Michigan: Delta County Commissioners reverse course and certify recall results

A never mind moment -- following last week's challenges in Delta County, where the local board of canvassers refused to certify the ouster of three Delta County Commissioners, they have reversed course and certified the recall.

The board's refusal seemed to be based on claims (by election deniers from the presidential race) that two of challengers had 2.64 votes for every one for the incumbent.  

All three incumbents were blown out in recall races on May 7th, Commissioner Dave Moyle (R) lost to Kelli Van Ginhoven (D) 932-353; Commissioner Robert Barron lost to Myra Croasdell, 1410-514; Commissioners Robert Petersen lost to Matthew Jensen, 947-358. The vote was between 72-73%.

If the board didn't certify by May 20, the issue gets sent to the state to examine at the county's expense.

The recall was over their votes to fire the County Administrator (and apparently over their opposition to DEI issues).

Lots of issues in the signature stage.

Canada: Every signature tossed out in Calgary Mayoral recall effort

Every single signatures in the recall effort against Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek were thrown out. 369 signatures were subject to random sampling. All were missing the "notice of the recall petition" invalidating all 369. Additionally, 27 failed on invalid addresses and 12 had insufficiency affidavits. 6 didn't have witnesses, 2 missed dates, 2 missed petitioner signatures, 1 had a self-witnessing and 1 was a duplicate. 

The recall had already clearly failed, as the lead petitioner stated that he submitted 72,271 signatures and they needed 514,284.

The recall was seemingly over the single-use plastic law, though there is also a kitchen sink listing of complaints as well. This is the first recall attempt in Calgary (the law was adopted province-wide in 2022).

Washington, DC: Complaints about campaign finance on the Councilmember recalls

Supporters of Washington DC Councilmember Charles Allen have filed a complaint alleging violations of campaign finance laws by the recall proponents. The issue seems to be independent expenditures. The recall efforts against two Washington, D.C. Councilmembers are heating up, with petitioners claiming that they have 4500 signatures for the recall effort against . They are looking for 10K.  There is also complaints about a tip line for the recall of .

The recall of Allen and Councilmember Brianne Nadeau  are over rising crime issues, including Allen's push for criminal justice reform issues that were blocked by Congress and the Biden Administration last year. 

UK: Wales Parliament (Snedd) considers recall law

The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, is considering adopting a recall law that copies UK law, which would allow recalls if an MP is suspended for 10 days. 

Massachusetts: Monterey voters approve recall provision

Monterey voters overwhelmingly approved a recall provision (75-9). Petitioners would need 15% of registereds to get a recall on the ballot.

Michigan: Delta County Commissioners replacement held up by board of canvassers refusing to certify blow-out results

New challenges in Delta County, as the local board of canvassers refused to certify the ouster of three Delta County Commissioners. The board's refusal seems to be based on claims (by election deniers from the presidential race) that two of challengers had 2.64 votes for every one for the incumbent.  

All three incumbents were blown out in recall races on May 7th, Commissioner Dave Moyle (R) lost to Kelli Van Ginhoven (D) 932-353; Commissioner Robert Barron lost to Myra Croasdell, 1410-514; Commissioners Robert Petersen lost to Matthew Jensen, 947-358. The vote was between 72-73%.

If the board doesn't certify by May 20, the issue gets sent to the state to examine at the county's expense.

The recall is over their votes to fire the County Administrator (and apparently over their opposition to DEI issues).

Lots of issues in the signature stage.

Washington, DC: Recall effort filed against Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

A recall effort has been started against Washington DC Southwest Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Mary C. Williams. Williams was a leader in the recall effort last year against Councilmember Sharon Ambrose (which didn't make the ballot). 

The lead petitioner claims that Williams is a "shameless self-promotor" who launched a "smear campaign" against Ambrose. Williams also filed a defamation suit against the lead petitioner.

The article notes that this is the seventh recall attempt against an ANC commissioner in the last two years (though none made the ballot). 

California: Recall against three Avenal's Reef-Sunset School Board members makes the ballot

Signatures have been handed in against Avenal's Reef-Sunset School Board members Claudia Cazares, Lilia Rizo and Lissette Padilla. The recall is scheduled to be held on Election Day (November 5th). Petitioners handed in 582 signatures.

There were also attempts against President Lupe Chavez and Trustee Precilla Barrera-Lopez, which both failed. 

The leader of the recall effort was a former employee and coach.

The recall is supposed to cost approximately $35,000. 

California: Alameda District Attorney Recall set for Election Day (November 5)

Ending months of debate (and potentially leading to lawsuits), the Alameda Board of Supervisors voted to schedule the recall of District Attorney Pamela Price for Election Day, November 5. This was the latest possible date, one that was (and remains) a source of controversy. The recall was only put on that date due to delays in counting the signatures.

According to the Registrar, the recall as a special election would cost $15-20 Million, while a recall on the same day as a general election will cost $4 million. 

Price responded here. Congressman Eric Swalwell has also gotten into a bit of a war of words with Price after a postal carrier was mugged on the route. 

Michigan: Camden-Frontier School Board members survive recall votes

Two Camden-Frontier School Board members, Jesse Crow and Emily Morrison, survived recall votes. Morrison defeated Sarah Wilcox, 202-156  and Crow defeated Rick Hartman, 190-168.  The recall was over their vote in favor of retiring the school's Redskins mascot.

Petitioners handed in 418 signatures for Crow and 414 for Morrison. They need 348. 

This was a second attempt against the two. Petitioners had previously gathered 400 and 398 signatures, but all but 10 were thrown out because the sheets did not have the header information.

Oregon: Signatures handed in against Three Morrow County Commissioners

Signatures have been handed in for the recall of Morrow County Commissioners, David Sykes, Jeff Wenholz and Roy Drago Jr. The issues seem to be a kitchen sink grouping, including changes to the ambulance service plan, transparency, water issues, and hiring more administrators. 

In 2022, two Morrow Commissioners were ousted in a recall. Drago was appointed to replace one of them (and Wenholz defeated the other in a general election).

Petitioners handed in 725, 748 and 726 signatures and needs 613 valids for each (15% of gubernatorial turnout).

Drago is running in a May 21 primary as well. 

Michigan: Ousted Adams Township Clerk facing charges for unauthorized access to election data

Adams Township Clerk Stephanie Scott (R), who was ousted in 2023 along with  Supervisor Mark Nichols, was charged with illegally accessing election data. 

Scott was accused of removing a 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.

Texas: Dickinson Mayor resigns in face of new recall threat

Dickinson Mayor Sean Skipworth announced that he is resigning in the face of a new recall effort, with a special election to be held in November. The recall was over claims that he "failed to meet fiduciary responsibilities." There are a host of other complaints, including over his support for the hiring a city manager who has faced assault charges.

Dickinson has been the source of a bitter battle over the recall. The city attorney previously claimed that the recall was invalid after petitioners handed in about 1150 signatures and needed 689 valids (they had 30 days). The City Attorney said that the petitions did not confirm the number of signatures on each page; questions of who was facing a recall; and a lack of specifications on the recall claims.

Dickinson's auditor rejected a second attempt over claims that it didn't meet the specification requirement (a malfeasance standard/judicial recall law) for a recall to be allowed.

Skipworth also protested  that the non-city residents are gathering signatures, which violates local laws, though that law itself may violate US law (maybe?). 

Washington, DC: Recall efforts heating up against two Councilmembers

The recall efforts against two Washington, D.C. Councilmembers are heating up, with petitioners claiming that they have 4500 signatures for the recall effort against Councilmember Charles Allen. They are looking for 10K.  There is also complaints about a tip line for the recall of Councilmember Brianne Nadeau.

Both recalls are over rising crime issues, including Allen's push for criminal justice reform issues that were blocked by Congress and the Biden Administration last year. 

There are also debates over the cost of the recall, with some saying there will be a $2.6 million cost, while the pro-recall people are suggesting it would cost $300-$400,000. 

There is also discussion about fundraising, with Allen's team raising $125K and Nadeau raising $70K.

North Carolina: House bill proposing allowing referendum for Leland to adopt recall law

Leland voters may soon get a chance to adopt a recall law, as Representative Frank Iler (R) introduced House Bill 1062 that will allow a referendum in Leland to change the charter to adopt recall laws. The vote would be in November 2025. Under the proposed rule, they would need 25% of registered voters.

Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman claims that the town is not asking for this provision.

Ohio: Lorain Mayor facing recall threats

Recall efforts have been started against Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley. Unfortunately, this is all behind a paywall and I see no other stories on what may have precipitated the issue. We'll have to wait for further news. 

California: Pro-recall forces heavily outraise DA in Alameda District Attorney recall

The pro-recall forces against Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price have topped a $3 million fundraise, with $1.1 million being brought in for the first quarter of 2024.  In the first quarter, Price's team raised $26,284 and spent $81,655. 

Michigan: Flint replaces Councilmember who resigned after recall got to the ballot

Jonathan Jarrett won the replacement race for Flint Councilmember Eva Worthing. The recall of Worthing got on the ballot and then announced that she would not running in the May 7th recall (which became a special replacement election). 

Jarrett beat Page Brousseau and Kathryn Irwin, 247-145-85.

The recall, was part of internal battle in the council, with numerous recalls filed, though only Worthing got to the ballot. Worthing was accused of missing a meeting when they voted on American Rescue Plan funds.

In her resignation, Worthing called out four other councilmembers, led by Eric Mays, against whom there were recall efforts. The four were Dennis Pfeiffer, Eric Mays, Jerri Winfrey-Carter and Tonya Burns (recall were filed against Pfeiffer and Mays).

The recall is over claims that Mays and another councilmember called a meeting that they others did not attend over the question of applying for a community grant program funding. Mays has also been charged with disorderly conduct for conduct at the council meetings that has apparently gone viral.

There is also claims about approving a Brownfield Plan.

Four recall efforts have been filed against Flint Council President Ladel Lewi. Two were filed against councilmember Judy Priestley (with two filed against Priestly). Former Council President Allie Herkenroder already announced that she was resigning her seat last year. 

Michigan: Ypsilanti Councilmember survives recall vote

Ypsilanti Councilmember Desirae Simmons (D) survived a recall vote, defeating former Ypsilanti Planning Commission Chairman Rod Johnson (I) 467-429.

The recall was over a vote to purchase a $3.7M building, A former Councilmember was the broker of the deal and may make $100,000 on it. 

The recall against council member Jennifer Symanns led to her resignation, though petitioners have stopped their effort against Mayor Nicole Brown.

Michigan: Two Grant Public School Board Members survive recall vote

Two Grant Public Schools Board of Education members Rachal Gort and Richard Vance survived their May 7th, recall vote. Gort defeated Mindy Conley 924-791 and Vance beat Lindsay Mahlich, 902-817.

There were also recall attempts against Sabrina Veltkamp-Bol and Ken Thorne (the other seat was opened). Petitioners are still attempting a recall against Veltkamp-Bol (Thorne is on the November ballot). 

The recall is over their votes to end a partnership with a health center that works in the middle school. The vote may have been because of a mural that features LGBTQ+ "witchcraft" and "Satan" imagery. The artist has stated the images are from video games and Hispanic culture. The superintendent also resigned, possibly under pressure.

Michigan: Three Delta County Commissioners ousted in recall votes

Three Delta County Commissioners were ousted in recall races on May 7th.  Commissioner Dave Moyle (R) lost to Kelli Van Ginhoven (D) 932-353; Commissioner Robert Barron lost to Myra Croasdell, 1410-514; Commissioners Robert Petersen lost to Matthew Jensen, 947-358.

The recall is over their votes to fire the County Administrator (and apparently over their opposition to DEI issues).

Lots of issues in the signature stage.

Michigan: Ottawa County Commissioner ousted in recall vote

Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel (R) has been ousted in a recall vote, losing to Christian Kleinjans (D) 2502-1665.

The recall was over her vote to reverse the hiring of the county health officer. Ebel is a member of Ottawa Impact, a fundamentalist Christian group who have elected a number of officials in the county. Some of Ebel's supporters claim the recall is because of her Latino heritage, though the recall proponents deny this charge.

Recall efforts against Ottawa County Commissioner Doug Zylstra (D) and Roger Bergman (R) failed. The petitions has been pushed by the Ottawa Impact over the two commissioners opposition to a bill that claiming to protect "childhood innocence."  Zylstra noted that the bill lacked any specificity for staffers to follow. Petitioners would need 2620 signatures for Zylstra and 3717 for Bergman.

Nevada: Palomino Valley General Improvement District Chairman ousted

Palomino Valley General Improvement District Chairman Tom Baker was removed, 217-103. Petitioners claimed that Baker "didn't know what he was doing, violated open meeting law and mistreated employees."

The recall apparently cost $31,000.

California: Rejection of signatures in first stage of Fairfax recall results in questions about clerk/town attorney

The recall effort against Fairfax Vice Mayor Lisel Blash and Councilmember Stephanie Hellman is now facing further questions, as the clerk rejected the submission for the first stage, claiming that there weren't enough signatures handed in and then allegedly refused to answer questions on the requirements needed to get the recall on the ballot (or hand back the original signatures for reuse). The town attorney also refused to provide answers to the questions.

The issue seems to be their support for rent control and a development plan. 

Petitioners need about 1500 signatures in 90 days.

Arizona: Cottonwood City Council recall pushed off till August due to no quorum for meeting

Cottonwood failed to schedule a recall against City Councilmember Lisa DuVernay, because of a failure to meet the quorum requirement for the meeting. The result is that the recall is being moved from the July primary to the general election date in August. Petitioners needed 361 signatures. 

DuVernay is accused of showing what it calls a pornographic video at a council meeting in August. It appears the video was of a drag show. DuVernay, a conservative member of the council, was pushing for a ban on drag shows where minors are present.

Petitions are also out against Councilmember Derek Paosaari over accusations of sexual harassment. a recall of DuVernay, whose term ends in 2026.

Michigan: Buchanan Mayor recall makes the ballot

Signatures have been handed in against Buchanan Mayor Sean Denison. The recall is over the indefinite suspension of the City Manager (Denison notes he was following the advice of counsel). This is the fourth City manager since 2020. Petitioners handed in 532 signatures and had 396 validated. They needed 380.

Election Commission previously rejected the language of tan earlier petition against Buchanan Mayor Sean Denison, due to the petition misspelling the word "Buchanan."

Arkansas: Petitions taken out against Hoxie Mayor

Petitions have been taken out against Hoxie Mayor Dennis Coggins. Not sure how many signatures are needed, but the town has about 2600 people total.

Hoxie and the mayor recently lost a lawsuit due to their failure to comply with FOIA laws. The mayor is also facing a lawsuit over claims that he sexually harassed a tenant. 

California: San Luis Obispo County Supervisor recall fails

Following a start-stop, the recall effort against San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson has finally failed with no signatures handed in. An earlier effort was brough back after it first was "terminated."

The recall is seemingly over an "attempt to privatize North County water" and claims of micromanagement and open government law violations.  Petitioners need about 7500 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: Alameda District Attorney recall makes the ballot --- but Supervisors haven't scheduled yet

The very bumpy ride for the Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price recall has begun, as the County Board of Supervisors have accepted the Certificate of Sufficiency, but haven't scheduled the recall yet. The reason may be that by waiting to the next Supervisor meeting they can delay the election to the November election date. 

The new California recall law (under Measure B) requires the recall to be scheduled in 88-125 days unless there is an election in 180 days, in which case it can be tied into that election day. Under the old charter law, the recall would have to be scheduled in 35-40 days. 

Price is still arguing against the recall, and her attorney has complained about some of the points made in our article. Price also said that the California Fair Political Practices Commission is looking into the funding of the recall.

And here's my interview on Kron4 on this. 

Louisiana: Petitioners claim on track for St. Tammany Parish Coroner recall

Petitioners are claiming that they are on track for the recall effort against St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape.  

Petitioners are now claiming that they will start a recall effort against him. The recall is over sex abuse allegations that were dismissed in 2003 over a claim of a violation of a right to a speedy trial. Tape was fired by the previous coroner over claims of violating the confidentiality policy.

Petitioners need more than 38,000 signatures to get on the ballot. They claim they have 1500 verified signatures and more in the pipeline.

10 years ago, St. Tammany Parish Coroner Peter Galvan resigned during recall efforts over theft.

California: Grover Beach Mayor and two councilmembers facing petitions

A lawsuit has been filed by petitioners claiming that the city clerk unlawfully rejected petitions in the recall effort against Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright and Councilmembers Daniel Rushing and Zachary Zimmerman. Petitioners handed four times the required number of signatures to get the petitions. They need about 2000 signatures for Bright and Zimmerman and 500 for Rushing.

The petitioners are claiming that the clerk required that the petitions remove a number of statements before they could be approved.

The issue seems to be a water rate increase to help a proposed recycled water project. 

Oregon: Three of four Elsie-Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection Board members losing in early numbers

Three of four Elsie-Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection District Board members are losing their recall votes,  with Chair Vivian McCann and members Staciy Morrison and Wayne Carmichael currently down (though it will be a while before we have the total vote in. Thomas Hecox is currently surviving by one vote. 

The recall is over a vote to remove the fire chief.

Florida: Coral Gables mayoral recall signatures falls short though petitioners claim a signature sabotage effort

The recall effort against Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago failed in the first round, though petitioners are claiming about an interesting "sabotage."

The petition is just for first round of signatures. Petitioners would have needed another 5000 to get through to the ballot.

Petitioners handed in 1719 handed in and they need 1649 (5% of the registered voters). 1533 were validated. There seems to be a number of duplicates which (according to the article), results in both signatures getting thrown out. One of the duplicates was the lead petitioner, which is a bit odd. The petitioners claim that there was a concerted effort to duplicate signatures.

The recall is over the firing of the City Manager and complaints by a commissioner of a "cesspool of public corruption." Lago opposed the ouster of the City Manager. An election last year of two opposition Commissioners has put Lago on the outs with the majority of the commission.

Lago has been the subject of Miami Herald investigative pieces of his ties to a developer who is the subject of federal investigations.

Louisiana: Elton Mayoral ousted in close recall vote

Elton Mayor Kesia Skinner-Lemoine lost the April 27th recall election, 205-197. The issue was a claim of election irregularities and fraud.

The recall took place after multiple lawsuits, following the failure of the first attempt at recalling, which collapsed in spectacular fashion, with only one of the 322 signatures handed in approved. In the second effort, petitioners handed in 252 signatures and got 249 valids. They needed 245 valids. 

Michigan: New petitions filed against Hillsdale Mayor and Councilperson

A second petition has been filed against Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford, as well as Councilperson Greg Stuchell. The first effort against Stockford was rescinded. 

Petitioners need 620 signatures for Stockford and 135 for Stuchell. The previous recall effort against Stockford was over votes against street projects. 

Illinois: Chicago Police Union backs recall push

The Chicago Police Union is supporting the push is on to put a referendum on the November 5 ballot to adopt a Mayoral Recall law in Chicago. Petitioners would need 56,464 signatures by August 5. 

California: Petitions taken out against Irvine Councilwoman

Petitions have been taken out against Irvine City Councilwoman Tammy Kim by anti-Semitic terrorist supporters over her principled opposition to a ceasefire resolution following Hamas' October 7th pogrom in Israel that led to the murder of 1200 as well as mass rape and kidnapping and hostage-taking. 

Kim is running for mayor. Petitioners need 15000 signatures by June 10.

California: Op-ed on Alameda County District Attorney recall -- and push for earlier elections

Here's an op-ed we wrote on the "recall roulette" that has been played in Alameda, with the clerk using a mix of both county and state rules (following Measure B) in the recall effort against Alameda DA Pamela Price, which could lead to legal challenges... which may be happening.

The recall proponents are pushing for a recall to be scheduled immediately, as they are concerned that the County Supervisors delay will push the date of the recall to Election Day (under the state law, the recall can be delayed 180 days if it can be tied into a regular Election Day). 

Price's attorney is arguing that the signatures needed to have been counted within 10 days, which we discuss in-depth. Price's supporters are also arguing that the recall should be tied with Election Day as a cost savings measure.

California: Petitions taken out against Fairfax officials

Petitions have been taken out against Fairfax Vice Mayor Lisel Blash and Councilmember Stephanie Hellman (the rest of the council is facing reelection). The issue seems to be their support for rent control and a development plan. 

Petitioners need about 1500 signatures in 90 days.

Maine: Milo Select Board members facing recall effort

Milo Select Board members Eric Foss, Susan Libby and Donald Banker are facing recall efforts over a conversation that they had in the hall (which was caught on tape) where they discuss personnel, including a push to remove the city manager. Under city rules, the meeting is a violation of the Open Meeting Act. 

Petitioners would need 10% of registered voters.

California: Report on funding for Orange Unified School Board recall

More than 85% of the donations in the Orange Unified School Board members recall were donated by individuals giving an average of about $450 (the rest was from the teachers' union). About 10% of the individual donors were worked in the school system. The total raised was $227,000 from about 400 people. 

On the other side of the ledger, the opponents of the recall was $260,000, with about a 1/3rd from 115 individual donors and the rest from conservative groups.   

Board members Madison Klovstad Miner (27,674-24,113) and Rick Ledesma (27,782-23,888) lost their races. The recall is over the firing of the school superintendent with no explanation.

The school board members were part of a conservative 4-3 majority and the firing was over complaints about policies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and critical race theory.

Georgia: Athens Mayor calls for court to stop recall effort

Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz is asking a court to stop the the recall effort against Girtz and presumably those against Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams and Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez. Georgia is a Malfeasance Standard/Judicial Recall state, so it is not clear that they have the for cause requirement handled.

The recall moved past the initial stage, with petitioners needing 100 signatures minimum (They handed in 159 for Gonzalez, 126 for Williams and 118 for Girtz).

Petitioners have 45 days to collect 30% of registered voters in the last election for the office -- which will be over 5000 for each (each one has a different last election -- the DA was elected in a special election on December 1, 2020). Because this is registered voters, not turnout, having lower turnout in a special or municipal election wouldn't matter.

There are also threats of recall efforts against 10 district commissioners, though each must be launched from a petitioner in their own district. The first one, against Commissioner Melissa Link, failed as the lead petitioner does not live in that district.

The recall is over the high-profile murder of a nursing student by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant that has grabbed national attention. In 2019, the county issued a statement on welcoming people from all lands and backgrounds as well as denouncing white nationalists and xenophobes. The lead petitioner is apparently well known after being charged in 2016 after he allegedly "became irate when his wife put too much cheese on his grilled cheese sandwich." 

Michigan: Grant Public School Board Members face May 7th recall

The recall election against two Grant Public Schools Board of Education members Rachal Gort and Richard Vance is set for May 7th.  There were also recall attempts against Sabrina Veltkamp-Bol and Ken Thorne (the other seat was opened). Petitioners are still attempting a recall against Veltkamp-Bol (Thorne is on the November ballot). 

The recall is over their votes to end a partnership with a health center that works in the middle school. The vote may have been because of a mural that features LGBTQ+ "witchcraft" and "Satan" imagery. The artist has stated the images are from video games and Hispanic culture. The superintendent also resigned, possibly under pressure.

Petitioners need 1091 in 60 days. 

Kosovo: Recalls of four mayors fails due to turnout requirement, as only 253 voters show up

The recall effort against four  mayors in the northern area of Kosovo (Mayors of Leposavic, Zubin Potok, Zvecan and North Mitrovica) on April 21 failed, as only 253 people showed up (out of 46,000 registered voters. They needed 50 percent turn out.

This seems to be a battle between the Prime Minister and the chief of the Srpska Lista party, Zlatan Elek over the vote. Western embassies weighed in and called on voters to vote in the recall and not boycott it.

New Mexico: Santa Fe Mayor facing recall threats

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber is facing recall threats, as an "Inn on the Alameda" owner, who appears to complain about loud cars, put an ad in linking to an old Change.com petition. The change.com petition was over the destruction of Soldiers' Monument in 2020.

Petitioners would need over 8000 signatures to get a recall on the ballot. Here's a column noting the challenges that recall petitioners would face in the city.

Michigan: Petition language approved against Flint councilmember

Recall language was approved against Councilmember Dennis Pfeiffer, making him the third Flint Councilmember to have active petitions outstanding. There are also attempts many other officials in Flint. The claim against Pfeiffer is "conduct unbecoming a councilmember."

Petitions have also been approved against Flint Council President Ladel Lewi and Quincy Murphy.

Petitioners would need 883 signatures for Pfeiffer, 751 for Lewi and 513 for Murphy.

The recall seems to be over a long running battle, with the focus on a community grant program, approval of Brownfield Plans and how revenue is allocated.

A recall against Flint Councilmember Eva Worthing got on the ballot, but she has announced that she is not running in the May 7th vote.  

Worthing called out four other councilmembers, led by Eric Mays, against whom there were recall efforts. The four were Pfeiffer, Eric Mays, Jerri Winfrey-Carter and Tonya Burns.

The anti-Mays forces claim that Mays and another councilmember called a meeting that they others did not attend over the question of applying for a community grant program funding. Mays has also been charged with disorderly conduct for conduct at the council meetings that has apparently gone viral.

Recalls were also filed against councilmember Judy Priestley (with two filed against Priestly). Former Council President Allie Herkenroder already announced that she was resigning her seat last year. 

Oregon: Douglas County Republicans Recall six executive board members

Douglas County Republicans recalled six members from the executive board, Vice Chair Michaela Hammerson, delegates Todd Vaughn and Terry Noonkester and alternate delegates Cathye Curreri, Steve Hammerson and Loretta Johnson. It seems like the vote was 118-10. It seems like the removed members are accused of disrupting meetings and looking for primaries against sitting GOP elected officials. 

Florida: Mexico Beach Mayor ousted

Mexico Beach Mayor Michele Miller was ousted in a recall vote, 348-207. Miller has sued the City Council members for hiring the City Administrator and making the sole recordkeeper. The recall claims that she violated Sunshine laws.

Miller was replaced by Richard Wolff, who defeated Erik Fosshage 290-206.

A lawsuit against the recall claiming that the petition allegations are false was rejected. 

California: More wrangling over Alameda County DA recall

Some more follow-up articles on the Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price recall.

The campaign is pushing for a special election to take place before the November general election, though the article doesn't note if it is due to the charter provision requiring one in 35-40 days or the state law passed by Measure B giving 88-125 days (but extending to 180 if it can be tied in with a general election). 

Additionally, while still no word from the Clerk, the recall proponents have made it clear that they believe the odd "occupation" requirement is responsible for the high rejection rate, and if that were not included, there would be over 100,000 valid signatures. 

On the other side of the ledger, the Price campaign is arguing that the Registrar didn't verify in 10 days and that the fact that the county rejected the (likely unconstitutional) all signature-gatherers must be county residents provision should result in the recall be invalidated. 

Here's some other articles which include my comments:

Illinois: Referendum started for Chicago Mayoral Recall law

A new push is on to put a referendum on the November 5 ballot to adopt a Mayoral Recall law in Chicago. Petitioners would need 56,464 signatures by August 5. 

California: Calexico Councilmembers trailing badly in recall votes

Councilmembers Raul Urena and Gilberto Manzanarez  appear to have lost their April 16 recall election (it was a special), though new votes can be coming in. Right now, Urena is losing 2774-974 and Manzanarez is down, 2709-1022, both losing with more than 72% against. 

The issue is a claim of poor leadership, though one of the big issues is that Urena was Calexico's first transgendered mayor and has pushed for progressive-focused policies. 

Mayor Gloria Romo, who is an ally of Urena and Manzanerez) has been served with recall petitions as well moments after taking the job. 

The Los Angeles Times has a deep look at the Calexico recall fight (with some of my comments included).

Louisiana: Petitions taken out against St. Tammany Parish Coroner

Petitioners have been taken out against St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape, who refused to step down before his term begins. 

Petitioners are now claiming that they will start a recall effort against him. The recall is over sex abuse allegations that were dismissed in 2003 over a claim of a violation of a right to a speedy trial. Tape was fired by the previous coroner over claims of violating the confidentiality policy.

Petitioners need more than 38,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

10 years ago, St. Tammany Parish Coroner Peter Galvan resigned during recall efforts over theft.

California: Alameda District Attorney recall makes the ballot

It looks like the recall is a go in Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, though let's expect a bumpy ride ahead. Alameda County Registrar of Voters announced that the petitioners got enough signatures to make the ballot. Petitioners handed in 123,374 signatures and got 74,757 valids. They needed 73,195.

First, a word on the success (or failure) rate. The 60.5% validation rate seems low and we have not seen a breakdown yet. But (from what I've heard) it appears that the reason for the failures may be due to the Alameda charter law that requires signers to state an occupation. So it may be under normal rules, the signature total would be much higher, which would limit a lawsuit here. 

Unfortunately, the press release also doesn't explain why they tossed out signatures (which is pretty critical). Price's team was discussing a challenge over out of district signature gatherers (banned by the county law). The problem is that a Supreme Court decision, Buckley v. ACLF seems to wipe out that provision. Note that recalls are considered a ballot measure by California rules (though not by any case that I know of -- the question is an important for campaign finance issues). 

Also unknown is if Price's team would try to use signature strike effort, whereby signers can withdraw their signature from the petitions (that law was adopted in 2017). This is not provided for under the old charter, but it would be interesting to see if they would try it. The existing charter also has a 10 day cure period (the language is unclear) if the signatures don't meet the requirements, so if there is a challenge, the petitioners would presumably be able to try and get more signatures. 

There are other possible challenges that could be made. Alameda Charter required that the signatures be fully counted in 10 days. The county used a statistical sampling method, which the state law for localities (though not for state-level officials) allows for the sample method, Alameda does not seem to have any such provision. Alameda's Measure B, adopting this law (full discussion of what the law does here), but it seems like it was not  operative for the counting. It's not clear to me why they were allowed to do the sampling method, but it's possible that no one will challenge, so that is that. 

There are other areas for potential lawsuits, including when the recall will actually be scheduled and whether or not there is a replacement race or instead that the Supervisors appoint a successor. This depends on whether or not Measure B or the old charter is the operative law. But let's see what happens 

Michigan: Flint Councilmember not running to defend seat in recall election on May 7

Flint Councilmember Eva Worthing has announced that she is not running in the upcoming recall (May 7th) and will be replaced by one of the other candidates running. The recall, which is part of internal battle in the council, with numerous recalls filed, though only Worthing got to the ballot. 

Worthing called out four other councilmembers, led by Eric Mays, against whom there were recall efforts. The four were Dennis Pfeiffer, Eric Mays, Jerri Winfrey-Carter and Tonya Burns (recall were filed against Pfeiffer and Mays).

The recall is over claims that Mays and another councilmember called a meeting that they others did not attend over the question of applying for a community grant program funding. Mays has also been charged with disorderly conduct for conduct at the council meetings that has apparently gone viral.

There is also claims about approving a Brownfield Plan.

Four recall efforts have been filed against Flint Council President Ladel Lewi. Two were filed against councilmember Judy Priestley (with two filed against Priestly). Former Council President Allie Herkenroder already announced that she was resigning her seat last year. 

Florida: Signatures handed in against Coral Gables mayor

The first round of signatures have been handed in against Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, with 1719 handed in and they need 1649 (5% of the registered voters). If they pass, they will need another 5000 to get through the second round of signatures. 

The recall is over the firing of the City Manager and complaints by a commissioner of a "cesspool of public corruption." Lago opposed the ouster of the City Manager. An election last year of two opposition Commissioners has put Lago on the outs with the majority of the commission.

Lago has been the subject of Miami Herald investigative pieces of his ties to a developer who is the subject of federal investigations.

Louisiana: Elton Mayoral recall to be held on April 27

After multiple lawsuits, the recall election against Elton Mayor Kesia Skinner-Lemoine will be taking place on April 27. The issue is a claim of election irregularities and fraud.

This recall effort is following the failure of the first attempt at recalling, which collapsed in spectacular fashion, with only one of the 322 signatures handed in approved. In the second effort, petitioners handed in 252 signatures and got 249 valids. They needed 245 valids.  A judge has once again rejected the attempt to toss out the election

Michigan: Hillsdale Mayoral recall effort ends

The recall effort against Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford has ended, with the petitioner rescinding her efforts. They would have needed 620 signatures to get to the ballot. The reason was because he votes against street projects. 

Washington University of St. Louis: Speaker of Student Union Senate survives recall

 The Speaker of the Washington University of St. Louis Student Union Senate survived a recall vote (53.12% in her favor), with high turnout. The recall was over claims of abuse of power and a culture of fear. She posted numerous anti-Semitic and anti-Indian comments.

Harvard: One Undergraduate Student ousted in recall vote

One of the two HUA (Harvard Undergraduate Association) co-presidents was ousted in a recall vote, 1549-211, with 88% voting for removal. The turnout was much higher than the regular election the week before (305 more votes).

The recall effort was after he was expelled from a club; Not sure what the other one is about. Apparently, Harvard has a rule that a position can face only one recall per term, which is interesting in that this is a "co-president" position.

Wisconsin: Election Commission reports Assemly Speaker Vos recall fails

The first recall attempt against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has failed, with the Wisconsin Election Commission announcing that the recall would have failed under either his new or old district (see below for a discussion).

The petitioners needed 6850 under the old district, and they got only 4989. In the new district, they needed 7195 and got 3053. The Wisconsin Supreme Court refused to rule on which district counted. They apparently handed in 11000.

Petitioners have launched another recall effort.

The Wisconsin Election Commission previously announced that the first recall will not make the ballot, as petitioners seem to have fallen 945 signatures short.  

The Daily Kos has a good explanation for the challenge of deciding what district Vos is a part of (this is after the old districts were tossed out by the State Supreme Court). 

Vos, a long-time fixture of this blog, is facing the recall over his refusal to support Trump during the attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results and the decision to drop impeachment efforts against Wisconsin's Election Commission Chair Meagan Wolfe as she has refused to push for the discredited claims of election fraud.

Vos almost lost in 2022 after refusing to back the election fraud claims. Former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who has previously targeted Vos, had called for his recall if he didn't support the impeachment of Wolfe. 

California: Los Angeles Times deep dive on Calexico recalls

The Los Angeles Times has a deep look at the Calexico recall fight (with some of my comments included).

Former Mayor (it seems like they switch the position among city councilmembers), Councilmember Raul Urena and Gilberto Manzanarez (who was named Vice Mayor) have a recall that has been set for April 16.

The issue is a claim of poor leadership, though one of the big issues is that Urena was Calexico's first transgendered mayor and has pushed for progressive-focused policies. 

Mayor Gloria Romo, who is an ally of Urena and Manzanerez) has been served with recall petitions as well moments after taking the job. 

Kosovo: April 21 recall of mayors leads to debate over law

A bit confusing here, but it looks like there is an attempt to recall mayors in the northern area of Kosovo on April 21, though there is some battle between the Prime Minister and the chief of the Srpska Lista party, Zlatan Elek over the vote. Apparently, more than 50% of voters have to vote for removal. 

Update: Western embassies seem to be weighing in and calling on voters to vote in the recall and not boycott it.

History of the Recall Election -- Did San Diego have the law before Los Angeles?

I'm not sure why this didn't get posted three years ago, but better late than never.

As we've discussed before, it is believed that the recall returned to America's political stage in 1903, when Los Angeles adopted the law for their charter (the vote was actually on December 1, 1902, but the State legislature ratified it on January 22, 1903). However, there has been reports that other jurisdictions' had the law before. Thomas Cronin mentions that some other localities in California had it before (hat tip to this article from Rod Farmer), though he did not remember what they were. But none of the contemporary writers seemed to mention them. 

In this article about recalls in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gerry Cohen discovers that San Diego had it in their 1889 charter. Note that Bird & Ryan mention that San Diego adopted the law in 1905, so I cannot explain this discrepancy. It's another one of those mysteries surrounding the recall. 

Florida: Judge hasn't ruled on Mexico Beach Mayor recall suit

A lawsuit by Mexico Beach Mayor Michele Miller claiming that the petition allegations are false has not had a decision come down, and it sounds like it won't until after the April 16 recall date. 

Miller has sued the City Council members for hiring the City Administrator and making the sole recordkeeper. The recall claims that she violated Sunshine laws.

Update: It seems like the recall is moving forward, though the case will be decided later.

Alaska: Juneau School Board members facing petitions

Juneau Board of Education President Deedie Sorensen and VP Emil Mackey are facing petitions over a $7.9 million budget deficient, caused by what petitioners claim are accounting errors, though a district consolidation plan seems to be the big issue. Petitioners tried to include the consolidation plan in the petition, but was rejected because of the state's malfeasance standard (though even that may be easily surmounted due to recent court cases).  

Petitioners need 2359 signatures to get on the ballot. The recall could cost $105,000.

Michigan: Hillsdale Mayor facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford. Petitioners need 620 signatures to get to the ballot. The reason is because he votes against street projects. 

Georgia: Two Macon Township Board members ousted; Trustee resigns

Macon Township Board Supervisor Lee Wagner (R) and Trustee Ed Clark (R) both lost recall races. Wagner lost to Den Montrief (I) 399-329, and Clark lost to Joe Rine (I) 404-324.

Trustee Beth Loesch was also targeted, but resigned in the face of the recall. 

The recall was over their support for the construction of a large solar farm (known as the Mustang Mile). 

Oregon: Recall of four Elsie-Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection Board members set for April 30

A recall election against four members of the Elsie-Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection District Board, Chair Vivian McCann and members Thoms Hecox, Staciy Morrison and Wayne Carmichael is scheduled for April 30 as a special election. 

The recall is over a vote to remove the fire chief.

Canada: Petitions taken out against Calgary Mayor

The due date for the Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek recall has passed and it will be 45 days until an announcement is made. However, the recall clearly failed, as the lead petitioner stated that he submitted 72,271 signatures and they needed 514,284.

The recall was seemingly over the single-use plastic law, though there is also a kitchen sink listing of complaints as well. This is the first recall attempt in Calgary (the law was adopted province-wide in 2022).

Ohio: Bellville Mayor threatened with recall

Bellville Mayor Teri Brenkus is facing threats of a recall over a personal relationship with a co-worker. Bellville has a year grace period, so Brenkus can't face a recall until her term hits the year mark (she herself is in her eighth year in office). 

Michigan: Petition language approved against Onaway School Board Members

After an appeal, new petitions have  been approved in the recall effort against Onaway Board of Education President James Rieger and Trustee John Palmer. The recall seems to be about their setting up a "Hillsdale-style charter school." A recall effort against VP Erin Chaskey was rejected. 

There is also an attempt to recall Secretary Lorrie Kowalski, though it sounds like she is part of a different county and that board has to be approve the language.

Colorado: Recall election set for Aguilar Mayor and Trustee

A recall election has been set for Aguilar Mayor Donald Gonzalez and Trustee Marc Piano. The story is locked behind a paywall, but hopefully we'll find out more info soon.

Wisconsin: Supreme Court refuses to rule on what maps in place for Assembly Speaker recall

The Wisconsin State Supreme Court has refused to rule on what district map should be used for the recall effort against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R). The court previously threw out all the district maps, but it is not clear who could sign for the recall and which district a recall would take place in. It's not clear how this would work and sound like the court is really hoping this goes away (which it is likely to do).

Georgia: Athens Mayor, Clarke County Sheriff and Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney recall passes first stage

The recall effort against Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz, Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams and Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez has moved past the initial stage, with petitioners needing 100 signatures minimum (They handed in 159 for Gonzalez, 126 for Williams and 118 for Girtz).

Petitioners now have 45 days to collect 30% of registered voters in the last election for the office -- which will be over 5000 for each (each one has a different last election -- the DA was elected in a special election on December 1, 2020). Because this is registered voters, not turnout, having lower turnout in a special or municipal election wouldn't matter.

There are also threats of recall efforts against 10 district commissioners, though each must be launched from a petitioner in their own district. The first one, against Commissioner Melissa Link, failed as the lead petitioner does not live in that district.

The recall s over the high-profile murder of a nursing student by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant that has grabbed national attention. Georgia is a Malfeasance Standard/Judicial Recall state, so it is not clear that they have the for cause requirement handled.

In 2019, the county issued a statement on welcoming people from all lands and backgrounds as well as denouncing white nationalists and xenophobes. The lead petitioner is apparently well known after being charged in 2016 after he allegedly "became irate when his wife put too much cheese on his grilled cheese sandwich." 

Missouri: Columbia Councilmember ousted in recall vote

Columbia City Councilmember Nick Knoth was ousted in an April 2 recall, 531-394. The recall election took place on the with the regularly scheduled municipal election day. A replacement race hasn't been scheduled, but it looks like it won't take place before August. 

The recall was over claims that his recent acceptance of a position as a Director of Government Affairs & Regional Advocacy with the Missouri Association of REALTORS is a conflict of interest, has enough signatures to make the ballot.

Petitioners handed in 421 signatures and (it seems) 370 were verified. They needed 336. 

The last recall in Columbia was Councilmember Chester Edwards in 1990, though one official resigned in the face of a recall in 2015. 

Oklahoma: Enid Commissioner ousted over attendance at "Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally

Enid City Commissioner Judd Blevins has been ousted in the April 2 recall election, losing to Cheryl Patterson 829-561 (59.64% against). The turnout was much higher than in Blevins original election.

The recall was over claims that he was the state coordinator for a white nationalist group (Identity Evropa, which was renamed American Identity Movement) and whether he was at the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally. Blevins apologized at a November 21 meeting where the council tabled a censure motion and disavowed any racist group, though he then moved to a different approach, where he defended marching.

California: Shasta County Supervisor survives recall vote

Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye survived the primary election day recall by 50 votes (4666-4716).

The recall was over the vote to cancel a voting systems contract with Dominion Voting and requiring handcounting, which will cost the county millions. This is part of the fight in Shasta and Crye seems to be connected to the far right groups, one of whom led the successful recall of Supervisor Leonard Moty.

The recall got the ballot after petitioners handed in 5104 signatures and 4929 were verified. They need 4151 valids to get on the ballot. Supervisors questioned the small rejection rate.  

Supporters in Shasta County asked that Governor Gavin Newsom not appoint a replacement if Crye is ousted in a recall and instead allow the voters to choose. As a reminder, in 2022, the state changed the law for local officials who lose a recall election. In that case (unless there is a local law from a charter city), the new law eliminates a replacement election and instead uses an automatic replacement model (with the governor or a specified body making the choice of replacements). The law also explains why there is such a long timeframe until the recall is held (it allows a longer timeframe to tie recalls to general election dates).

Canada: Alberta Premier considering changes to recall law

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is considering changes to the recall law over complaints about the difficult of getting a recall on the ballot. this is coming after petitions have been taken out against Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek seemingly over the single-use plastic law, though there is also a kitchen sink listing of complaints as well. This is the first recall attempt in Calgary (the law was adopted province-wide in 2022). Petitioners need 514,284 signatures (40% of total voters) to get on the ballot, which is more than the number of voters in the last municipal election.

California: California State University Student Government President facing recall effort

California State University Long Beach Associated Students Inc. President Mitali Jain is facing a recall effort. 

Nebraska: Crawford Mayor recall makes the ballot

The recall of Crawford Mayor Tom Phillips has made the ballot, with petitioners handing in at least 137 valids. 

The recall effort is the second one, after the first attempt was restarted because the County Clerk gave the wrong number of signatures needed.

The clerk thought it was 35% of the total that Phillips received in his election, though it is 35% of the absolute total of votes cast for the office. The new number is 137, and it was previously thought to be 75.

Petitioners are claiming that he does not live in Crawford and that he has a conflict of interest, as his wife is a book-keeper for a city-owned golf course. Petitioners need 75 signatures by February 2nd.

Crawford has a mayoral recall in 2021 against Connie Shell (who lost to Phillips), which the official survived. The signatures were incorrect at that time as well. 

New Jersey: Sussex County Commissioner facing recall effort

A recall campaign has been started against Sussex County Commissioner Bill Hayden (R), with the County GOP signing on to the effort. Hayden is accused of claiming that he was a Navy Seal.

Harvard: Two Student Government officials facing recall efforts

Two HUA (Harvard Undergraduate Association) co-presidents are facing a recall effort after he was expelled from a club; Not sure what the other one is about. Apparently, Harvard has a rule that a position can face only one recall per term, which is interesting in that this is a "co-president" position.

Wisconsin: Second recall attempt against Assembly Speaker

After seeming to fail on their first attempt, petitioners are now launching another recall effort against Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

The previous attempt is still in the courts over claims of fraudulently signed names. The Wisconsin Election Commission announced that the first recall will not make the ballot, as petitioners seem to have fallen 945 signatures short. They handed in 11,000 and needed about 7K, so that is a really bad result -- unless due a new question about the districting (which the Supreme Court is now going to rule on). Vos is claiming that there were 300-400 duplicates and half the signatures came from outside the eligible area.

The Daily Kos has a good explanation for the challenge of deciding what district Vos is a part of (this is after the old districts were tossed out by the State Supreme Court). 

Vos, a long-time fixture of this blog, is facing the recall over his refusal to support Trump during the attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results and the decision to drop impeachment efforts against Wisconsin's Election Commission Chair Meagan Wolfe as she has refused to push for the discredited claims of election fraud.

Vos almost lost in 2022 after refusing to back the election fraud claims. Former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who has previously targeted Vos, had called for his recall if he didn't support the impeachment of Wolfe. 

New Jersey: Toms River pulls back law that was facing recall effort

A law to restructure Toms Rivers Police Department and hire EMTs was voted down by the council (though the mayor is pushing ahead with the plan). Over 5000 signatures were handed in to push for a recall of the law, they needed 3000.

---

UK: Scottish Parliament considers recall

The Scottish Parliament is now considering adopting a recall bill, following the revelation that former Health Secretary Michael Matheson racked up an 11K pound bill for roaming charges on his iPad during a vacation. Matheson refuses to resign.