Idaho: New Plymouth School Board facing recall threats

All five school board members Ron Kovick, Dave Brogan, Dani Rollins, Arlo Decker and Darrell Brown are facing recall threats over their support for the superintendent.

Update: The Superintendent has since resigned.

Update 2: No signatures were turned in.

California: Calaveras County recall against Supervisor fails

The recall against Supervisor Jack Garamendi failed, with petitioners not handing in signatures.

Nevada: Judge rules recall effort against two State Senators failed

District Court Judge Jerry Wiese ruled that the recalls against Senators Joyce Woodhouse (D) and Nicole Cannizzaro (D) failed, though the judge was frustrated by the failure of the election commission to give clear numbers of how many valid signatures were turned in. Petitioners can still appeal.

Michigan: Macomb Township Trustee facing recall effort

Trustee Dino Bucci (R) is facing a recall effort after he was following his indictment for bribery, extortion, money laundering and fraud as part of a probe over a garbage company. He also allegedly took a $66,000 cash kickback.

Two Republican representative are called for the governor to remove him. 6,846 signatures are needed to get the recall on the ballot.

Michigan: Recall effort against Coloma Township Supervisor and Treasurer rejected

The recall of Supervisor Ken Parrigin and Treasurer James Fulton was rejected on clarity grounds. The issue was a liability for the township.

Colorado: La Plata Commissioner recall falls short by 2000 signatures; Petitioners have 15 days to add

The recall against Commissioner Gwen Lachelt (D) failed, as petitioners handed in 6485 signatures, with 5475 found valid (15% rejection rate). Petitioners needed 7505. Petitioners now have 15 days to try and meet that total -- though Lachelt says she will sue over that interpretation.

The issue is Lachelt's environmental policy.

Oregon: Petitions handed in against four Port of Brookings Harbor Board Commissioners

More than 1000 signatures were handed in against Commissioners Angi Christian, Andy Martin, Roger Thompson and Jan Barbas each. The issue was the firing of the Port Manager. Petitioners need 856 valids.

California: Overview of the Calaveras County recall

Here

Maryland: Bowie Councilmember facing recall effort

Council member Courtney Glass is facing a recall effort, with petitioners needing 2800 signatures in 30 days. Last year, Council member Diane Polangin was removed and then ran and lost in the replacement race. The elections were estimated to cost about $30,000.

The issue is votes in favor of development and an apartment complex (as well as poor attendance at a council meeting).

Idaho: Albion Mayor facing petitions -- second petition accepted

Mayor Sharon Hardy-Mills Wilmot is facing a petition over claims that she "lacks knowledge to 'adequately' and 'fairly' run the city. The petition only had 13 signatures and needed 20.

Update: Petition has now been accepted

California:Third Fresno Central Unifed School Board member facing recall effort

School Board member Terry Cox is now facing a recall effort led by his failed opponent in the 2016 election, Richard Martinez. Martinez is the husband of the president of the teachers union.

The Cox recall effort is taking place at the same time as an effort to remove Phillip Cervantes and Richard Solis over the firing of a superintendent. Cox voted to keep the superintendent. Petitioners need about 3000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Nevada: Recheck of State Senate recall petitions still fails to hit requirement

Following a recheck of signatures, petitioners were still found to have missed the numbers needed to get the recalls of Senators Joyce Woodhouse and Nicole Cannizzaro on the ballot. The Woodhouse recall missed by 21, and Cannizzaro by about 500. Prior to the recheck, the signature total discrepancy was 196 for Woodhouse.

An appellate court is still expected to decide whether signatures can be removed by the signer after the fact. If the court upholds the lower court ruling that they can be, then the petitions will have missed by a lot more.

Florida: Madeira Beach recall dead

Following the judicial ruling that stopped the recall of Commissioners John Douthirt and Nancy Oakley, the committee declared that they will not be appealing the ruling further. Douthirt and Oakley are being paid back $13000 in legal fees.

California: Third Calaveras Supervisor petitions approved

The recall effort against Supervisor Gary Tofanelli has been approved, with petitioners needing 1396 signatures to get on the ballot. Proponents claim the issue is a lack of leadership, with one claim that Tofanelli jumped the line to take the Chairman position before another supervisor.

There are already petitions against Supervisor Jack Garamendi (1319 signatures needed) and Supervisor Dennis Mills (1555 signatures needed), both over cannabis issues.

Texas: Kennedale councilmembers facing May 5 recall vote

Councilmembers Sandra Lee and Jan Joplin are facing a May 5 recall vote -- both were elected last May. Joplin is also running against the Mayor Brian Johnson.

The recall is over complaints of violating the city charter by working around the city manager, removing non-supporters from advisory boards and threatening city workers. Joplin and Lee argue that the recall is over their raising concerns about city spending in general and questionable co-mingling of funds.

California: Live Oak Mayor facing recall effort over water and sewer rate increases

Mayor Aleksandar Tica is facing a recall effort over proposed water and sewer rate increases. Tica was elected in January.

Nevada: Recall proponents ask for recheck of 389 signatures

The Republican backers of the recall effort against Nevada State Senators Nicole Cannizzaro (D) and Joyce Woodhouse (D) have asked for a recheck of 389 signatures. Petitioners actually need over many more signatures approved to remove Woodhouse (1600) and Cannizzaro (1900), but this is likely a test to see if it is worth asking for a recheck on the rest.

Maine: Signatures verified against three Scarborough School Board members

The clerk has stated that enough signatures have been handed in against board members Donna Beeley, Jodi Shea and Cari Lynford. They needed 2622 signatures. It's not clear how many valids were given in. The issue was the resignation of a principal, school start times changes, a proficiency-based education model and transparency issues.

Massachusetts: Barnstable County Commissioner facing calls for removal following criticism of Parkland students, but no recall provision

Barnstable has been debating adopting a recall law following comments by County Commissioner Ronald Beaty Jr. (R) over fights over a parking space, a proposal to kill great white sharks and criticize of the "#MeToo movement." Now, Beaty has heavily criticized Parkland School Shooting survivor David Hogg, leading to further push for his removal. Beaty is also a candidate for state Representative. Quite a bit more detail here, including that Beaty spent a year in jail for threatening to kill President George H.W. Bush.

Texas: West University Place Councilwoman facing petitions over disorderly conduct charge for yelling at girl in pro-Trump t-shirt

Petitions are being collected against Councilwoman Kellye Burke after she was charged with a misdemeanor for yelling at a middle school girl wearing a "trump Make America Great Again" T-shirt.  Petitioners need 1656 signatures (15%) to get on the ballot.

Maine: Yarmouth Council approves language for recall provision

Following a 4-3 vote, the council approved a provision to be voted on by the town in June.

Maine: Waterville Mayor and Councillor facing recall efforts

Mayor Nick Isgro (R) and newly appointed Councilor John O'Donnell (D) are both facing recall efforts. O'Donnell is a former council member who was appointed to fill a vacancy. One of the other candidates, Libertarian Jay Coelho, is pushing for the recall. Isgro has faced the recall over a tweet criticizing survivors of the Parkland School shooting. Petitioners need 91 signatures by May 2.

Nevada: Recall attempts against two Democratic State Senators fail

The recall attempt against Senators Joyce Woodhouse and Nicole Cannizzaro (D) both failed to get enough signatures. The district court counted the controversial requests to remove names. The article says that Democrats feel that even without the removals, the recall would have failed to get to the ballot.

Petitioners need 14216 and 14412 signatures.

Massachusetts: Supreme Judicial Court throws out Townsend recall

The Supreme Judicial Court upheld an appellate court ruling tossing out the recall of Selectman Cindy King because it din't set a proper cause of action. The ruling is only 1 paragraph long.

Maine: Minot School Board Member cannot face recall vote

Board member Mike Downing, who was fired as a bus drier for allegedly making racist and sexist comments, cannot be recalled. Downing's law allows it for municipal officers, but not school board members, according to the Superintendent.

Texas: Plano Councilman recall vote scheduled for November Election Day

Councilman Tom Harrison's recall has been scheduled for November 6. 4400 signatures were gathered, 2800 were needed. Harrison is facing the recall for a Facebook post against teaching Islam in the school.

Maine: Waterville Mayor facing recall threat over tweet about Parkland shooting

Mayor Nick Isgro (R) is facing calls for resignation and discussion of a recall following a tweet against Parkland student David Hogg.

Oregon: Oakridge Mayor facing recall effort

Mayor Jim Coey is facing a recall threat over his push against the city administrator, who had his contract approved by a 4-3 vote. One of the leaders of the recall effort is a member of the planning commission. 

Petitioners need 178 signatures in 90 days. Coey's term ends at the end of the year.

Louisiana: Opelousas Mayor subpoenas organizers of recall effort

Mayor Reggie Tatum, who is facing charges of theft forgery and malfeasance for $13,000 overtime payment and forged time sheets, is trying to subpoena the grand jury information of his indictment as well as the recall petition that had previously failed to get enough signatures.

California: Calaveras School District recall fails to submit signatures

No signatures were handed in against Sherri Reusche and Dennis Dunnigan. Petitioners needed 833.

Arizona: South Tucson Mayor who was recalled in 2015 and then elected again facing investigation

Mayor Paul Diaz, who was kicked out in a 2015 recall election and then went on to recapture his seat in 2018 recall, is facing an investigation into home mortgage payment.

Massachusetts: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in Townsend recall

Here -- this is another case turning on whether a recall law is a political one or a malfeasance standard one that requires a showing of cause before getting on the ballot.

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council Chairman survives recall vote

Chairman Thurlow "Sam" McClellan survived his recall vote 229-249, The recall took place at the same time as a primary election for three other seats. The issue was claims of misuse of tribal funds in the purchase of an airline ticket (he claims it was paid back within four days as was simply so his wife could accompany him on a trip to DC). McClellan claims the recall was over his opposition to a proposed hotel and casino.

Michigan: Kinderhook Township Clerk resigns instead of facing recall vote

Township Clerk Cynthia Carpenter quit rather than face a May 8th recall vote over claims that she refused to share information with the treasurer, violating FOIA, replacing Deputy Clerks without notifying the board, and issues about mileage reimbursement. Her replacement is expected to be Ginger Kesler, who filed to run against Carpenter.

Maine: York School Board member survives recall vote

School Board Member Dick Bachelder easily survived the special election vote. 315-744. The recall was over the firing of the football and basketball coach. Turnout was about 10% of total voters.

Oregon: Special Election recall of Ashland Parks & Recreation Commissioners cost nearly $25K

The March recall of Ashland Parks & Recreations Commissioners Rick Landt, Mike Gardiner and Jim Lewis, who all overwhelmingly survived the vote, cost $24,581.76, according to the Jackson County Elections.

Florida: Madeira Beach Commissioner recall granted temporary injunction

A judge granted a temporary injunction stopping the April 17 recall of Commissioners John Douthirt and Nancy Oakley. The judge held that the recall didn't set enough grounds to hit the malfeasance standard. No word yet on whether the petitioners will appeal.

Michigan: Four Saugatuck Township recalls set for November 6

The recalls against Clerk Brad Rudich, Treasurer Lori Babinski, Trustees Roy McIlwaine and Douglas Lane have been set for November 6. The issue was a failure to remove an employee who was reprimanded. The four are all Republicans and any candidate running against will be listed either as a different party or as non-partisan.

New Mexico: Los Alamos County Council Chair recall effort thrown out by judge

The recall effort against Councilor David Izraelevitz (D) was kicked out by a judge because the effort doesn't have enough time to run legal notices before the election.

Texas: Signatures handed in against Plano Councilman

Petitioners handed in over 4400 signatures to recall Councilmember Tom Harrison over his Facebook posts on banning Islam in public schools. Petitioners need 2791 signatures to get on the ballot.

Louisiana: House Committee passes bill to lower signature totals for recalls

The bill copies the California model and would drop the signature totals from the 1/3rd of registered voters to 20 percent for large cities; 25 for medium sized  and maintain 1/3rd for communities of less than 25000 voters.

Colorado: Dolores School Board members facing petitions

School Board President Dee Prock and board member Vangi McCoy are facing petitions over complaints over transparency and declines in performance. Petitioners need 335 signatures in 60 days.

California: Newark School Board members facing recall effort

Board members Jan Crocker, Francisco Preciado Jr. and Ray Rodriguez are all facing a recall effort. Rodriguez was previously the target of a recall in 2014. Petitioners would need about 3200 signatures.

Oregon: Clatskanie School Board recall set for May 1 as one director resigns

The recall against Director Monty Akin and Judy Skirvin has been set for May 1. Director Walt Lovegren resigned rather than face a vote. The issue was the superintendent's recommendation against renewing an elementary school principal's contract.

Petitioners handed in about 380 signatures, which they claimed to have collected in less than eight hours. They needed 288. The recall is estimated to cost about $4000.

Colorado: La Plata County Commissioner recall missing 1105 signatures to get on ballot

6400 signatures were handed in against Commissioner Gwen Lachelt, (D) with petitioners needing 7505 to get on the ballot. Colorado law allows a 15 day collection additional collection period to get the final 1105 signatures. The issue is Lachelt's alleged lobbying for environmental positions

Massachusetts: State legislature to vote on allowing East Bridgewater recall provision

The state legislature is set to vote on a recall provision for East Bridgewater (S.402). Petitioners would need 100 signatures and 15% of registered voters in each precinct.

Michigan: Michigan State University Board Trustees facing calls for ouster, with discussion of recall possibilities

This is following the sex abuse revelations against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nasser. This would have to be a statewide recall effort.

Massachusetts: Townsend recall case heading to state's Supreme Judicial Court

The recall effort against Selectmen Gordon Clark and Cindy King over investigations into the police department is now heading to the state's highest court. The recall was set for June 19. The lower court threw out the recall because it didn't describe the actions, but the Appeals Court reversed.

Florida: Two Madeira Beach commissioners facing April 17 vote

The recalls of Commissioners John Douthirt and Nancy Oakley are set to take place on April 17 (provided that a judge doesn't get involved). The election is suppose to cost up to $150,000, with $90,000 covering overnight mailing of ballots.

Colorado: A look at the use of the recall in Colorado

Here

Oregon: Clatskanie School Board recall going to the ballot

Two board members, Monty Akin and Judy Skirvin, are facing an upcoming recall vote following a decision not to renew a principal's contract on a 3-2 vote. A third board member, Walt Lovegren, resigned on Match 19. Petitioners needed 288 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: First attempt to recall Stockton Councilman fails

An attempt to recall Councilman Jesus Andrade failed after only seven of ten signatures were handed in. There are a kitchen sink type of complaint over negligence of maintenance. Andrade claims that it supporters of former Mayor Anthony Silva who is leading the effort. The group is also targeting Mayor Michael Tubbs who beat Silva for the seat.

Former Councilman Ralph White is one of the lead petitioners. White led the 1984 recall effort against Councilman Mark Stebbins (who beat him in an election) in one of the weirdest recalls of all time.

New Jersey: Lacey School Board member facing recall effort from gun-rights groups

Board member Linda Downing is facing a recall effort following the disciplining of two students who posted photos on social media at a gun range.

Petitioners would need 5022 signatures in 160 days. An update here

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Chairman facing recall

Chairman Thurlow "Sam" McClellan will be up for a recall vote on Tuesday, April 3 over claims that he misused a tribal credit card, though others claim that the issue is that he has been an critic of plans to build a new casino.

Michigan: Petitions taken out against Bedford Charter Township Supervisor

Township Supervisor Adam Heikkila is facing petitions over claims that he refuses to keep business hours, pushed for the dismissal of ordinance violation case against him and being threatened with arrest for disorderly conduct. Petitioners need 734 signatures to get on the ballot.

Update: Petition language has been approved.

Colorado: Cost holding up recall effort against indicted Fremont County Clerk and Recorder

The recall effort against Fremont County Clerk Katie Barr, who is in court over embezzling funds and other misdeeds, is currently debating the cost of the effort, with a Commissioner noting that the cost of a recall may top her $72,500 salary. Barr's term ends at the end of the year. Petitions would have to be in by July 18 and need 3581 signatures.

New Mexico: Los Alamos County Council Chair facing recall effort

County Council Chair David Izraelevitz is facing a recall effort by a Greg White, who is running for County Sheriff, claiming 31 counts of wrongdoing -- New Mexico is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state so the petitioner would need to meet a legal standard to get the recall on the ballot. White claims that Israelevitz is not allowed to serve due to term limits and that he advocated the overthrow of the the State of New Mexico.

California: Appellate Court rejects Santa Clara Judge Appeal to stop recall

The appeal by Judge Aaron Persky was over whether the petitioner should have filed the recall effort with the California Secretary of State rather than the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters. The issue was whether he was a state officer or a local officer.

Maine: Signatures handed in against three Scarborough School Board members

Close to 3300 signatures were handed in against board members Donna Beeley, Jodi Shea and Cari Lynford over the resignation of a principal, school start times changes, a proficiency-based education model and transparency issues. Petitioners need 2622 valids.

Ohio: Cincinnati Councilman in favor of recall law after mayoral drama

Councilman Wendell Young is arguing that the city needs a recall law following Mayor John Cranley's push to get the City Manager to resign. Young may back a voter proposal to get the recall voted into the charter.

Colorado: Recall threats against Fremont County Clerk and Recorder

County Clerk and Recorder Katie Barr (R), who was arrested on charges of embezzlement, harassment, intimidation of a witness and fraud by check, may face a recall effort if she returns to work. Petitioners would need 3581 signatures. There's an interesting discussion of a provision that would require a Democratic candidate to get more signatures than a Republican to contest in a recall race.

In the case of a recall election for the Fremont County Clerk and Recorder, the successor candidate for the Republican party would have to obtain 961 valid signatures, a successor candidate for the Democratic party would have to garner 2,865 signatures, and a minor party or unaffiliated candidate would have to get 287. Goff said the number of signatures required for a Democratic candidate is much higher because the Democrats did not have a candidate on the ballot during the last primary, so the number has to be based on a percentage of the total votes cast for all candidates at the last general election instead of a percentage of votes cast for the Democratic candidate at the primary.

Massachusetts: Scarborough Superintendent tries to prevent voter registration drive focused on school board recall

Superintendent Julie Kukenberger has asked students to refrain from a voter registration drive during school hours, which is taking place at the same time as a recall against three school board members, Chairwoman Donna Beeley, and members Cari Lyford and Jodi Shea. Petitioners need 2622 signatures -- the group claims they have 2150.

The issue comes over the firing of a principal and an 83-1 faculty no confidence vote against the Superintendent. 

Michigan: Signatures validated in four of five Saugatuck Township recalls

Petitions against Clerk Brad Rudich (415), Treasurer Lori Babinski (387), Trustees Roy McIlwaine (375) and Douglas Lane (393) were validated. Petitioners needed 336 each. The issue was a failure to remove an employee who was reprimanded. The four are all Republicans and any candidate running against will be listed either as a different party or as non-partisan.

North Dakota: Petitions taken out against Richland School Board

School Board members Lisa Amundson, Josh Mjoness and Sarah Myers are facing recall efforts after investigations of alleged sexual misconduct by students and basketball players. The Superintendent has been put on administrative leave. The petitions would require between 40 and 70 signatures.

Wisconsin: Crandon School Board facing recall threats

Crandon School Board Members are facing recall threats following the suspension of the Superintendent, who was suspended and under investigation following the removal of a principal. The group is in favor of the removal of the superintendent, but want other action taken. They are debating whether to target all five members or just one.

California: Montebello Mayor and Councilman facing recall effort over commercial marijuana ruling

Petitions were taken out against Mayor Vanessa Delgado and Councilman Jack Hadjinian following the council's 3-2 decision to approve some commercial marijuana businesses (Councilman Art Barajas, the third vote, has his term end this year). Delgado is running for the State Senate and is blaming Councilwoman Vivian Romero, who is also running for the Senate, for pushing the recall. Romero denied the claim.

Petitioners need about 6000 signatures to get on the ballot and plan to raise $30,000 to hire signature-gatherers.

California: Santa Barbara Board of Education facing recall efforts

Board members Jacqueline Reid, Wendy Sims-Moten, Ismael Paerdes Ulloa and Kate Parker are facing recall efforts following a 4-1 vote to remove a principa of the San Marcos school.

California: Recall effort against Fresno Central Unifed School Board members after firing superintendent

Board members Phillip Cervantes and Richard Solis are facing a recall effort following the firing of a superintendent. Petitioners need about 3000 signatures to get on the ballot. Petitioners are trying to get it on the ballot as a special election rather than be included in the general election in November.

Maine: Three Scarborough School Board members facing recall effort

Petitioners are seeking the recall of board members Donna Beeley, Jodi Shea and Cari Lynford over the resignation of a principal, school start times changes, a proficiency-based education model and transparency issues. They are also looking for the resignation of the Superintendent.

Oregon: Baker City Councilor facing recall following guilty plea in criminal mischief charge

City Councilor Adam Nilsson is facing a recall effort after he plead guilty to a criminal mischief charge of trespass on an abandoned county-owned lime plant. Nilsson was appointed to the council and his term ends at the end of the year. Petitioners need 586 signatures by June 4.

Nevada: Court ruling holds signatures can be struck out by removal form in Senate recall

A district court ruled that names can be removed from recall signatures, which could kill the recall attempts against Senators Joyce Woodhouse (D) and Nicole Cannizzaro (D). Democrats have collected more than 2000 removal forms. Petitioners have a margin of 243 for Woodhouse and 43 for Cannizzaro.

The Republicans plan to appeal.

Oregon: Three Ashland Parks and Recreation Commissioners survive recall vote

All three Commissioners, Michael Gardiner (4030-1756), Jim Lewis (4042-1748) and Rick Landt (4034-1752) overwhelmingly survived the recall vote. The issue was the Ashland Senior Center staff and a modification of the senior services.

Texas: Plano Councilman recall push claims to be nearing signature requirement

The recall committee against Councilman Tom Harrison, who was censured by the council after posting a Facebook video calling for the ban of Islam in schools, claims they will soon have the signatures needed to get on the ballot. They need 2791 and have to get it in by April 5.

Michigan: Kinderhook Township Clerk up for May 8 vote

Clerk Cynthia Carpenter (R) is facing Ginger Kesler (NP) in a May 8 recall over mileage reimbursement, FOIA violation, replacing deputy clerks and refusing to share information. The lead petitioner, Michael Exelby, lost to Carpenter by 12 votes in the 2016 Republican primary.

California: Palo Verde school board facing recall effort

School Board Members Gloria Hauff and Mark Trigueiro are facing a recall effort, as might members Lorraine Cleek, Natalie Coelho and Chris De Azevedo (the last three are up for reelection in November, so likely not them). Petitioners need 187 signatures to get on the ballot. The issue is the failure to extend the principal's contract (the board oversees a single school).

Arizona: South Tucson Mayor and Councilmembers kicked out in recall vote

Mayor Ildefonso Green and Councilmen Rufino Cantu, Robert Larribas and Carlos Romo were all kicked out in a recall vote and replaced by former Mayor Paul Diaz, Rita Rogers, Herman Lopez and Roberto Teso.

Michigan: Court of Appeals rules that councilman should not have been able to run in Flint mayoral recall and for reelection

Councilman Scott Kincaid lost in his recall fight against Mayor Karen Weaver while attempting to run for reelection. A judge ruled that he couldn't run for both and Kincaid withdrew from the council race. The Appellate Court held that it is incompatible to run for two offices at once.

Wisconsin: St. Francis Mayor ousted in recall vote

Mayor CoryAnn St. Marie-Carls lost her recall vote to Alderman Ken Tutaj, 1175-789, with a 39.5% voter turnout. Marie-Carls has been in office six years and was tossed for unprofessional behavior.

Marie-Carls faced a call for her resignation by other council members after a no confidence over disputes with staff and dispute whether the mayor should have a key to the police department.

Georgia: Camilla Mayor facing petitions after group gets past first hurdle.

Petitioners handed in over 100 valid signatures calling for the recall of Mayor Rufus Davis. Petitioners still need the judge to sign off.

Oregon: Clatskanie School Board members facing recall after refusing to renew principal

Three School Board Members, Chair Walt Lovegren and Directors Judy Skirvin and Monty Akin are facing recall petitions following their refusal to renew the contract of a principal. Petitioners need 288 signatures to get on the ballot.

Oregon: Gold Hill City Council facing recall threat

City Councilman Ron Palmer is facing a recall threat after he resigned and then later rescinded his resignation. Sawyer's Paddle Shop Owner Pete Newport, who has been denied an appointment and was disqualified from a 2016 mayoral race based on residency issues, is pushing for a recall. He wrote resignation letters for the entire council over complaints that the city beach park was in disarray, a problem with a state-owned bridge and some resignations of city employees.

Alaska: Unalaska mayor recall vote had 27% registered voter turnout

The final vote against Mayor Frank Kelty was 204 for a recall and 326 against, resulting in Kelty staying in office.

102 Recalls in 2017 -- 39 removed, 31 resigned, 29 survived; At least 395 attempts

Many months late, here's the Recall Elections Blog's annual end of the year stats: In 2017, we had 102 recalls, though some asterisk here. 39 officials were removed in the vote, 31 resigned. 29 officials survived a recall vote. Additionally, in one recall, the official did not contest the recall and instead ran for Mayor (and won). In two other recalls, no one ran against the official so the recalls were cancelled.

I count 395 recall efforts over all. The good folks at Ballotpedia have slightly different numbers, but they are roughly similar.

This year saw a drop from 2016, when there were 120 recalls. This is actually the least recalls in a year since I’ve been tracing. In 2015, there were 108; 2014 (which, I never actually wrote up), 126 recalls. In 2013, we had 107 recalls. 2012 we had 168, and a 2011 we had 151. It does seem that there is a drop in off-year elections. I imagine this is partly because of the waiting period that most jurisdictions have right after an official starts in office.

We also saw officials kill recalls in the administrative setting – Hearne, Texas is one very clear example. We also missed a rare Recall Trial in Norfolk,Virginia, where the official was convicted and removed before the recall trial was started. And in Nevada, the Supreme Court killed any opportunity for a recall of judges.

For the fourth straight year, no state official has faced a recall (though in 2015, the Oregon Governor resigned in the face of recall threats). This is a return to the historic norm, though one that is going to end with the recall of a California State Senator Josh Newman (as well as possible ones in Nevada).

·                     22 states had recall elections take place 

·                     The big recall states were Colorado (18) and Oregon (11) – Michigan and California are surprisingly not on the list 

·                     I have not included recalls in Native American territory nor do I include HOAs or Senior Living Communities. 

UK: Scottish Labour leader calls for recall law for Members of Scottish Parliament

Following a harassment scandal, Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard is calling for a recall law.

Alaska: Unalaska Mayor survives recall vote

Mayor Frank Kelty survived a recall vote, with 62% casting ballots for him to stay (286-177 -- and 74 absentee/questioned ballots still to be counted). The recall was over a dock agreement.

Florida: Madeira Beach commissioners recall facing scheduling problems and potential significant conflict of interest

Petitioners handed in enough signatures to get a recall against Commissioner John Douthirt and Nancy Oakley on the ballot, but there is a dispute as to whether the City Attorney Ralf Brooks has contacted the Chief Circuit Court Judge Anthony Rondolino, who is responsible for setting a date. Brooks is serving as the Commissioners' personal attorney to block the recall.

Florida: Recall effort against Riviera Beach City Council members still in court

The judge has refused a request to dismiss the case. Here's some early coverage of the attempt to throw out 8600 signatures that led to the recall effort.

Georgia: Camilla Mayor facing recall effort

Mayor Rufus Davis is facing a recall effort led by former Councilwoman Vivian Smith, following a number of complaints against Davis, including that he is facing a $2.9 million tax levy, boycotting council meetings and an attempt to fire the Housing Authority Director.

In 2016, a recall was attempted against Councilmembers Smith, Lewis Campbell Jr. W.D. Palmer and Annie Doris Willingham. The effort was thought to have the backing of Davis and was thrown out by a judge.

Tennessee: Look back at East Tennessee's mayoral scandals

The article notes that Knoxville Mayor Cas Walker was kicked out in a recall (than in 1956 was the center of a picture showing him ready to punch a councilman).

Michigan: Signatures verified against Kinderhook Township Clerk

Petitioners handed in 173 signatures to recall Clerk Cynthia Carpenter over how she has been reimbursed for mileage. 166 were valid, and 124 were needed. The lead petitioner, Michael Exelby, lost to Carpenter in the 2016 Republican primary by 12 votes.

Michigan: Leoni Township officials facing recall effort over medical marijuana fee structures

Supervisor Howard Linnabary, Clerk Michele Manke and Treasurer Lori Stack are facing recall efforts over medical marijuana applications. The seven board members were paid for the first 18 medical marijuana applications ($15000). Petitioners need 984 signatures to get on the ballot.

Maine: Scarborough school board members facing petitions

School Board Chairwoman Donna Beeley and members Cari Lyford and Jodi Shea are facing a recall effort following the resignation of a high school principal, who was reportedly forced out by the superintendent and tried to withdraw his resignation. Petitioners need 2622 signatures (25% of turnout). Petitioners have 20 days to collect signatures.

Texas: Windcrest City Council recall, which council refused to schedule, killed by Appellate Court ruling/run out the clock behavior

The state Appellate Court unanimously shot down a recall effort against Councilmen Gerd Jacobi, James McFall and Jim Shelton under the argument that petitioner doesn't have the right to demand the action requested. Petitioners handed in more than 451 signatures in January, but due to what the article calls a "certification blunder" -- though it seems worse than that -- the city officials only counted signatures from people who voted in the last election, rather than from all registered voters. This allowed certification to be pushed back until early February, where the councilmen facing a recall failed to show up, depriving the council of a quorum. The result was that the recall was not scheduled before a February 16 date to get on the May ballot.

Illinois: Rockford City Council approves recall law

Rockford would be only the second city in Illinois, after Buffalo Grove, to adopt a recall law. Voters must approved a referendum in November for the law to go into effect.

Tennessee: Nashville Mayor resigns before recall effort starts

Mayor Meghan Barry plead guilty to theft of city funds and resigned her position following revelations of an affair with her bodyguard. A recall effort was set to begin in April.

Michigan: Kalkaska Village President recall set for May 8 primary day

Village President Jeff Sieting will be facing a vote on May 8 over his tweets about Muslims, Black Lives Matters and votes on budget issues. Petitioners handed in 196 valid signatures, they needed 166. Sieting's term ends at the end of the year.

Texas: Forest Hill Councilwoman facing recall effort

322 valid signatures were handed in against Councilwoman Stephanie Boardingham -- too late for the May 5 primary ballot, but it could be on for Election Day in November.

The claims include complaints about her vote on matter dealing with her business (a market), spending money on car rentals and hotel rooms. She also filed a lawsuit against the city in 2016 over a flea market that she operated.

The lead petitioner is a former mayor.

Tennessee: Petitions against Nashville Mayor to be taken out on April 10

A group pushing for the recall of Mayor Megan Barry following revelations of her affair with a top security official/bodyguard is moving forward. They need close to 60,000 signatures. The group announced April 10, the day before early voting for primaries begins, as the day they will take out petitions (they have 30 days to collect).

New Mexico: State adopts law that commission-manager government municipality has recall law

The bill that was signed into law, HB 49, clarifies a point of law that makes removes the state District Court from making a decision on recalls  against commission-manager government municipalities. All recalls in the state are on the malfeasance standard (requiring a showing of malfeasance, misfeasance of violation of oath of office).

Massachusetts: Appellate Court greenlights Townsend recall effort

An appellate court reversed a nine month old decision stopping the recall of Selectmen Gordon Clark and Cindy King with the court limiting its role in policing recalls:

"The role of courts in policing recall elections generally is limited to ensuring the integrity of the process," the court wrote. "(Previous) cases counsel against courts being drawn into evaluating the stated grounds for recall, something that would run the risk of the courts usurping the public debate on local issues to be decided at the ballot box."

However, Clark's term ends next month and King appears to be running for State Representative. The issue was an investigation of the police officials for running unlawful background checks on town employees.