Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Ohio: Petitions taken out against Piketon Mayor

Petitions appears to have been taken out against Piketon Mayor Billy Spencer and perhaps other trustees following a vote to rescind the annexation of the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

Nebraska: McCool Junction board member recall ousted

McCool Junction Village Board member Patricia Wagner was ousted in a February 11 special election (all mail ballot) vote, 77-47. 

The recall was over claims of open meeting violations and abusive talk.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

California: Recalled Oakland Mayor accused of illegally voting on council matters

Interesting discussion here, as former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is accused of casting tie-breaking votes on two controversial matters on December 17th, despite the fact that her recall had been certified on December 5th. 

The ordinances removed a requirement that small businesses be headquartered in Oakland to qualify for city benefits and reduced the banking of rent increases by rental housing owners, while imposing new eviction limitations. 

North Dakota: Proposal looks to change local recall law, including raising signature requirements

Following 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. 

Senator Kristin Roers introduced 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).

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

Ohio: Signatures handed in against seven Maumee officials

Signatures have been handed in against seven Maumee officials, Mayor James MacDonald and Councilmember Josh Harris, Jon Fiscus, Ted Kurt, Gabriel Barrow, Scott Noonan and Margo Puffenberger. 

The recall appears to be complaints about transparency, distrust and how the city sewer problems have been handled. 

Almost 14000 signatures total were handed in (not sure about the breakdown). If it gets to the ballot, the recall would be held on Primary Day, September 9th. 

Texas: No signatures handed in against Killeen Mayor and three Councilmembers

No signatures were handed in the recall effort against four Killeen elected officialsMayor Debbie Nash-King and Councilmembers Jose Segarra, Riakos Adams and Ramon Alvarez. 

The recall is over development issues, specifically a rezoning of a road that could add 300 new homes. 

The lead petitions is former councilmember Melissa Brown. Brown previously ran against Nash-King for the mayor, but lost. It sounds like they need about 1200 signatures. 

Killeen Councilmember Michael Boyd is already facing a recall vote on May 5, 2025. Note that the recall would take place on the same day as the regularly scheduled election, which could result in Boyd facing a recall and reelection at the same time. 

The recall seems to be part of an ongoing fight, 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."

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. 

North Dakota: Recall threats discussed against State Representative

There's some discussion of a recall effort against State Representative Nico Rios (R), who has been condemned for anti-Semitic social media post.

Rios previously faced resignation pressure after he made allegedly made racist and homophobic comments following a DUI arrest. 

Rios is quoted as saying: "If I wasn't recalled for my DUI, I don't see how I could be recalled for this during the session."

Petitioners would need 1,173 signatures to get a recall on the ballot.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Arizona: Mesa Councilmember facing petitions

Mesa Council member Julie Spilsbury is facing a recall effort. The stated issues were a vote to convert a hotel to an emergency homeless shelter and earlier votes for raises for elected officials and an increase in utility rates. 

Spilsbury, a Republican who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, has stated that the effort is a partisan move by conservatives. 

Petitioners need 3070 valid signatures by May 30. 

Korea: Recall Election law proposed for National Assembly members

Here

Arizona: Nogales Councilmember facing recall effort

Nogales City Councilmember Saulo Bonilla is facing a recall effort over complaints about aggressive behavior. 

California: San Bernardino Councilmember facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against San Bernardino Councilmember Theodore Sanchez is facing a recall effort over complaints about unaddressed issues and ties to the former mayor.

Petitioners need 897 signatures to get to the ballot.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Arizona: Liberty Elementary School Board in Buckeye members facing recall efforts

Two Liberty (in Buckeye) Elementary School District Board members, President Bryan Parks and BP Kris Kenyon, are facing recall efforts. Teachers are complaining about intimidation, financial mismanagement and removal of education services. There are complaints of 38% absentee rate and numerous teachers have resigned. The Superintendent is also facing calls for removal. 

Petitioners need over 2000 signatures. 



Arizona: Two Gadsden School Board recall efforts make the ballot

A recall effort against Gadsden School Board Liliana Arroyo and Board President Luis Marquez has made the ballot. 

The claim against Arroyo appears to be that she doesn't have enough proficiency in English. Not clear what the argument against Marquez is. 

Petitioners handed in1464 signatures against Arroyo and got 1080 valid. They needed 777. They Marquez recall had 1086 valids and needed 777. 

There was a recall effort against Marquez last year that failed, as petitioners turned in almost 900 signatures, but only 128 were valid. They needed 777. Not clear what that recall was about either.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Arkansas: Once again, Constitutional Amendment proposed for a recall

For the second term, Arkansas House Representative Fran Cavenaugh (R) has proposed a bill to adopt the recall for state officers. 

Arkansas has a long history with the recall, including adopting it in 1912, where it was thrown out on a technicality. 

UK: Wales Parliament pushing forward with recall law

The ongoing effort to adopt a recall for the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, seems to be moving forward, with a potential vote in May.

The recall copies the UK law, which would allow recalls if an MP is suspended for 10 days, but also uses a provision that is similar to other places (like Idaho) whereby the removed officials is replaced by someone in their own party.

California: San Mateo County Sheriff Ballot Measure moves to a vote, with recall threat still looming and the history of sheriff recalls in California

Ballots have been mailed out for the March 4th vote on Measure A, which will allow the San Mateo County supervisors the power to remove County Sheriff Christina Corpus for cause. The issue is over claims of a work romance and a use of slurs.

There are recall threats as well, though petitioners need over 45,000 signatures to get to the ballot. 

We've previously seen the deep look at the effort, especially on the fact that with only 58 sheriffs' in the state, it's not a surprise that there are few recalls on the ballot.

While there have been a number of recalls against sheriffs in other places in the country (I see 4 since 2011 that made the ballot, with 3 removals), none have been in California. KQED's Brian Krans said that the most recent one he found (and maybe the only one) was in 1976 against Plumas County Sheriff W.C. Abernethy, who retired for six days before being sworn in for his sixth term in order to collect his pension. He was kicked out (though it was a close 2% margin).

California: San Francisco Supervisor recall officially kicks off

San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio has officially kicked off over the passage of Prop. K, which will lead to a new park and the closing of the Great Highway. 

Petitioners need about 9400 signatures by late May.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

South Dakota: Baltic Mayor who survived recall vote in 2023 resigns with much of city government

 A year and a half after surviving a recall vote Baltic Mayor Deborah McIsaac, and a number of other elected officials and staffers, resigned over frustration with a construction project that was the source of the recall effort. 

McIsaac survived the September 2023 recall vote, 301-224 (Jamie Ingemensen, one of the petitioners, ran against McIsaac). 

The owner of the project claims that McIsaac and other city officials have thrown up roadblocks to stop the project from continuing.

Kansas: Petitions taken out against Junction City Commissioner

Petitions have been taken out against Junction City Commissioner Jeff Underhill over complaints about misconduct. Underhill was recently chosen as Mayor by the other Commissioners.

Petitioners need 390 signatures in 90 days. Kansas is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state and the petitions still must be approved by the County Attorney.

Michigan: Petitions approved against Hamtramck Public School Board member

Petitions have been taken out and approved against Hamtramck Public School Boardmember Regan Watson, who was allegedly absent for over a year, though has now returned. There seems to be an interpersonal dispute with the former Board president Jihan Aiyash, who also missed a good number of meetings in 2022. The lead petitioner (who is on the Zoning Board) worked on a campaign for the former board president's brother.

Facebook posts are claiming that Watson was pushing a "LGTBQ agenda" once the council did not have a "Muslim majority." 

Petitioners need at least 1200 signatures to get on the ballot. 

Nebraska: Two Bartley Trustees facing February 11 recall vote

Bartley Trustees Cori Hage and Dave Wineland are facing a recall vote on February 11 (though it is all mail). It sounds like a number of other board members resigned (there are five in total).

The recall is over a $1.1 million renovation project, including maintenance and purchasing a building for the library and office and conference spaces, as well as the firing of a full-time maintenance manager (who is back at the job).

The village's population has fallen from 355 in 2000 to 270 in 2020. Petitioners handed in 40 signatures and needed 28. 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Washington: Petitions approved against Yakima County Coroner

The recall effort against Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice (R) has been approved by a judge. 

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.

California: New Alameda County District Attorney selected

The Alameda County Supervisors chose Judge Ursula Jones Dickson to replace Pamela Price, who lost her recall vote in November. Dickson will serve until the replacement race in November 2026, when there will be an election to choose the full term replacement (the term last 6 years because the legislature added two years to hook up D.A.'s and Sheriffs elections with presidential ones.  

Dickson appears to have the support of the proponents of the recall effort. 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Taiwan: Dueling recall campaigns hit parties, targeting 79 legislators

A mass recall campaign has been launched by the Democratic Progressive Party against 41 members of the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party. The recalls started after the KMT passed laws targeting the Constitutional Court, the budget and looking to change the recall act itself

The KMY is looking to recall 38 DPP members in response.

Update: The campaigns have kicked off.

California: Menlo Park Mayor facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Menlo Park Mayor Drew Combs over the development of teacher housing.

The lead petitioner is Menlo Park Fire Protection Director Rob Silano.

Wisconsin: Petitions taken out against Wrightstown School Board President

Wrightstown School Board President Angela Hansen-Winkler is facing petitions 

The issue seems to the School Superintendent being pushed out (he took early retirement) and the cost that she has run up with an attorney. She also was criticized for attending a meeting of NEW Patriots, which is described as a "local conservative group."

Petitioners need 1206 signatures.

California: Poway Councilmember faced recall threats by other councilmember

Poway Councilmember Peter De Hoff apparently faced recall threats by his fellow Councilmember Tony Blain. The threat was that Blain wanted De Hoff to vote for a special election for a council vacancy (instead of appointing a replacement). Blain offered to also support De Hoff for Deputy Mayor. 

Saturday, January 18, 2025

California: Former Oakland Mayor indicted

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who was ousted in a recall on Election Day in November, has been indicted for soliciting $300K in bribes.

UK: Labour MP kicked out of party, may face recall effort

Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been kicked out of the party for sucker-punching someone while waiting for a taxi at 2AM (the debate was over the government slashing winter fuel payments and the closing of a bride).

If Amesbury is suspended for more than 10 days or is sentenced to jail (less than a year), petitioners can start to collect signatures to get a recall on the ballot.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Washington: State Supreme Court to rule on Mabton Mayoral petition

The Washington Supreme Court has heard an appeal over the judicially approved recall petition against Mabton Mayor Rachel Ruelas. Washington is a malfeasance standard state and judges usually toss out recall efforts as not meeting the statutorily delineated reasons for a recall.  

The article 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.

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. 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Texas: Bastrop Mayor resigns

Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson has resigned before facing the May 2025 recall vote. The recall effort was over claims that Nelson interfered with an investigation into a former Visit Bastrop CEO, who was also allegedly having an affair with. 

The recall took a long route to the ballot and could have made the November one. Nelson sued alleging that the recall has taken too long to make the November ballot and that petitions are missing a signature. Petitioners handed in over 1600 valid signatures, but did not have affidavits with each page. The petitioners have a cure period for this -- but the process is supposed to have a hearing and should be over 90 days before the election.

Here's a discussion with City Councilmember Kevin Plunkett, a supporter of the recall, explaining the confusion.

Minnesota: State GOP calls for recalls of Democratic House members in unusual Speaker fight

With an unusual deadlock in the Minnesota House, Democratic legislators have boycotted the session until the election of a replacement for one of their candidates. The Republican Party is threatening a recall against any legislator who doesn't show up -- though Minnesota law is so strict a malfeasance standard state that it is questionable that it could make the ballot. 

The legislature came out of the election with a 67-67 tie, but one Democrat (Curtis Johnson) was disqualified for not living in his district. The result is a 67-66 GOP majority until the January 28th special election. However, the Republicans have elected their own speaker who would could not be ousted without 68 votes. The Democrats are sitting out, thereby claiming that the Republican's speaker was not validly elected. The Republicans are also contesting a seat that was won by 14 votes. We'll see how this plays out. 

Michigan: State House Representative recall stymied by 2012 recall law change

A proposal to remove State Representative Karen Whitsett (D) seems to be a nonstarter. Whitsett has gained the ire of her fellow Democrats due to a series of votes and specifically not caucusing with the Democrats in the new House session. 

The problem is that under the 2012 Michigan recall rules, Whitsett would automatically be the Democrats candidate if the recall would get to the ballot. 

Tennessee: General Assembly looks to adopt recall law for local officials

Tennessee General Assembly is looking to adopt a recall for school board members, requiring local governments to adopt recall rules. The proposed rules have an incredibly high 66% of turnout  for signatures and 66% of the vote must be in favor of the recall for the official to be removed (A Queen of the Hill provision),

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board is looking to oust the Superintendent. The board has received a no confidence vote from the Shelby County Commission.  

Massachusetts: Chicopee considering adopting recall law

Chicopee is debating whether to add a recall ruling, which has passed through the Rules Committee. 

Washington: Thurston County Commissioner recall effort tossed out

The attempt to recall Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse was tossed out by a Superior Cort Judge. The recall was over Clouse' conduct with an aide, which resulted in a $300K settlement. She has faced an investigation, suspension and censure. Petitioners would have needed 18,499 signatures. 

The judge tossed out the recall as not meeting the state's malfeasance standard.

Monday, January 13, 2025

California: Los Angeles' long history with recalls and threats against LA's Mayor

The devastating Los Angeles fires have led to calls for resignations and recalls, most prominently against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. There has been significant criticism of alleged budget cuts against the Fire Department, as well as Bass' travel and some more clearly cultural war-focused attacks on the departmental leadership (which may itself backfire, as there does not appear to be complaints about the department).

Los Angeles is a charter city and has its own recall laws that were not changed by the 2022 state revision. To get a recall on the ballot in Los Angeles, voters would have to collect the signatures of 15% of registered voters, which at the moment is 324,681 (this will definitely change) in 120 days. Petitioners can hand in the signatures and then, if found insufficient, hand in another batch in a 10 day period. It may be that the second batch has to be handed in within this 120 day time frame, which is somewhat odd and I'm wondering if something is off with either my reading or the writing of the code here.

A big factor here -- the clerk cannot use random sampling (67)-- each signature must be individually checked. The random sampling choice can save money and time, but it also can be used to delay matters, as happened in the Alameda County District Attorney recall.

The law provides for a one-day, two-step recall, like the Governor, where the replacement race will appear on the same ballot as the recall vote and the targeted official cannot run to replace themselves. 

If it were successful, the 324K may be the most signatures handed in for any race outside of the Governors/Lieutenant Governor races in California in 2003 and 2021 and Wisconsin in 2012. 

Los Angeles had one of the big recall attempts in 2022 against the District Attorney, but let's first look at the city's history and especially the four noteworthy mayoral recalls.

Los Angeles can be considered the capital city of recalls. It has long been viewed as the first place to adopt a recall law in the U.S. (but maybe not?!?) in 1903, and led to the recall's rapid promotion by the progressive movement. The first recall in US history (perhaps any history?) was against Los Angeles Councilmember James Davenport in 1904.

Los Angeles Mayors' themselves have a deep history with the recall -- though history is the operative word. Two Mayors have been kicked out with the recall (though one of them resigned) and another survived a recall. A fourth had an enormous number of signatures handed in, but too many were tossed out to get on the ballot.

Mayor Arthur (A.C.) Harper in 1909 was (as far as I know) the first big city mayor to face a real recall. This was over significant corruption allegations and was backed by the Municipal League. Harper resigned two weeks before the recall vote -- not an uncommon occurrence -- and really suggests that he would have easily lost the vote.  

Mayor John Clinton Porter faced a recall vote on May 3rd, 1932 that he easily triumphed in, 144,750-196,517.  Note that Porter would also have won the replacement race, where he was allowed to run under the rules at the time. The recall seemed to be over approval of a power plant and other claims of mismanagement and corruption, though there were some claims that it was because he was a "dry" pro-prohibition candidate (California's Senator -- and almost Democratic nominee in 1924 -- William McAdoo was one of the leaders of the Dry forces, so California has an interesting history with prohibition). One of the contemporary articles notes that Porter behaved with "singular stupidity" so that's fun.

On September 16, 1938, Mayor Frank Shaw was ousted in a recall vote, 232,686-122,196 (this seems to have been a snap election recall, not a yes/no + replacement). Shaw was accused of significant corruption and in some ways he could be seen as the model of the  L.A. Confidential time (though that book/movie are set in the 50s). Shaw was blown out -- losing 65-35%. Note that a number of sources claim that Shaw is the first mayor (or the first mayor of a major city) to be ousted in a recall. This is incorrect -- even ignoring Harper. Seattle's Hiram Gill was kicked out in a 1911 recall and Riverside had Mayor Edward Dighton removed in 1929 (with Libel as the big issue)..

Shaw's successor, Fletcher Bowron in 1950, also faced a real recall threat (seemingly over complaints about police corruption, which took place after the indictment of the former Police chief), with 78,928 valid signatures (out of a total of 129,662 collected) handed in against him. However, they needed 89,497, so they came up short -- there's a lawsuit over whether the signatures should have been thrown out. Bowron lost his next election.

There have been plenty of recalls threatened in recent years, including against Bass' predecessor Eric Garcetti, though to my knowledge, none have been serious enough to hand in signatures. 

City Council and other officials:

In terms of other officials, there have been many attempts, but from what I can tell, the last time there was an actual vote was 1984, against Councilman Arthur Snyder. He survived, but resigned the next year in a custody battle.

In 2022, a recall attempt against Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin failed, with more than 13,000 signatures tossed out. Petitioners handed in 39,188 signatures and needed 27,317. They got 25,965.

This recall attempt was supposedly over the homeless issues, though petitioners were previously talking about his support for the shutdowns to prevent further damage from the coronavirus pandemic. Two other councilmembers faced recall attempts, though both failed to get the signatures.

Apparently, the last Los Angeles Councilmember to be removed was Meade McClanahan in 1946.

The last school board member to be removed was Howard Miller in 1979 over busing issues.

Currently, Los Angeles City Council member Katy Young Yaroslavsky is facing recall threats, though I don't know if any petitions have been taken out. 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon recall effort in 2022 saw an enormous number of signatures handed in (the County is 2 1/2 times the size of LA the city). However, the recall failed, with 195,783 of the 715,833 signatures handed in being deemed invalid (27.3%). They handed in 520,050 valids and needed 566,857. Note that parts of LA County are much more conservative than the City and that the signature requirement percentage is much less (10% rather than 15%). 

One other factor to note is that Bass did not win her election in 2022 by an overwhelming margin (43-36 in the first round, 55-45 in the run-off), but she appeared to have a better performance in her original election than the recent high-profile recall ousters, such as the Oakland Mayor, and Alameda and San Francisco District Attorneys. It's not clear whether that fact matters, but worth considering.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Illinois: House bill submitted allowing for Chicago Mayoral recall law

There's a new bill in the Illinois House which would allow for the recall of Chicago's Mayor -- just the Mayor. The bill would require signatures of 15% of turnout in 100 days -- and the signing of at least 2 Aldermen. There would be a two-step/two-day process, where the replacement race is held 60 days later.

This does seem to be targeted at Mayor Brandon Johnson, though the idea has been around in discussion since 2015.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

North Dakota: No challenger in recall vote for Dickinson Commissioner set for March 11

No challenger has apparently emerged in the March 11th  recall election against Dickinson Commissioner Jason Fridrich. Can't read the articles, but apparently, he will simply win the race.

 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.

Colorado: Mountain View Councilmember recall makes the ballot (facing assault charges for shooting a teen)

The recall of Mountain View Councilman Brent John Metz has apparently made the ballot. 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, January 8, 2025

Ohio: Brookville Mayor and Vice Mayor survive recall vote

Brookville Mayor Chuck Letner (371-407) and Vice Mayor James Zimmerlin (370-406) survived their January 7th recall effort.

Interest that the wording of the ballot question is the opposite of the ones we usually see, with it reading "Should Chuck Letner be allowed to continue as a member of the Council and Municipality of Brookville?" Therefore a yes vote is a no against the recall. 

The group is called Brookville Citizens for Keep it Rural, so pretty clear what's coming next -- development is the issue here, though they are also complaining about transparency. 

The recall will cost $16,000

Colorado: Loveland City Council member resigns, recall vote still to be held

Loveland City Council member Troy Krenning has resigned rather than face the March 4 recall election vote. The election will still take place as a replacement vote.

The recall appears to be over votes to remove the City Manager and City Attorney, as well as a rescission, that Krenning claims avoided litigation.

Petitioners needed 1615 signatures to get on the ballot.

Krenning served on the council from 2013-2017 with one of the recall leaders, former Councilmember Dave Clark. 

California: List of 15 candidates to replace Alameda County District Attorney

15 candidates have applied for the job of Alameda County District Attorney, and the council will start holding interviews, with a plan to name a successor by February 4. 

California: Ex-Congresswoman announces run for Oakland mayor

Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D), who left the House after 27 years following a failed run for the Senate, has announced she is running for Mayor in the upcoming replacement race. Lee replaced Ron Dellums in Congress, who himself went on to serve as Oakland's Mayor. There are currently 15 candidates in the running. 

In the meantime, the council had to select a new mayor to replace Nikki Fortunato-Bas. They chose Kevin Jenkins -- doesn't sound like he's running for mayor (which I think he would be allowed to, as he was first elected Council President. Under the law, the Council President can run, but if the President declines to serve as mayor, the candidate selected by the council cannot run for the position). 

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Massachusetts: Granby once again looking for recall law

Granby is once again looking for a home rule provision to adopt a recall law. They looked for such a law in 2015.

Illinois: New recall law proposed

Illinois Representative Brad Halbrook (R) has signed on to a proposed recall law that, among the requirements, appears to place replacement candidates on the same ballot, 10-30% of registered voter signatures in 90 days, and a 10 year ban on holding public office (which I've never seen before). It would also seem to require a 60% majority for the recall to be successful.

Illinois has a recall for Governor, though extremely difficult, and does allow it for local officials. Dalton has had a good deal of problems with a proposed recall. The only recall that we can be sure happened in the state was in Buffalo Grove.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Michigan: Warren Mayor recall petition language approved

Petition language has been approved against Warren Mayor Lori Stone after being rejected for clarity issues in November. Petitioners need about 13,000 signatures. 

The language approval is over a failure to sign a land bank agreement approved by the council, though earlier discussion noted that the recall was about social media posts by a member of the Historical Commission about Islam.