California: San Francisco Supervisor recall scheduled for September 16

The recall election of San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio has made the ballot and is scheduled for September 16. Petitioners handed in 10,985 signatures, with 10.523 valid. They needed 9911. 

The validity rate was 95.8%. It's not clear why they did a full count. They previously announced a 99,3% validity rate, when they checked 549 checked signature using the randomg sampling method. That would suggest that they didn't need to check each one. 

Petitioners handed supposedly collected over 14000, which appears to mean that they did a great job of checking them over (they may have handed in another 300 additional ones).

Here's my last look at signature verification rates for other large recall events.

The recall is over the Engardio's support for the passage of Prop. K, which will lead to a new park and the closing of the Great Highway. 

Proposition K passed with 56% of the vote, but in Engardio's district, the vote was 63.7% opposed, so real risk. 

The lead petition resigned from the role over debates about spending -- reportedly, the campaign has spent over $100,000 for signature collection and is looking to put in some more, though they are in debt. Engardio has a 4-1 advantage in funds. 

California: San Francisco Supervisor recall appears to make the ballot, with 99.3% verification rate

The recall effort against San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio appears to have made the ballot, with an incredible 99.3% of the 549 checked signatures verified (in the randomg sampling method -- so 4 of 549). Petitioners handed in 10,700 signatures  though supposedly they collected over 14000, which appears to mean that they did a great job of checking them over (they may have handed in another 300 additional ones). They need 9911 and under the sampling, they would get 10,525. 

Here's my last look at signature verification rates for other large recall events.

The recall is over the Engardio's support for the passage of Prop. K, which will lead to a new park and the closing of the Great Highway. 

Proposition K passed with 56% of the vote, but in Engardio's district, the vote was 63.7% opposed, so real risk. 

The lead petition resigned from the role over debates about spending -- reportedly, the campaign has spent over $100,000 for signature collection and is looking to put in some more, though they are in debt. Engardio has a 4-1 advantage in funds. 

Alaska: Palmer Mayor recall survives recall vote

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington survived a recall vote 222-176 after 202 other ballot counted (Palmer trailed 99-97 on Election Day. Turnout was about 8%. 

The recall appears to be over over a $75K severance payment to a city manager who served for 53 days. The complaint is focused on Open Meeting Act violations.

Three Palmer City Councilmembers were kicked out in a recall in 2022. The lead petitioner against the three councilmembers is also leading the effort against Carrington. Carrington was elected in 2022, but served for a decade on the council. 

California: Signatures handed in against San Francisco Supervisor

Petitioners have handed in 10,700 signatures for the recall effort against San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio, though supposedly they collected over 14000, which could mean that they feel they done a better job of checking them over. They need 9911, so this could be close.

They will use a random sampling method (I explain it here), where they will check 5% -- or 595. Here's my last look at signature verification rates.

The recall is over the Engardio's support for the passage of Prop. K, which will lead to a new park and the closing of the Great Highway. 

Proposition K passed with 56% of the vote, but in Engardio's district, the vote was 63.7% opposed, so real risk. 

Petitioners need about 9400 signatures by late May.

The lead petition resigned from the role over debates about spending -- reportedly, the campaign has spent over $100,000 for signature collection and is looking to put in some more, though they are in debt. Engardio has a 4-1 advantage in funds. 

Florida: Cape Coral Mayor facing petitions

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter is facing a recall effort over a vote to turn over part of a creek preserve into a water and pumping facility. He also is facing criticism for an alleged $60,000 stipend that was proposed in the past.

Petitioners need 7000 signatures (5%) in 30 days to clear the first stage and then have 60 days to get 15% of voters -- so perhaps 21000? The stories don't seem to explain it. 

Alaska: Palmer Mayor recall super close with ballots still to be counted

Very close race in the recall against Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington, who is currently losing 99-97, with another 193 ballots to be counted.

The recall appears to be over over a $75K severance payment to a city manager who served for 53 days. The complaint is focused on Open Meeting Act violations.

Three Palmer City Councilmembers were kicked out in a recall in 2022. The lead petitioner against the three councilmembers is also leading the effort against Carrington. Carrington was elected in 2022, but served for a decade on the council. 

Colorado: Mountain View Councilmember ousted

Mountain View Councilman Brent John Metz was ousted in a recall, l127-72, and was replaced by Ryan Debner. Metz is accused of shooting a teen in the face and faces assault (and other) charges. Two teens were allegedly looking for a place to take homecoming pictures. 

Rhode Island: Westerly Town Council President facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Westerly Town Council President Chris Duhamel. The recall is over a suit about a right of way and access to a beach. The article mentions that they need 20% of turnout, though it seems that voters cast ballots for multiple officials (somewhere near 13000 voted in the presidential. They have 45 days. 

Wisconsin: DeForest Village Trustee facing petitions

DeForest Village Trustee Bill Landgraf is facing petitions over a vote to remove fluoride and claims of unprofessional and intimidating behavior. Landgraf is accused of reporting misconduct against a dental hygienist who opposed him on social media. Petitioners need 1392 signatures in 60 days. 

Montana: Petitions taken out against Hill County Commissioner

Petitions have been taken out against Hill County Commissioner Sheri Williams over claims of an hostile environment. Williams was censured by the other two commissioners and has faced complaints over a senior meal program. Montana is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state and there does need to be a showing of cause for the recall to move forward.

Petitioners need about 2000 signatures, 700 of which have to be from Williams' district, by August 12. 

Maine: Dexter School Board members facing recall vote on June 10th

Dexter School Board Members Judy Saunders and Alisha Ames are facing the voters on June 10th. The pro-recall group is called "Stop the Power Trip!" The group complains about conflict of interest including Ames' involvement with a homeschool co-op and that Saunders' daughter works in the district.

Nebraska: Harvard Mayoral recall cancelled due to grace period

A recall effort against Harvard Mayor Nathanael Brown scheduled for June 10 has been cancelled, as the mayor has a 6th month grace period at the start of the term (which was September 16, 2024) and petitions were handed in in January. Don't see anything about what the recall is about. 

Louisiana: Petitions taken out against St. Bernard Parish President

St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes is facing petitions over his support for a bill that would allow the Port of New Orleans to construct a road connecting the International Terminal to the highway.  He opposed the bill HB 616 in the campaign,

Petitioners need 5451 signatures by November 11.

Texas: Balch Springs Councilmember facing petitions

Balch Springs Councilmember Paula Garcia over claims of misconduct. The leader of the effort, Jess Reaka, is a former Parks & Recreation advisory board member who was removed due to social media posts and does not live in the district. 

Petitioners need 54 signatures (50% of turnout) in 30 days.

Missouri: Petitioners hand in additional 20K signatures for recall of Jackson County Executive/All-Star Royals 2nd Baseman

Petitioners have handed in another 20,000 signatures, on top of the claimed 60,000 signatures for the recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White -- (yes, the Royals former All-Star 2nd Baseman). It sounds like over 80,000 have been handed in, though this has been an odd recall effort. 

Previously, the group said they need (or needed -- I'm not clear) to raise $150,000 to get the petitioners to hand it in. This appears to be a separate group handing in the signatures that raise the total to 80,000. It is not clear how that worked.

The recall is over complaints that property taxes are going up between 30% - 400%. There is a complaint that White's salary went up 7%. A recall was threatened last year as well. White says that it was over his vote against a Stadium, and the leaders of the petition (who owe $150,000 for polling), are contractors who wanted a yes vote.

Three legislators have asked the Attorney General for an investigation into White

Petitioners would need 42,902 valids to get on the ballot.

California: Lead petitioner quits role in recall effort against San Francisco Supervisor

The lead petitioner in the recall effort against San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio has resigned from the role over debates about spending -- reportedly, the campaign has spent over $100,000 for signature collection and is looking to put in some more, though they are in debt. Engardio has a 4-1 advantage in funds. 

The recall was over the passage of Prop. K, which will lead to a new park and the closing of the Great Highway. 

Proposition K passed with 56% of the vote, but in Engardio's district, the vote was 63.7% opposed, so real risk. 

Petitioners need about 9400 signatures by late May.

Articles have noted that Engardio was a big supporter of the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin (who is a constituent of Engardio and says he will vote against the recall). 

Idaho: Caldwell Mayor and City Councilmembers send cease-and-desist letter to petitioner over comments

City Council members have sent a cease-and-desist letter to the lead petitioner in the recall against Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner and City Councilmember Geoff Williams, Chris Allgood, Mike Dittenberg and Brad Doty demanding that he stop calling them a "crime family." The petitioner claims the reference is to a conviction for a councilmember's wife for misusing funds two decades ago.

The recall is over the approval of hotel which led to demonstrations for "Save the Dirt Lot." The site is currently used for event parking. There are also complaints about parking meters and the council's approval of the police chief. 

Petitioner would need 20% of signatures, which appears to be 5000, from registered voters in 75 days.

Washington: Recall effort against Mabton Mayor fails due to end of term grace period

The recall effort against Mabton Mayor Rachel Ruelas seems to have failed, as signatures were handed in days after the six month end of term grace period (they needed to be in by the 4th, but were in on the 12th). 

The failed recall was recently approved by the Washington Supreme Court, which upheld (6-3) the judicially approved recall petition. The court ruled that she failed to meet the deadline. Washington is a malfeasance standard state and judges usually toss out recall efforts as not meeting the statutorily delineated reasons for a recall.  

The recall effort came after the former city clerk was accused of allowing her boyfriend to abscond with $22K in checks and cash from the city. There also has been no access to two council agendas or eight recording of meetings. Council members have not seen the budget and there has been trouble with live-streaming meetings. 

Petitioners needed 59 signatures in 90 days. 

Note that one of the articles notes that recalls are not allowed to be held at the same time as the November general election, which is the opposite of how most states work. I'm not sure about how this works -- it does set dates for local elections and says recalls are excepted.  It does specify that recalls can't be held between a primary and general election date. However, it could make the April ballot.

Arizona: Signatures handed in against Nogales Councilmember

Signatures have been handed in against Nogales City Councilmember Saulo Bonilla over allegations  of a pattern of aggressive behavior, specifically to women. He is facing disorderly conduct charges (beyond the current complaint). Petitioners handed in 397 signatures and need 339.

Maryland: Salisbury Mayor facing recall threats

Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor is facing recall threats on social media. It seems to have to do with housing projects, though it's no one has yet acknowledged being behind the effort. One of the social media posts also notes that the City Manager left the job. 

Petitioners would need about 1577 signatures in 90 days.

Colorado: Woodland Park Councilmember resigns after recall makes the ballot

The only one of the four recall of the Woodland Park Councilmembers to get on the ballot, Carrol Harvey, has resigned before the vote.  The recalls was over a vote to repeal the city sales tax that sends $3M to the School District.  The Councilmembers complain that there is no itemization of moneys spent. The city voters previously shot down an attempt to get rid of the sales tax.

The recall effort against three other members failed. The ones against Jeffrey Geer and Steve Smith failed earlier.  

The recall effort against Councilmember Catherine Nakai had 627 were handed in and 507 validated. They needed 577. 

Petitioners handed in 755 signatures against Harvey, 630 were validated. They needed 577.

Petitioners handed in 755 signatures against Harvey, 630 were validated. They needed 577. Petitioners needed 721 for Geer and Smith. They got 657 for Geer and 649 for Smith. The reason for the difference in numbers is that Geer and Smith were elected in 2024 (a presidential election year) while Nakai and Harvey's seat (Harvey was appointed to fill a vacancy) was the lower turnout 2022 midterm. 

No word on the recall effort against Councilmember Terri Baldwin, was also targeted, but signatures were not turned in.

Canada: Alberta MLAs targeted in recall reffort

Alberta MLAs, Demetrios Nicolaides, Rajan Sawhney from the United Conservative Party have been targeted in a recall effort, both of them won in very close races over NDP candidates. There are also threats against Premier Danielle Smith and other cabinet members. 

Florida: New law attacks signature gathering efforts for initiatives

Florida has adopted a law cracking down on volunteer collecting for signature efforts. Not sure how this would impact recalls (as opposed to initiatives), but it does require background checks and training for a volunteer to collect more than 25 signatures from non-family members.

Non-recall op-ed in the Washington Examiner on third terms

Here's my Washington Examiner op-ed on the difficult of officials seeking third terms.  I don't always share the non-recall op-eds, but I think the look at how governors' support falls off in a race for a third term might be worth a look.

California: Capitola Councilmember resigns in face of recall effort

Capitola Vice Mayor Alexander Pedersen resigned in the face of a recall effort. Pedersen said that he moved out of the city after a "campaign of legal harassment and intimidation."

The lead petitioners seemed to have filed some ethical complaints, the reason seems to be his support for costal rail trail project (and a bike path on that project). Pedersen was also on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, which he is leaving as well. 

California: Blue Lake Mayor and two councilmembers targeted in recall effort

Blue Lake Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro Tem Elise Scafani and Councilmember Kat Napier are all facing recall efforts following the removal of the City Manager. Her support for a development project seemed to be one of the issues with the manager. 

Petitioners need about 252 signatures to get the recall on the ballot. An ex-mayor (who lost by a coin flip) seems to be one of the leaders of the recall effort.

Massachusetts: Dalton adopts recall law at town meeting

Dalton voters approved a recall law at the annual town meeting on May 5 (though unsure of the vote). Petitioners would need 50 percent of turnout in 20 days, and there is an absentee veto, meaning that the vote total must exceed 80 percent of the votes cast in the most recent town election. 

The recall occurs as town leadership has faced attacks with a town rejection of the police budget. 

Colorado: Recall effort against Pueblo Mayor fails

The recall effort against Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham has failed. Petitioners needed 6300 signatures and claim they gathered 3046 unverified. 

The recall was about complaints of removing nonprofit funding, retaliation against opposition and spending too much time on social media during council meetings. 

Colorado: One of three Woodland Park Councilmembers makes the ballot; Signatures handed in for fourth member

Only one of three recalls against Woodland Park Councilmembers made the ballot, with Carrol Harvey (who needed the least amount of signatures) set to face the voters. The recall effort against Jeffrey Geer and Steve Smith both failed. 

Signatures have also been turned in against Councilmember Catherine Nakai -- 627 were handed in, they need 577. 

Petitioners handed in 755 signatures against Harvey, 630 were validated. They needed 577. Petitioners needed 721 for Geer and Smith. They got 657 for Geer and 649 for Smith. The reason for the difference in numbers is that Geer and Smith were elected in 2024 (a presidential election year) while Nakai and Harvey's seat (Harvey was appointed to fill a vacancy) was the lower turnout 2022 midterm. 

No word on the recall effort against Councilmember Terri Baldwin, was also targeted, but signatures were not turned in.

The recall is over a vote to repeal the city sales tax that sends $3M to the School District.  The Councilmembers complain that there is no itemization of moneys spent. The city voters previously shot down an attempt to get rid of the sales tax.. 

Washington: Camas City Council member recall effort moves forward

The recall effort against Camas City Council John Svilarich is moving forward, with a judge greenlighting the effort under Washington's malfeasance standard.. Svilarich was arrested on criminal assault and reckless endangerment charges, after an argument over the disposal of a cigarette butt led to a rock throwing and a gun being pulled. 

Among the lead petitioners are Svilarich's opponent in the last election, a losing mayoral candidate and the husband of one of the other councilors.

Alaska: Palmer Mayor's op-ed opposing recall effort

Here's an op-ed by Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington arguing against his May 20th recall. The recall appears to be over over a $75K severance payment to a city manager who served for 53 days. The complaint is focused on Open Meeting Act violations. Carrington argues that this recall doesn't meet the malfeasance standard. 

Three Palmer City Councilmembers were kicked out in a recall in 2022. The lead petitioner against the three councilmembers is also leading the effort against Carrington. Carrington was elected in 2022, but served for a decade on the council. Petitioners need about 58 signatures (25% of turnout -- though perhaps it requires all signers to have voted) in 90 days to get on the ballot.

Petitioners needed 71 signatures. No word on how many they got.

Taiwan: Signatures handed in against two legislators

Signatures have been handed in against Kuomintang legislators Hung Mong-Kai and Yeh Yuan-chih, with petitioners handing in 50,592 and 32,000 respectively. 

Nigeria: Op-ed on Nigeria's recall law

Here is my op-ed in the Nigerian Premium Times looking at how the country's recall law compares to others throughout the world. This comes after the recall effort against Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Massachusetts: Dalton to decide on whether to adopt recall law

Dalton voters are going to decide at the annual town meeting on May 5 whether to adopt a recall law. Petitioners would need 50 percent of turnout in 20 days, and there is an absentee veto, meaning that the vote total must exceed 80 percent of the votes cast in the most recent town election. 

Texas: Killeen Councilmember ousted in recall vote

An end to the odd saga of the Killeen recalls, with Councilmember Michael Boyd ousted 317-264. Boyd had previously dropped out of his reelection run. The recall has had made the ballot and was scheduled for May 3, 2025, the same day as his reelection race (which unfortunately prevents us from getting that comparison. 

The recall seems to be part of an ongoing fight. which led to recall efforts against numerous officials, though the petitioner mentions (among many other things) a vote in favor of a new City Hall and a meeting with developers for which a disclosure form was not filed as well as violations of the First and Second Amendment. The petition itself seems to be a vague kitchen sink, with claims of failing to "listen to the citizens"; Violations of the "code of conduct" and "failure to meet primary standards and "abusing tax dollars."

Petitioners handed in 341 signatures and 218 were verified (50% of registereds). They needed 202.

The recall against three other councilmembers failed after the petitioner claimed to have shredded the pages. The recall effort against Councilmember Jessica Gonzalez failed. They handed in 270 and needed 246 (50% of registereds). No word on how many were rejected. 

ed to recall Boyd by 317 to 264 or 54.5% to 45.4%

Florida: Petitions taken out against two Fort Myers Beach councilmembers

Petitions have been taken out against Fort Myers Beach Councilmembers John King and Karen Woodson over claims of unreported gifts for land use approvals from a developer (seemingly a meal), a debate over who would replace a town attorney and violation of the Sunshine laws. Fort Myers has a malfeasance standard, so a judge will probably weigh in here. 

Former councilmembers Ray Murphy and Bill Veach are leading the effort. Petitioners would need 25% of voters (which seems like between 700-800). 

Nebraska: Fort Calhoun Mayor recall effort fails

No signatures were handed in for the recall of Fort Calhoun Mayor Mitch Robinson. The recall is over his support a plan to lease outdoor gun range space to Omaha's Police Department. There is already a recall vote to remove that specific provision. 

California: Petitions taken out against four Grossmont School Board Members

Petitions have been taken out against four Grossmont Union High School District Board Members, Scott Eckert, James Kelly, Robert Shield and Gary Woods. The recall is over 61 layoffs after a $2.5 million budget deficit. Petitioners also claim that the three, who are politically conservative, have profited from private schools. 

Three of the members have been on the board for over 10 years.  

Petitioners need over 10,000 signatures per board member.

Texas: Gonzales Councilmember ousted

Gonzales City Councilmember Ronda Miller was ousted in May 3rd recall, 216-161, which took place on a general election day. The recall was over a general claim of incompetence. Don't see any other reasons mentioned in any story.

There was a significant debate as to whether Miller could vote in the council to schedule the recall (it passed 2-1, so presumably, if she voted it would have failed). The City Attorney noted that she was barred from casting a vote. 

Petitioners handed in 313 signatures and got 276 valids. They needed 260.

Miller seems to be pushing a focus on a lack of grounds in the petition. Her attorney claims the city uses a malfeasance standard and that is not met here. 

Colorado: Signatures handed in against three Woodland Park Councilmembers

Signatures have been handed in against three Woodland Park Councilmembers Jeffrey Geer, Carrol Harvey and Steve Smith over a vote to repeal the city sales tax. The complaint is that the sales tax sends $3M to the School District.  The Councilmembers complain that there is no itemization of moneys spent. The city voters previously shot down an attempt to get rid of the sales tax.

A fourth councilmember, Terri Baldwin, was also targeted, but no word on why signatures were not turned in.

Not clear how many signatures were turned in, but petitioners need 721 signatures (and 577 for Harvey).  

Canada: Alberta Premier looks to lower recall requirements

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (UCP) is looking to change the recall requirements for MLAs. Among the proposals would be lower the beginning of the term grace period from 18 months to 12 months after election; increasing the signature collection time period from 60 to 90 days and decreasing the required signatures from 40 percent of registered voters to 60 percent of turnout (which is invariably lower).

California: Los Angeles Mayor calls recall effort "rite of passage"

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is calling the recall effort a "rite of passage." There hasn't been any update on how many signatures have been collected. 

Oklahoma: Bartlesville Council member facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Bartlesville City Council member Tim Sherrick over claims that he questioned the faith of the mayor.  Sherrick claims that a former councilmember is leading the efforts for a splinter group of Republicans.

The recall will not get to a ballot before September 9th. Petitioners are looking to collect 1000 signatures, though it is not clear how many are needed.