and has declared victory, though we still have ballots to count. 

Arkansas: First woman to vote in the South voted in a recall election (replacement race)

Cool history here, as Fort Smith's Dymple Johnson (who was also the first female dental hygenist) was the first woman to vote in the entire south on November 13, 1917. 

The election was a replacement race for Mayor John Heskitt Wright (who was also on the ballot). Arch Monro was the winner. Wright was recalled for his support for union activity including a strike. He seems to have been removed by the courts for failing to arrest vandals.

Michigan: Two Richfield officials ousted, one survives recall vote

Richfield Township Supervisor John Bawol (R) lost to Ray Wlosinski (NP) (829-780), Clerk Greg Watt (R) lost to Pam Scott (D) (893-850), but Treasurer Terri Hidey (R) survived without an opposition (1267-70) for Election Day, November 8. 

The recall seemed to be about an increase in salaries, though the board stated that it was paired with a cutback in health insurance. 

Maine: Still waiting for Medway Select Board member recall info

Still waiting to see the results from the Medway Select Board Member Peggy Jo Stanley (R) over her recall election on Election Day. Petitions accuse Stanley of being disruptive at meetings and yelling at staffers. Stanley is also a member of the Maine House of Representatives, though she is not running for reelection.

87 valid signatures were handed in. Petitioners needed 79.

Missouri: Three Robertson Fire District Board members lose both recall vote and replacement race

All three members of the Robertson Fire Protection District Board, Joan Noel (765-652), Becky Reinsmith (781-628), Mike Conley (772-645) are facing a recall vote on Election Day, lost their recall vote, and lost their replacement race as well. 

The board members are running in the replacement, which we've seen in Massachusetts, but was apparently quite the shock to at least one reporter in Missouri. Interestingly enough (and as we've seen before), the vote in the replacement race dropped for the official facing the recall, but not the challenger. It broke down list this:

Noel (427)  lost to Jennifer Guyton (791), Conley (469) lost to Steve Field (757)  and Reinsmith (455) lost to Maggie Sieve (754). 

The board is blamed for putting Hazelwood near bankruptcy due to a "costly contract." Supporters of the board members claim that Hazelwood is trying to get out of the contract with the recalls. The issues listed include failure to lower costs, retaliation, failing to turn over public records and selling property for below market value.

 

Michigan: Royal Oak Township Supervisor, Clerk and Trustees survive recall votes

Royal Oak Township Supervisor Donna Squalls (59.3%), Clerk Gwendolyn Turner (66.9% in favor of her) and Trustees Wanda Allen (34.3%) and Jeff Cushingberry (33.2%) also survived an Election Day recall vote. 

The issue seems to be their vote for a pay raise. 

Ohio: Split decision in East Cleveland Recall -- Mayor survives by 28 votes (update -- 19), Council VP loses

After a ton of confusion, East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King survived a recall vote by 28 votes (update -- 19 votes), 1226-1254 on Election Day, though Council Vice President Ernie Smith lost, 534-389.  

The confusion on what will happen started with the decision by the Ohio Supreme Court, which threw out part of a suit filed to stop the recall, but an open question may result in the recall being tossed out regardless. 

The Ohio Supreme Court rejected part of a lawsuit filed by the East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons to stop the upcoming Election Day The decision ruled against a complaint that the petition exceeded the 200 word limit.

However, the court seems to have held that the Clerk of the Council is responsible for certifying a recall petition instead of the board of elections. The clerk seems to have stated that she is deferring to the Hemmons on the matter. 

Notably, previous articles seemed to suggest that Hemmons was acting in a private capacity and being paid by King himself. Haven't seen that point in recent articles. 

Petitioners claim that King used the police to target his Democratic primary opponents in 2021 for towing a van he was using to promote another candidate using loudspeakers. They also claim that he does not actually reside in East Cleveland and that he used city contractors for personal work. Smith was supposedly illegally appointed and missing city property and not reporting income to the IRS.

There were additional complaints against the recall, including that petitioners handed in 322 valid signatures and needed 311. The law requires that signers voted in the last election. Hemmons claims that 43 signers did not, so their signatures should be tossed out. 

King has been mayor since 2016 when the last mayor, Gary Norton, was kicked out in a recall with the council president, Thomas Wheeler.

Texas: La Marque Mayor survives recall vote

La Marque Mayor Keith Bell survived a recall vote on Election Day, 1979-2320 (46-54%). The accusations were a kitchen sink of verbal abuse and corruption. 

The recall effort against City Councilwoman  Kimberly Yancy failed to make the ballot. Petitioners handed in 237 signatures and needed 144. Only 115 were validated.

Kansas: Amendment to Sheriff law includes ability for recall passes

On Election Day, Kansas passed (62-38%) a Constitutional Amendment passed which would allow the Kansas legislature to block counties from appointing rather than electing County Sheriffs. Only one County, doesn't have an elected sheriff. The amendment would also list recalls and an Attorney General initiated writ of quo warranto provision to be the only way to remove the sheriff. Apparently, the Attorney General would have the power to start a recall (who already has that power), not local D.A.s.

Texas: Denton City Council member kicked out in recall vote

Denton City Council member Alison Maguire lost her recall election, 8669-4887 (64-37%). 

The recall effort began when Maguire used a meme (Who killed Hannibal?) to complain about the leadership of the County Transportation Authority, though the critical part seems to be that the recall is taking place in a part of the district that wasn't there when Maguire was elected (redistricting turned it into a more conservative district. Petitioners needed 673 signatures to get on the ballot and handed in 745. There would be no replacement, so the city would be open until May.

An Appellate Court has accepted an appeal but did not rule on it, after a district court judge previously tossed out a lawsuit looking to throw out the petitions.

Former Councilmember Dan Duff lead the recall effort.

Oregon: Morrow County Commissioners recall scheduled for November 29

A recall election of Morrow County Commissioners Jim Doherty and Melissa Lindsay will be on the ballot on November 29. Lindsay's term is over at the end of the year. 

Petitioners handed in 657 for Lindsay and 648 for Doherty. They needed 564 valid signaturse.

The recall seems to be about the firing of a county administrator (who is now suing the county for wrongful termination), ambulance service issues and nitrate contamination. 

Michigan: Royal Oak Township Supervisor, Clerk and Trustees facing Election Day recall vote

Royal Oak Township Supervisor Donna Squalls, Clerk Gwendolyn Turner and Trustees Wanda Allen and Jeff Cushingberry are facing a vote on November 8. Running in the trustee replacement race is Bradley Reaves and Cassandra Respress. 

The issue seems to be their vote for a pay raise. 

Germany: Frankfurt Mayor ousted in recall

Frankfurt Mayor Peter Feldmann (Social Democrat) was ousted in a recall vote on Sunday, with 95.1% of voters looking to toss out Feldmann (the city is probably an absentee ballot jurisdiction, requiring a certain level of turnout for the recall to succeed. This means that Feldmann's supporters probably just stayed home so that total wasn't hit).

Feldmann was in office for 10 years and was charged by prosecutors with taking advantage of the position (his partner earned an "unreasonably high salary" as the head of a daycare facility which was run by a campaign donor of his. 

Feldmann apparently also took a soccer trophy from a local top-flight team after they won the Europa League.

A new election is to be held in four months.

Missouri: Robertson Fire District Board recall up for vote , candidates running to replace self

Robertson Fire Protection District Board members Joan Noel, Becky Reinsmith, Mike Conley are facing a recall vote on Election Day (though there were efforts to kill the effort in court, which a judge rejected).

The board is blamed for putting Hazelwood near bankruptcy due to a "costly contract." Supporters of the board members claim that Hazelwood is trying to get out of the contract with the recalls. The issues listed include failure to lower costs, retaliation, failing to turn over public records and selling property for below market value.

The board members are running in the replacement, which we've seen in Massachusetts, but is apparently a shock to reporters in Missouri. 

Texas: Denton City Council member on the ballot

Denton City Council member Alison Maguire is facing a recall vote on Election Day. An Appellate Court has accepted an appeal, after a district court judge previously tossed out a lawsuit looking to throw out the petitions, though I assume they rejected the appeal in the end.

The recall effort began when Maguire used a meme (Who killed Hannibal?) to complain about the leadership of the County Transportation Authority, though the critical part seems to be that the recall is taking place in a part of the district that wasn't there when Maguire was elected (redistricting turned it into a more conservative district. Petitioners needed 673 signatures to get on the ballot and handed in 745. There would be no replacement, so the city would be open until May.

Former Councilmember Dan Duff lead the recall effort.

Louisiana: Monroe Mayor facing petitions

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is facing recall efforts over complaints about neglecting citizens and increased spending on infrastructure projects. Marie Brown, who lost in the 2020 election (coming in 3rd), is the recall spokesperson. Petitioners need at least 9000 signatures. 

Petitions were also recently filed against a Monroe councilmember. 

Ohio: Still no clear answer on the East Cleveland Recall following Supreme Court decision

I'm still unsure of what's happening with the East Cleveland recall, as Liberation (a socialist/liberation outlet) claims the recall will be held on November 8, though I don't see any story about it, nor do I see it on the Election Board website. That said, they definitely could be right.

This continues the confusion on what will happen with the recall election against East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King. A decision by the Ohio Supreme Court threw out part of a suit filed to stop the recall, but an open question may result in the recall being tossed out regardless. 

The Ohio Supreme Court rejected part of a lawsuit filed by the East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons to stop the upcoming Election Day The decision ruled against a complaint that the petition exceeded the 200 word limit.

However, the court seems to have held that the Clerk of the Council is responsible for certifying a recall petition instead of the board of elections. The clerk seems to have stated that she is deferring to the Hemmons on the matter. 

Notably, previous articles seemed to suggest that Hemmons was acting in a private capacity and being paid by King himself. Haven't seen that point in recent articles. 

Petitioners claim that King used the police to target his Democratic primary opponents in 2021 for towing a van he was using to promote another candidate using loudspeakers. They also claim that he does not actually reside in East Cleveland and that he used city contractors for personal work.

There were additional complaints against the recall, including that petitioners handed in 322 valid signatures and needed 311. The law requires that signers voted in the last election. Hemmons claims that 43 signers did not, so their signatures should be tossed out. 

King has been mayor since 2016 when the last mayor, Gary Norton, was kicked out in a recall with the council president, Thomas Wheeler.

My op-ed in Barron's on the use of recalls against wind and solar developments

In this op-ed, I look at the use of recalls against wind and solar developments. Over the last five years, 41 officials in eight different states face recalls over their support for renewable energy projects. Four officials in two Michigan townships will be on the ballot over wind farms on Election Day. 

Of these, 14 officials have actually faced a vote since 2018. Eight have been removed, six have survived. 

California: Redondo Beach Councilmember overwhelming survives recall vote

Redondo Beach City Councilmember Zein Obagi Jr. has survived a recall vote, with 72% rejecting the recall vote (872-2222), Turnout was the highest for a special since 2007.

The recall seems to be about a push to increase the number of cannabis dispensaries, and an initiative was taken on the same day for an increase (that lost by 75%). The parent company of Catalyst Cannabis Co. is reported to have spent $309,188 on the recall.

However, petitioners claimed the recall was about his support for affordable housing and a homeless pallet shelter in his district, as well as claims of misconduct by the state bar. There was also a claim that Obagi wanted to disband the fire department. Petitioners got 2452 valids and needed about 2250.

The special is supposed to cost $270,000 (or $240,000 if explanatory text is online only). If it was on the general election day, it was set to cost $37,000.

California: Look at San Francisco School Board school board election, with recall re-run attempt

A look at the upcoming San Francisco School Board election, where former School board member Gabriela Lopez, who was ousted as the San Francisco School Board President in the February recall, is running for a seat on the board in the November elections. 

California: Petitions taken out against Los Angeles Councilmember

Petitions have been taken out against Los Angeles City councilmember Kevin de Leon is facing calls for a resignation or a potential recall. This is after City Council President Nury Martinez already resigned due to the revelations of her racist comments regarding redistricting. No word on a recall against the third council member, Gil Cedillo.

Notably, Pamela Adkins, one of the petitions has filed three previous recall attempts against de Leon in July 2021 and May 2022 (over homeless issues). The article notes that Adkins would be pushing from the right, while the current criticism is from the left.

Petitioners would need 21,006 signatures to get to the ballot.

Michigan: Adams Township Supervisor and Clerk recall makes the May ballot

The recall effort against Adams Township Supervisor Mark Nichols and Clerk Stephanie Scott (R) has made the ballot, with a recall set for May 2, 2023 (must be a primary day). Scott is accused of removing an tabulation from an election device, which has led to a State Police investigation. She was then banned from running the 2021 election by the Secretary of State. Nichols voted against spending $5,500 for a new ballot tabulator and publicly supported Scott's actions.

343 signatures were handed in, with 316 validated. They needed 264. 

Nichols won office in 2018 in a recall and survived one a year later.

California: Poll shows GOP recall voters surprised by Democratic advantage in state

An interesting poll looking at how voters who backed the recall were surprised by the outcome, primarily because they greatly underestimate the size of the Democratic majority in the state.

Washington, DC: Neighborhood Advisory Commissioner survives recall vote

Washington, DC Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Amber Gove has survived a recall vote, 344-108 (with 16 special ballots outstanding). The article notes that there were far more signatures on the petition (206) than votes to remove

The recall was over complaints about a street being converted to one way traffic and the creation of a bike lane.  

Gove is running for reelection in November and her opponent in the general election, Alexandra Kelly, is one of the leaders of the recall effort. 

Oregon: Signatures handed in against two Coos Bay Hospital Board Members; Allegations of theft of signatures for four other recall efforts

Signatures were handed in against two Coos Bay Hospital Board of Directors Members, Chair Dr. Thomas McAndrew and Secretary Dr. Donna Rabin. In an odd twist, petitioners also targeted four other members, Mark Sheldon, Barbara Taylor, Troy Cribbins and Carma Erickson-Hurt, but claim that 2400 signature sheets were stolen from their campaign office. 

The recall is backed by two labor unions, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 and the Oregon Nurses Association. The two unions have reportedly spent $85,000 for the recall effort.

Petitioners claim that the recall is over hiring a senior executive who was a convicted embezzler and a board decision to shut an acute psychiatric unit (the decision was later reversed). The unions are in the middle of contract renewal negotiations.

Ohio: Newton Falls to vote on charter amendment on time limit for recall petitions

Newton Falls will be voting on charter amendment which will set a 90 day time limit on recall petitions and also require recall elections to be timed with the next general or primary election. Newton Falls had a protracted legal fight over a recall in 2021.

California: Redondo Beach Councilmember appears to survive recall vote

Redondo Beach City Councilmember Zein Obagi Jr. appears to have easily defeat the recall, with 75% voting against it in early returns, One of the issues against him is a claim that he wants to disband the fire department and contract out with LA (Obagi denies this).

The parent company of Catalyst Cannabis Co. is reported to have spent $309,188 on the recall taking place on October 19, which will also be the same day as a cannabis initiative.

The recall was claimed to be about his support for affordable housing and a homeless pallet shelter in his district, as well as claims of misconduct by the state bar, though Cannabis is clear the big issue, with the leaders pushing to open dispensaries in the city backing the recall ( Petitioners got 2452 valids and needed about 2250.

The special is supposed to cost $270,000 (or $240,000 if explanatory text is online only). If it is on the general election day, it was set to cost $37,000

Colorado: State Supreme Court delays latest recall effort against party-switching State Senator

The Colorado Supreme Court upheld a District Court judge ruling that has put on hold the recall effort against Colorado State Senator Kevin Priola, who switched from Republican to Democrat, saying that petitions cannot go out until January 9 (when the Priola is sworn in). The recall effort had received the green light from the Secretary of State.

The issue is a complicated question of which district the recall should take place. The Secretary of State previously announced that any recall effort against Priola would take place in the 13th district, his new, more Republican district (4%  GOP lean), rather than the 25th, which is evenly split. The change was due to regular redistricting.

Petitioners would need 18,291 signatures in 60 days.  

The Senate is  Democratic (21-14) and Priola is term-limited. He barely won office in 2020, 50.84-49.16. Priola switched parties due to his opposition to Republican election denial and conspiracy theories.  In addition to his switch, petitioners are also citing his vote for road-use fees and a bill to make most drug possessions a misdemeanor, as well as drug injection sites in Denver.

Republicans leaned heavily into recalls after their disastrous showings in 2018, though to no effect (none got on the ballot). Colorado did have two recalls which led to the removal of two Democratic Senators in 2013 over gun control laws. 

Voters have used the recall against party flippers twice in the past (arguably three times). In 1995, California Assemblyman Paul Horcher was ousted over moving from Republican to Independent and voting for Willie Brown for Speaker. Assemblywoman Doris Allen also moved from the Republicans in the same year and had herself elected Speaker, which led to her ouster. While seen as a betrayal, I don't believe she actually left the party. And in 1981, Washington State Senator Peter Von Reichbauer switched from Democrat to Republican, which flipped control of the chamber. Von Reichbauer survived the recall vote. 

UK: Labour MP resigned in face of allegations; potential recall effort

Labour MP Christian Mathewson resigned over claims of sexual misconduct. A panel recommended a four-week suspension, which could have led to a recall effort.

California: Los Angeles Councilmember vows not to resign

Los Angeles City councilmember Kevin de Leon is facing calls for a resignation or a potential recall. This is after City Council President Nury Martinez already resigned due to the revelations of her racist comments regarding redistricting. de Leon and Gil Cedillo are under fire as well, with discussion of potential recalls.

Belize: Signatures handed in against Opposition leader

 A recall appears to be taking place against Shyne Barrow, the leader of the UDP. 

Oregon: Morrow County Commissioners recall appears to make the ballot

Petitioners appear to have handed in enough signatures against Morrow County Commissioners Jim Doherty and Melissa Lindsay to get on the ballot. The recall would take place before the end of the year. Petitioners handed in 657 for Lindsay and 648 for Doherty. They needed 564 valid signature.

The recall seems to be about the firing of a county administrators (who is now suing the county for wrongful termination).

Virginia: Newport News debates adopting recall law

Newport News is looking into amending its charter to add a recall option for city council members. Mayor McKinley Price is in favor of the recall law. The state legislature would need to approve it.

Petitions would need 25% of turnout (at least 300 signatures for each district and 1000 for the  mayor). There would also be a one year grace period.

In 2019, Newport News Vice Mayor Tina Vick faced recall threats, though it seems not to have any legal backing to it.

California: Los Angeles City Council Redistricting/Racist comments scandal leads to calls for recall

City Council President Nury Martinez has already resigned due to the revelations of her racist comments regarding redistricting, and now Councilmembers Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo are under fire as well, with discussion of potential recalls.

Colorado: Court delays recall effort against State Senator until January 9

A District Court judge has put on hold the recall effort against Colorado State Senator Kevin Priola, who switched from Republican to Democrat, saying that petitions cannot go out until January 9 (when the Priola is sworn in). The recall effort had received the green light from the Secretary of State.

The issue is a complicated question of which district the recall should take place. The Secretary of State previously announced that any recall effort against Priola would take place in the 13th district, his new, more Republican district (4%  GOP lean), rather than the 25th, which is evenly split. The change was due to regular redistricting.

Petitioners would need 18,291 signatures in 60 days.  

The Senate is  Democratic (21-14) and Priola is term-limited. He barely won office in 2020, 50.84-49.16. Priola switched parties due to his opposition to Republican election denial and conspiracy theories.  In addition to his switch, petitioners are also citing his vote for road-use fees and a bill to make most drug possessions a misdemeanor, as well as drug injection sites in Denver.

Republicans leaned heavily into recalls after their disastrous showings in 2018, though to no effect (none got on the ballot). Colorado did have two recalls which led to the removal of two Democratic Senators in 2013 over gun control laws. 

Voters have used the recall against party flippers twice in the past (arguably three times). In 1995, California Assemblyman Paul Horcher was ousted over moving from Republican to Independent and voting for Willie Brown for Speaker. Assemblywoman Doris Allen also moved from the Republicans in the same year and had herself elected Speaker, which led to her ouster. While seen as a betrayal, I don't believe she actually left the party. And in 1981, Washington State Senator Peter Von Reichbauer switched from Democrat to Republican, which flipped control of the chamber. Von Reichbauer survived the recall vote. 

California: Recall Supporters file suit against Registrar seeking to put Los Angeles District Attorney recall on the ballot

Proponents of the recall against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, which missed the ballot by 46,000 signatures, are now suing the registrar claiming that the signatures were thrown out under improper invalidation methods.

They seem to focus on non-matching signatures, thought that was only a small part of the invalidation (9,490). They are also focused on the not registered totals, which is the vast majority of the rejected signatures (though it is in-line with the failure rate of other recalls). 

The petitioners are also arguing that voter rolls were inflated, so the 566,857 needed signatures were higher than needed. We discussed this a little with the cancelled signature category. 

Illinois: Appellate Court ruling tosses out Dolton Mayor Recall and Village recall law

The Appellate Court ruling rejecting the recall of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard is now out, and it seems to throw out the entire recall law as well.

The judges went beyond the earlier lower court ruling (the recall law was adopted in the same election as the recall vote took place; the lower court held that the law had to be adopted first). The court held that Illinois law "does not provide for recall of village officials...." though it does allow it for other officials. 

Henyard, who lost the June 28 recall vote, 1953-1532, opened the next meeting with the disco song "Ain't No Stopping Us Now."

In the ruling which was upheld, a Cook County Circuit Court Judge ordered the clerk to not count the vote in two recall ballot measures (one asks for a recall law -- which succeeded 1948-1506 -- the other calls for Henyard to face a recall vote immediately). 

The recall does not seem to have signatures handed in, but was rather put on the ballot by the village board. 

Henyard faced a previous recall effort when she served as trustee, leading to an appellate court decision that the board cannot remove the official by a board vote but can have a recall. 

The recall is over a slew of complaints: taking a Township Supervisor job that pays $250,000 which seen as a conflict of interest; keeping the board from meeting, paying bills and refusing to show what is being paid, as well as hiring a code enforcement officer who spent 24 years in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault. 

Mississippi: Column on lack of recall in state

The article notes that officials cannot even remember a bill proposing a recall being offered.

Brown Student Body President facing recall petition

Here

Minnesota: Minnesota State University Student Senate sees recall effort

Here

Texas: Appellate Court accepts appeal by Denton City Council member challenging recall effort

An Appellate Court has accepted an appeal filed by Denton City Council member Alison Maguire to her recall scheduled for Election Day. A  Judge has previously tossed out a lawsuit looking to throw out the petitions (there will be no replacement race).

The recall effort began when Maguire used a meme (Who killed Hannibal?) to complain about the leadership of the County Transportation Authority, though the critical part seems to be that the recall is taking place in a part of the district that wasn't there when Maguire was elected (redistricting turned it into a more conservative district. Petitioners needed 673 signatures to get on the ballot and handed in 745.

Former Councilmember Dan Duff lead the recall effort.

Kentucky: Recall effort against Fayette County Property Tax

An effort is underway to recall a Fayette County Property Tax. Petitioners need 5000 signatures by October 28. 

California: Signatures handed in for recall of Gilroy Councilmember

Signatures have been handed in for the recall of Gilroy Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz over two fatal shootings that took place at a party at a house. a party which she apparently helped host for her son. An investigation found that she didn't fully cooperate with investigators. 

Petitioners handed in at least 6375 signatures and need 6218. 

California: Firefighters back Redondo Beach Councilmember in recall vote

Firefighters seem to have come out for Redondo Beach City Councilmember Zein Obagi Jr. One of the issues against him is a claim that he wants to disband the fire department and contract out with LA (Obagi denies this).

The parent company of Catalyst Cannabis Co. is reported to have spent $309,188 on the recall taking place on October 19, which will also be the same day as a cannabis initiative.

The recall was claimed to be about his support for affordable housing and a homeless pallet shelter in his district, as well as claims of misconduct by the state bar, though Cannabis is clear the big issue, with the leaders pushing to open dispensaries in the city backing the recall ( Petitioners got 2452 valids and needed about 2250.

The special is supposed to cost $270,000 (or $240,000 if explanatory text is online only). If it is on the general election day, it was set to cost $37,000