Thursday, May 22, 2025

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. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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. 

Friday, May 16, 2025

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.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

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.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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. 

Monday, May 12, 2025

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. 

Friday, May 9, 2025

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. 

Thursday, May 8, 2025

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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.

Monday, May 5, 2025

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.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Taiwan: KMT Chair calls for recall of President

Following a huge protest and the massive amount of recall efforts against Kuomintang (KMT) officials, the KMT Chair Eric Chu is now calling for President Lai Ching-te to face a recall effort, though there is no chance it will move forward.. 

Lai cannot be recalled in the first year (so that would start on May 20). The petition would need 1/4th of the legislators to sign on, and then the vote of 2/3rds to move forward

Virginia: Signatures handed in against four Purcellville officials

Signatures have been turned in against Purcellville Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett and Councilmember Susan Khalil and Carol Luke. The recall is reportedly over a vote to get rid of the police department, a firing of the town manager and replacement with a former mayor. Nett was apparently fired from the police department days before the vote. The officials fault the minority on the board for the issues.

Petitioners handed in 1088 for Bertaut, 1081 for Luke, 1085 for Khalil and 1091 for Nett. They need 495 per official. Virginia uses a recall trial law, so a judge would decide whether the officials should be removed. 

Nebraska: Petitions taken out against Scotts Bluff Commissioner

Petitions have been taken out against Scotts Bluff County Commissioner Charlie Knapper over alleged issues with a county employee. 

Petitioners need 595 signatures in 30 days. 

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Missouri: Petitioners may have handed in 60K signatures for recall of Jackson County Executive/All-Star Royals 2nd Baseman

Petitioners have claimed to handed in 60,000 signatures for the recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White -- (yes, the Royals former All-Star 2nd Baseman), though they need (or needed -- I'm not clear) to raise $150,000 to get the petitioners to hand it in. 

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.

Wisconsin: Wrightstown School Board President ousted

Wrightstown President Angela Hansen-Winker was ousted in a recall, losing 1019- 456 to Nicole Verbetento on April 22.

The recall is over claims that she misused legal counsel and mishandled a superintendent investigation.

Fellow school board member Rayn Warner is leading the recall effort. Another board member Tiffany Van Vreede is mentioned as a supporter as well. 

The Wrightstown School Board Clerk has resigned right before the recall vote. Petitioners handed in 1200 signatures, not sure how many were needed or were verified.

Maine: Freedom Select Board Member and Blair Witch Project Star ousted in recall vote

Freedom Select Board member Heather Donahue was ousted in an April 23rd recall vote, 122-91. 

Donahue, famous for her leading role in "The Blair Witch Project," faced the recall over whether a road that a family has claimed has public access or not (Donahue has argued that it does). The petitioners are complaining that Donahue cut brush and trimming on the road and used orange spray paint to mark trees on the public easement. 

There are also issues of complaints about the old board (Donahue was elected last year), including late IRS payments and budget confusion, so this may be part of an old residents vs. new residents fight. 

Another Selectman, Ryan Willette, resigned, which means the board no longer has a quorum. Petitioners handed in 73 signatures and needed 46 valids.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Washington: Camas City Council member facing recall effort

Camas City Council John Svilarich is facing a recall effort, with a judge set to a hold a hearing on whether petitions can move forward 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.

Monday, April 21, 2025

Oakland: Barbara Lee wins Oakland Mayoral Replacement race

Longterm former Congresswoman Barbara Lee has won the replacement race, with the numbers currently sitting at 53-47% over Loren Taylor, after the ranked choice voting. The race was close, as Taylor led early. Taylor actually led in the 2022 race before losing to former Mayor Sheng Thao due to the ranked choice voting system.

There have been numerous complaints about voter turnout in the special, though notably not much discussion of the fact that the recall vote in November saw a much higher voter turnout than Thao's original election in 2022. And little blame has passed to the legislature for removing the same-day replacement vote. 

Turnout seems to be 36% of registered voters.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Minnesota: Petitions taken out against International Falls council members

Four International Falls Council members Pete Kalar, Tim Wegner, Walt Buller and Mike Holden, are facing petitions. 

Petitioners are upset about renovations on a new police office, rather than sharing the sheriff's office or using the old center. There's also complaints about other funding issues including a bond for an arena and a stadium and street repairs. 

Councilmembers allegedly used slurs in referring to participants at a meeting.

The clerk rejected the petitions, allegedly claiming that signers failed to include birthdates (which does not appear to be required) and the petition did not include a valid reason. Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state, so this could prove to be a significant hurdle, though the courts usually weigh in here. 

Arizona: Petitions taken out against four GOP House leaders

Petitions have been taken out against four Arizona Republican State House members, Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, Appropriations Chair David Livingston and Representative Matt Gress.

The recall is over delays for a supplemental funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities. 

Petitioners need 25% of turnout by August 15, which is, Gress 34,399, Montenegro, 27,381, Livingston, 26,342, and Carbone, 21,747.

California: San Fernando Mayor and councilmembers facing recall threats over sanctuary city vote

San Fernando Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo and Victoria Garcia are facing recall threats over their votes against becoming a sanctuary city. Petitioners would need 2499 signatures to get on the ballot.

Nebraska: Falls City Mayor facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Falls City Mayor Mark Harkendorff following the resignation of all six members of the City Utilities line crew. Petitions blame "unprofessional" and "insulting" behavior.

Petitioners need 475 signatures. 

The recall has been started by former Councilmember Kaylie Ractliffe.

Oregon: Unity Community Hall and Recreation District Board member facing May 6 recall vote

Unity Community Hall and Recreation District Board Member Daniel Davis is facing a recall vote over the use of the hall. Petitioner seems to be complaining about a pop-up pub run by a nonprofit that Davis helped found. Ballots have to be returned by May 6.

123 signatures were turned in.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

California: Oakland Mayor Replacement Race close in first count

The Oakland Mayoral Replacement race is shaping up to be a close contest, with City Councilmember Loren Taylor leading former Representative Barbara Lee, though we have quite a ways to go before we know anything. Taylor actually led in the 2022 race before losing to former Mayor Sheng Thao due to the ranked choice voting system.

There have been numerous complaints about voter turnout in the special, though notably not much discussion of the fact that the recall vote in November saw a much higher voter turnout than Thao's original election in 2022. And little blame has passed to the legislature for removing the same-day replacement vote. 

Turnout seems to be 36% of registered voters.

Taiwan: Six people charged with falsifying signatures in recall effort

Six people were charged (and released on bail) in claims that they falsified signatures in recall efforts against legislators. Notably, they all were allegedly forging signatures against Democratic Progressive Party candidates. Most of the recalls are targeting the Kuomintang candidates. 

Ballotpedia Q1 recall report

Here

Arizona: Three South Tucson recalls make the August 5th ballot, lead petitioner is councilmember/former Mayor (and former recall loser)

Recall Elections against South Tucson City Council members Roxanna Valenzuela, Brian Flagg and Cesar Aguirre has been set for August 5th. The recall was originally over claims that Valenzuela does not meet the residency requirement and the other two helped cover it up, though it seems other issues about ignoring the lead petitioner have cropped up. 

The leader of the recall effort is current councilmember and former  Mayor Paul Diaz led the effort, who also has claims that they bought a motel that seems to be used by the government to put up some people (perhaps coming out of rehab) and their support for Prop. 409, a tax to fund public safety (which passed).

Diaz himself lost a recall vote in 2015 and then came back in 2018 with a recall against other councilmembers and regained the mayoralty.

Diaz got 163 signatures for Flagg, 170 for Aguirre and 173 for Valenzuela.

Wisconsin: Wrightstown School Board Clerk resigns before recall vote

The Wrightstown School Board Clerk has resigned right before the recall vote against President Angela Hansen-Winker on April 22 (Nicole Verbeten running against her.) The recall is over claims that she misused legal counsel and mishandled a superintendent investigation.

Fellow school board member Rayn Warner is leading the recall effort. Another board member Tiffany Van Vreede is mentioned as a supporter as well. 

Petitioners handed in 1200 signatures, not sure how many were needed or were verified.

California: City Clerk sues petitioners in recall effort against Lancaster Mayor

Lancaster City Clerk has sued the lead petitioners (all 86 signers) in the ongoing recall effort against six-term Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, claiming that the petition contains false information.

The recall was focused on a whole group of subjects, including changing the term from two to four years -- though this was back in 2010 (it was a voter measure), a proposed project for the homeless and his comments about a purge, giving homeless free fentanyl and some proposal for Chinese birth tourism in 2013 (though apparently not proposed by Parris.

The lead petitioners appear to be two of the people who Parris beat in the election last year, Republican Mark Maldonado and Democrat Johnathon Ervin. Parris won (in a field of 10) 4763 to 3648 for Erivn and 3190 for Maldonado.

California: Former California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin dies

Former California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin passed away this week. Grodin was one of three Justices (with Rose Bird and Cruz Reynoso) ousted in a 1986 mandatory retention election. This is frequently and erroneously referred to as a recall election, though obviously quite different. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Alaska: Judge rejects attempt to stop Delta Junction Councilmember recall set for April 18

A judge has rejected the attempt to issue an injunction to stop tomorrow's (April 18th) recall against Delta Junction City Council Member Stormie Mitchell. The recall is over claims that Mitchell is unprepared at meetings and delays business. Mitchell was elected to a one-year term in October.

Alaska has a malfeasance standard/judicial recall law, but this seems to be another argument in the recent court cases that have weakened the law significantly. 

The petition had 41 signatures. No word on how many were accepted.

Delta Junction had a recall in 2001 against Thomas "Roy" Gilbertson and Susan "Susie" Kemp over a private prison construction. Both survived the effort.  

Monday, April 14, 2025

Minnesota: Petitions taken out against South St. Paul Council member

Petitions have been taken out against South St. Paul Councilmember Pam Bakken over allegations that a child ingested methamphetamines at Bakken's day care.  

Petitioners need 2763 valids in 30 days. Since Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state, a judge will presumably weigh in here. 

Wisconsin: Wrightstown School Board President recall set for April 22

The recall against Wrightstown School Board President Angela Hansen-Winker is coming up on April 22, with Nicole Verbeten running against her. The recall is over claims that she misused legal counsel and mishandled a superintendent investigation.

Fellow school board member Rayn Warner is leading the recall effort. Another board member Tiffany Van Vreede is mentioned as a supporter as well. 

Petitioners handed in 1200 signatures, not sure how many were needed or were verified.

Friday, April 11, 2025

Missouri: Petitions taken out against Joplin Councilmember

Petitions have been taken out against Joplin Councilmember Ryan Jackson for alleged comments on social media calling gender dysphoria a mental illness.

Update: The petitions have been paused. 

California: Bill looks to limit publicizing signatures and addresses on Notice of Intention to Recall

A new bill would allow the removal of the signatures and addresses from the first Notice of Intention to Recall that is filed in California. The bill is proposed by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R). The bill (SB270) would only require a name, city, state and zip code to be published in a newspaper (though all the regular information would have to be submitted to the clerk. 

The names of anyone signing the actual petition are not publicized under California law (though they are under other state laws).

Thursday, April 10, 2025

New York: Citizens United calls for adopting modified recall law for NYC mayor

Here's the report, which suggests a law where the city council would put a recall on the ballot.

Missouri: New nonprofit funding Jackson County Executive/All-Star 2nd Baseman recall efforts

A nonprofit called Democracy in Action has raised over $180,000 in six months for the recall effort against Jackson County Executive Frank White -- (yes, the Royals Star 2nd Baseman). No word on who is backing the organization.

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. 

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

Arizona: Phoenix School Board President facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Phoenix School Board President Jessica Bueno. The petition notes a slew of reasons, including a move to fire the school superintendent and votes to close two schools. Bueno is also facing complaints about bailing out a "longtime associate" who was later sentenced to a year in jail on a solicitation of a minor charge.

California: Some more fallout from the Oakland Mayor recall

A look at how Mayor Sheng Thao ran the office and the subsequent firing of staff members by the temporary replacement. One of the proposals was to try and get volunteers to disrupt the petition gathering.

Georgia: Two Bowman Councilmembers ousted in April 8th recall

Two Bowman Councilmembers Betty Jo Maxwell (106-26) and Leah Carey (106-26) were ousted in a April 8th recall vote. The issue was approval of poultry houses.

There will be a special election to fill the seats within 45 days (presumably of certification). The seats are facing a recall in November.

The recall was previously thrown out because a judge ruled against it. It seemed that it was claims did not meet the state's malfeasance standard grounds, but this article calls the issue procedural.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Colorado: Loveland Councilmember facing recall effort

Loveland Councilmember Erin Black is facing petitions after a confrontation in the park (though it does not sound like it was physical -- though one of the video has claims about it. It's really not clear from the story). The council is calling for her resignation.

Loveland has had a good deal of recall efforts recently.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Illinois: Bill allowing Recall of County Officials advances in Senate

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee has moved forward a bill, SB1954, allowing recalls for county officials throughout the state. The proposal would allow the counties to propose recall laws and put it on the ballot in 2026.

The bill, proposed by Senator Doris Turner (D), comes following the shooting of Sonya Massey last year. The Sangamon County Sheriff faced heavy criticism and has since resigned. 

North Dakota: House passes proposal looks to change local recall law, including raising signature requirements

The House has passed Senator Kristin Roers' Senate Bill 2269, which looks to increase signature requirements, allow for the cancelation of uncontested elections and require a stated reason approved by the Secretary of State (though it does not sound like a malfeasance standard).

The signature rules would be the same across the state and no longer allow for home rule provisions that have lesser totals. The number would be raised to 35% of turnout in the last election, up from 25% and would also require 15 petitions minimum to be taken out (I've never seen that type of requirement). It would also limit recalls to one a term.

The timeframe for a recall effort would be one year for state level officials and 90 days for others. 

The recall followed the odd recall against Dickinson City Councilmember Jason Fridrich, where no one challenged him in the race set to take place on March 11 (though the lead petitioner is planning in running as a write-in), there are now discussions of changing the rules.

Alaska: North Slope Assembly President and Mayor (who are father and son) are both facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against North Slope Borough Assembly President Crawford Patkotak, who is the father of Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak. Both are facing petitions over complaints over allegedly misusing funds for travel expenses for the mayor's family. The President allegedly did not disclose a personal interest when approving compensation for travel.

Apparently, the salary for the position of the Mayor is over $280,000. 

Petitioners need 371 signatures for the mayor and 261 for the Assembly President in 60 days.

This is the second petition filed, the first was rejected due to Alaska's malfeasance standard (which may not be in effect thanks to recent court decisions). 

In 2016, a previous Mayor, Charlotte Brower, was kicked out with a recall for sending her grandchildren to a basketball camp in California, among other issues.

Idaho: Pocatello-Chubbuck School Board member recall failed, with too many signatures invalidated

The recall effort against Pocatello-Chubbuck School Board Member Raymond Knoff over a vote to close an elementary school over declining enrollment has failed. 

Petitioners turned in over 900 signatures and needed 853 valids. It's not clear how many were rejected. 

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Texas: Recall effort against Houston Mayor ramping up

A recall effort is ramping up against Houston Mayor John Whitmire (D) over complaints about incompetence. The one specific policy issue seems to be a water plan.

Petitioners need 63,000 signatures in 30 days (25% of turnout).

Friday, March 28, 2025

California: Look back at the Anaheim KKK recall

Here's an article noting that it is the 100th anniversary of one of the most critical recalls in US history, the successful effort to kick the KKK out of Anaheim. Outside of the Little Rock School Board recalls of 1959, it may be the most consequential. 

Hawaii: Deep look at State legislative appointment and the impact on 1985 recall

A really great look by Perry Arrasmith in Hawaiian Business Magazine at how Hawaii's Governor is tasked with appointing officials to fill state legislative vacancies. Note this point on how the 1985 Honolulu City Council recall led to the start of Governor David Ige's career:

Then-Councilmember Patsy T. Mink was outraged and launched a recall campaign against the three new Republicans. All three lost their seats to Democrats in the recall election; two of those Democrats, Arnold Morgado and Donna Mercado Kim, resigned their seats in the State House to serve on the City Council.

In those days, appointees simply had to be registered as members of the Democratic or Republican party – they did not have to be members of their party for at least six months, as is the current rule. James Kumagai, then chair of the state Democratic Party, who had a doctorate in engineering, was charged with generating lists of potential appointees to fill the House vacancies.

For Morgado’s House seat representing Pearl City, the three options were a longtime party worker; the son of an elected official; and a young outsider named David Ige, an electrical engineer with Hawaiian Telephone, now Hawaiian Telcom. But Ige was not a member of the Democratic Party.

And here's a look at how other states operate (and reelection rates): 

In the U.S., 25 states hold special elections to fill legislative vacancies; appointment processes in the other 25 states vary, according to Ballotpedia, a nonprofit and online encyclopedia of American politics. Only Hawai‘i has governors choose the appointees from short lists of party-selected candidates.

Ballotpedia also tracks the power of incumbency. In all 50 states, it says it analyzed election results for congressional, state executive, state legislative, state judicial and local offices. According to Ballotpedia, 95% of incumbents running nationwide were reelected in 2024, 94% in 2022 and 93% in 2020.

Among the 82 legislative appointees in Hawai‘i since 1964 that I could confirm, 14 did not run for their seats in the next election. But of those who did run, 49 won and 19 lost – a success rate of 72%.

Wisconsin: Wrightstown School Board President recall makes the ballot, scheduled for April 22

The recall against Wrightstown School Board President Angela Hansen-Winker has made the ballot for a special election on April 22 (though depending on how many candidates run, it could be a primary, with the final election on May 20), though she is appealing the certification. The recall is over claims that she misused legal counsel and mishandled a superintendent investigation.

Fellow school board member Rayn Warner is leading the recall effort. Another board member Tiffany Van Vreede is mentioned as a supporter as well. 

Petitioners handed in 1200 signatures. No word on how many are needed.

California: San Jose Condo Complex ousts HOA board

Not much detail here, but apparently the issue was excessive and petty fines by Garden Park Village. Just to note that I do not count HOA recalls in the yearly compilation of recalls. 

Washington: State Supreme Court upholds recall effort against Mabton Mayor

The Washington Supreme Court has upheld (6-3) the judicially approved recall petition against Mabton Mayor Rachel Ruelas. 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 comes 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 would need 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.

Oregon: King City Mayor resigns after recall makes the ballot

King City Mayor Marc Manelis has resigned after signatures were verified in his recall and a recall was scheduled for April 29th over a reappointment controversy.

Manelis was just recently elected mayor after the recall and removal of four King City officials, Mayor Jaimie Fender and Councilors Kate Mohr, Smart Ocholi and Laurie Petrie last year, as well as the resignation of Micha Paulsen. 

Manelis voted to reappoint Ocholi to one of the vacant council seats, which apparently led to the current recall effort. The appointment was found to be unconstitutional, but it seems to have happened regardless and Ocholi seems to be on the council.

There was an attempt to recall Marc Manelis at that time for the 2024 recalls, but no signatures were handed in after a change of heart by the petitioners.

That recall was over their vote for a Master Plan and Transportation System Plan, most notably a development plan for Kingston Terrace. One councilor who voted against the Transportation Plan was not facing a recall effort. 


Montana: North Valley County Sewer and Water District Board recall scheduled for June 3rd

The recall of North Valley County Sewer and Water District Board members Krystal Dickerson and Carl Millerick has made the ballot and is set as a special election on June 3rd, though they have sued to stop in under a claim that the petitions are inadequate and inaccurate. 

The recall seems to be about the firing of two general managers.

Montana has a malfeasance standard/judicial recall law, so the petitions focus on claims of alleged theft and incompetence.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Washington: First signatures submitted against Yakima County Coroner

Petitioners have submitted their first batch of 1419 signatures for the recall effort against Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice (R), which has been approved by a judge. Petitioners need 14000 signatures toget on the ballot. 

Curtice is facing the recall effort (and calls for his resignation by the Yakima County Republican Party) after he admitted that he "was using drugs found on dead bodies and accusing his chief deputy of trying to poison him to cover it up." So far, no charges have been filed.

The first recall attempt against Curtice was rejected as factually and legally deficient, as it relied on news reports. Washington is a malfeasance standard state, so a showing of a statutorily delineated violation is needed. Here's a look at how the recall process works.

Nigerian Senator facing recall effort

Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a recall effort. Here's an explanation of how the Nigerian recall works, including that the petitioners need more than 50% of the registered voters in the district. They need their Permanent Voter Card number.  

New Jersey: Lumberton Township Mayor facing recall/resignation threats

Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca is facing calls for a resignation or a recall after being arrested on a DUI with a child in the car.

North Dakota: Petitions taken out against Valley City Mayor and Commissioners

Petitions have been taken out against Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud  and City Commissioners Duane Magnuson, Mike Bishop, Jeff Erickson and Dick Gulmon. 

The recall effort is over alleged complaints about city projects and financial mismanagement, with a focus on the Public Works Service Center.

California: Poway Councilmember facing petitions

Poway Councilmember Tony Blain is facing a recall effort after his censure for claims of an attempted vote trade. There are also complaints of bullying, harassment, retaliation and bribery, with a particularly strong response from the City Attorney. Blain argues that contractors and developers are leading the effort. Petitioners need 2500 signatures to get to the ballot.

Poway recalled councilmember Betty Rexford in 2010. 

Friday, March 21, 2025

California: Rick Caruso opposes Los Angeles Mayor recall effort

Rick Caruso, the billionaire who ran and lost to Karen Bass in the mayoral election in 2022, has announced his opposition to a recall effort. However, that is a long way from announcing that he will not run in the replacement race. 

And here's an LA Times story with my comments on how a recall works.

Texas: Look back at the 1938 Fort Worth recalls

Here's a look back at recalls of Forth Worth's Mayor W.J. Hammond and five councilmembers (one by resignation) in 1938 back when the city had a population of under 180,000. 

The six had been elected in 1937 as members of the Peoples' Progressive League and faced the ire of the local business community. 

Montana: Canyon Creek Rural Fire District Trustee ousted

Canyon Creek Rural Fire District Trustee Richard E. Grady was kicked out in a March 18 recall election, 146-49. 

There seems to be complaints about the right to comment and other issues, including the hesitancy to accept a new fire truck. Apparently, most races are close, so the blowout was a surprise (though not to followers of recalls!). 

Update: Jim Thomas was appointed to fill the seat.

Alaska: North Slope Mayor facing petitions

North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak is facing petitions over complaints over allegedly misusing funds for travel expenses for his family. Apparently, the salary for the position is over $280,000. 

This is the second petition filed, the first was rejected due to Alaska's malfeasance standard (which may not be in effect thanks to recent court decisions). 

In 2016, a previous Mayor, Charlotte Brower, was kicked out with a recall for sending her grandchildren to a basketball camp in California, among other issues.

Maine: Freedom Select Board Member and Blair Witch Project Star facing April 23rd Recall vote

Freedom Select Board member Heather Donahue, famous for her leading role in "The Blair Witch Project," is facing a recall vote on April 23rd over whether a road that a family has claimed has public access or not (Donahue has argued that it does). The petitioners are complaining that Donahue cut brush and trimming on the road and used orange spray paint to mark trees on the public easement. 

There are also issues of complaints about the old board (Donahue was elected last year), including late IRS payments and budget confusion, so this may be part of an old residents vs. new residents fight. 

Petitioners handed in 73 signatures and needed 46 valids.

North Dakota: Petitions taken out against Burleigh County Commissioner

Petitions have been taken out against Burleigh County Commissioner Brian Bitner over complaints about contempt for voters, though Bitner believes it is for other reasons that he does not specify. Bitner is the board chair and has been on the commission since 2008.

Petitioners need 12,858 signatures in one year.

California: Petitions taken out against Contra Costa District Attorney

The recall effort against Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton is moving forward, with petitions set to be filed this week. Petitioners seem to need somewhere in the neighborhood of 72,000 signatures in 160 days. 

Becton appears to be part of the progressive prosecutor movement, and is facing similar complaints to DAs in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Alameda about a perception of a failure to prosecute different cases. We discuss the pushback here. Interestingly, Becton was listed as one of the opponents of Prop 36, which increased sentencing for drug and theft crimes and passed overwhelming

Becton has also been accused of demoting her last two opponent after her election and there was apparently a $2.2 million discrimination settlement against the DA's office (which her opponent was part of -- the alleged discrimination was against women). 

Here's some local reports on KRON4ABC7 and NBC where I am on discussing the recall effort. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Minnesota: Supreme Court tosses out House recall efforts

No surprise here, but the Minnesota Supreme Court has tossed out the recall efforts against Minnesota's Democratic House Representatives and (presumably one of the Republicans), claiming it fails to meet the malfeasance standard. 

Here's (and above) is my article on how Minnesota's recall law works and why the state has only had two recalls go to the ballot since it adopted this version of the recall in 1996 (with one removal) and two resignations.

In addition to giving a full look at the full use of state legislative recalls in the US, the article looks at how malfeasance standard/judicial recalls work and why Minnesota has a particularly difficult one. There is one thing that I do not go into in the article, but I'll mention below. 

As mentioned in the piece, Minnesota is different than Washington State, another malfeasance standard state. Washington does not have a lot of recalls, but more than Minnesota, and many more are threatened. The difference may be that in Washington, the courts approve or reject the petitions before the full signature gathering starts. Here's where it gets strange. Minnesota's law for state level officials seems to be the same requirement, and occasionally that pre-approval seems to have occurred. But in practice, at least at the local level, the court seems to get involved after the signatures are collected and submitted. There are a number of instances of the "collect the signatures and then have the Supreme Court toss out recall" process. There's also a case in Red Wing where the council refused to schedule the recall and the matter seems to have been dropped (and another one in Blue Harbor without the signature verification). 

I don't know why Minnesota practice and law appear to be different at least for state and local officials, but it feels like this a critical question for recalls in the state. 

Tennessee: Knox County School Board member facing petitions

A recall effort has been kicked off against Knox County School Board Chair Betsy Henderson. Henderson is facing the recall over her push for school vouchers.

It is not clear if there can be a recall, as state law allows it only on a regular election ballot, not as a standalone special election. "The county charter doesn't specify whether special election can be called for recalls."  If there is no special, then the next election would ne in 2026, when the seat would be up. Henderson may run for mayor instead. Petitioners would need about 6000 signatures.

The lead petitioner, Phillip Sherman, ran against her in 2022. 

Sunday, March 16, 2025

California: Two Beverly Hills School Board members face petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Beverly Hills School Board Members Russell Stuart and Sigalie Sabag following the resignation of the Superintendent and the restructure of administration and two schools. Stuart has also faced criticism for a social media post overlapping the D in the School District with DOGE.

Petitioners need about 4560 signatures. There would be no replacement whatsoever if they are removed. 

Update: The recall has been put on hold because it was put in too early.

Arizona: Santa Cruz Sheriff facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Santa Cruz Sheriff David Hathaway. Petitioners need 4567 signatures by July 2. 

The lead petitioner is the chair of the local Republican Party and a former volunteer with the search and rescue team. There's a kitchen sink list of complaints, but the focus seems to be withdrawing from a federal program paying for increased border patrol action.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wyoming: Attempted recall of Opal Mayor fails due to impossibility of State Recall Laws

Very odd situation in Opal, where the City Attorney told the council that they could lead a recall of Mayor Mary Hall (who was recently appointed after the previous mayor resigned), though he was wrong. 

The Attorney believed that a recall was allowed, but found out that Wyoming's law only allows for recalls in governments with a commission-style (which is apparently none). 

It is an odd feature that the state allows recalls, but no one can access such a rule. 

Update: The City Attorney resigned 

North Dakota: Dickinson Commissioner easily survives recall vote

The bizarre recall effort against Dickinson Commissioner Jason Fridrich, in which no candidate put themselves on the ballot to oppose him, has ended, as Fridrich won the race 626 to 25 for write-in candidate Seth Hegelson (who led the recall effort).  

For some reason, no challenger emerged in the March 11th  recall election against Fridrich, despite them getting the recall on the ballot.

The recall is over a claim that he did not properly take the oath of office.

The ones against Mayor Scott Decker and Commissioner John Odermann failed. There is a question on how many signatures were needed due to whether to follow the ND Code or the Home Rule Charter. Dickinson's Home Rule Charter required 15% of voters versus 25% in the state Code.

Petitioners needed 724 for Decker and Odermann and 424 for Fridrich.


New York: New recall law bill proposed

There is a new bill for a recall law in New York state, sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tague (R). The bill would only hit statewide elected officials, not legislators or local officials.

Taiwan: 37 recall campaigns move to second stage of signature collection

37 of the Taiwan focused recall campaigns have advanced to the next stage, with 33 KMT legislators, one independent legislator, a mayor and two city councilors moving forward. They will now need 10% of voters signatures in 60 days to go to the ballot.

Oklahoma: State-level recall bill passes Senate committee

The state level recall bill proposed by Senator Bill Coleman  (R) passed through the Senate comitteee 7-1. 

The recall has some unusual provisions, including have lawmakers start the process rather than have the signature gathering effort (which is the case for Illinois's gubernatorial recall).

The bill seems to be in reaction to School Superintendent Ryan Waters, who is calling for the election of district superintendents and has run into trouble on both sides of the aisle. 

Nebraska: Fort Calhoun Mayor facing petitions

Fort Calhoun Mayor Mitch Robinson is facing a recall effort 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. 

Alaska: Palmer Mayor recall makes the ballot for May election

The recall against Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington appears to have made the ballot, with the recall to be held on May 20th. 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. 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.

Arizona: Glendale Councilmember facing recall threats

Signatures are being collected for a recall of Glendale Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro over complaints about eliminating comments at the council meetings and voting demolish a library.

Petitioners need over 400 signatures to get on the ballot.

Monday, March 10, 2025

California: Lancaster Mayor facing recall effort from 2nd and 3rd place finishers

Petitions are being taken out against six-term Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris  The complaint appears to be partly about changing the term from two to four years -- though this was back in 2010 (it was a voter measure). Other complaints seem to be about a proposed project for the homeless and his comments about a purge and giving homeless free fentanyl. 

The lead petitioners appear to be two of the people who Parris beat in the election last year, Republican Mark Maldonado and Democrat Johnathon Ervin. Parris won (in a field of 10) 4763 to 3648 for Erivn and 3190 for Maldonado.

Colorado: Pueblo Mayor facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham 

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

Navajo Nation: Recall effort against Navajo Nation President failed

The recall effort against Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has failed, with petitioners handing in 11,193 signatures and needing 34,000 (45% of turnout in the past election). 

The recall was over a kitchen sink of complaints, including misusing funds, a revolving door and inaction on workplace harassment and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People initiative. 

The former Executive Director of the Division of Human Resources, who was fired in June, is leading the effort. 

Maine: Claims of online signatures against Governor, but state doesn't have a state-level provision

A change.org petition is claiming almost 28,000 signatures against Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) though obviously none of them are worth anything, as the online petitions do not count for recall or other direct democracy efforts (additionally, it is quite likely that many of the signers do not live in Maine).

As the article notes, Maine does not actually have a state-level recall law, so there is no possibility that Mills will be removed in a recall or that this will move forward.

The complaint is over women and transathletes issue. Mills recently got into a verbal scuffle with Trump, so that may be a part of this.