Georgia: Augusta Commissioner recall fails due to lack of signatures

The recall effort against Augusta Commissioner Catherine Smith appears to have failed at the early stage, as petitioners handed in only 92 of a 100 signatures needed. The complaints were over the redistricting process. Petitioner apparently tried to withdraw the petition, but there is no provision to do that under state law. The article notes that Grovestown recalled and removed three sitting councilmembers in the 1980s. 

Minnesota: Two Harbors Mayor facing petitions

A recall effort is being organized against Two Harbors Mayor Chris Swanson seemingly over claims that he used a podcast to discuss an underwater hotel in Lake Superior, thereby using his title as mayor to attract investors, and plans to fund city projects with cryptocurrency. Swanson was one of six Minnesota mayors to endorse Trump in September, which has also led to complaints (though does not seem to be the basis of the recall). 

Minnesota is a strict malfeasance standard/judicial recall state and nearly all petitions that I've seen have been rejected at that stage. Petitioners would need about 450 signatures to get to the ballot. Interesting provision in the charter -- if there are less than two years in the term, the council appoints a replacement. If there are more, than there is a special election. 

Michigan: Brighton School Board Members recall petition rejected for 2nd time on factualness/clarity grounds

A second petition taken out against Brighton School Board members John Conely and Bill Trombley has been rejected by the Election Commission due to factualness/clarity grounds. No word on if the petitioner will appeal or try and third attempt. 

The issue is Conley and Cross opposition to COVID pandemic protections -- Conley compared mask mandates to Nazi rules and "presented a slide show that contained misinformation about masks." Cross allegedly "intentionally coughed on a member of the public" and was unprepared for meetings. 

Petitioners need 5472 signatures to get on the ballot.

Oregon: Josephine County Commissioners recall effort fails

The recall effort against Josephine County Commissioners Dan DeYoung and Herman Baertschiger failed, with no signatures handed in. The recall was over their votes on the COVID-19 pandemic response, wildlife preparation and "illegal marijuana policies." Petitioners need about 6300 signatures by March 2.

California: Recall effort against Westminster Councilmember fails; signatures being checked in second one

The recall effort against Westminster Councilmember Kimberly Ho failed, with 1657 signatures tossed out. Petitioners handed in 4045 signatures. They needed 2381 valids and missed by 285. 

Signatures are being checked in a second recall against Councilmember Carlos Manzo. 2873 were submitted, and they need about 2100. 

Ho, along with Mayor Tri Ta and Councilmember Chi Charlie Nguyen, survived an April 7, 2020 vote, with 57% opposing the recall (Ta and Ngyuen also survived by similar margins).

Ho seems to have switched her regular vote to join with two other councilmembers (Tai Do and Carlos Manzo, who opposed Ta, Ngyuen and Ho. 

In the last recall, the claims were of ethical violations, such as limiting debate and participation.

Louisiana: Franklinton Alderman up for recall vote on March 26

Franklinton Alderman Heath Spears is facing a recall vote on March 26 over claims that he does not live in the town. Spears said he moved temporarily after his house was damaged in a fire.

Michigan: Petitions taken out against two Brighton School Board Members

Petitions have been taken out against Brighton School Board members John Conely and Bill Trombley. The Election Commission rejected the language on the first attempt due to factualness/clarity grounds.

The issue is Conley and Cross opposition to COVID pandemic protections -- Conley compared mask mandates to Nazi rules and "presented a slide show that contained misinformation about masks." Cross allegedly "intentionally coughed on a member of the public" and was unprepared for meetings. 

Petitioners need 5472 signatures to get on the ballot.

Colorado: Rio Blanco County Commissioner recall set for May 10

A recall election has been scheduled against Rio Blanco County Commissioner Gary Moyer on May 10.

The recall is over complaints of verbally abuse and misusing his power against employees, as well as trying to eliminate the Dispatch Center and a lack of transparency. 

Petitioners needed 747 signatures in 60 days. This is apparently the first recall attempt in Rio Blanco County history.

Massachusetts: Petitions out against Bourne School Board Member

Bourne School Board Member Kari MacRae is facing petitions over her critical comments (on TikTok) on school policy on gender identification and racism education/critical race theory. MacRae is running for a State Senate seat as well. 

Michigan: Three Winfield Township officials facing recall efforts

Three Winfield Township officials are facing recall efforts, though it is not clear why or which three.

Michigan: Two candidates announce for Sidney Township Board recall

Two candidates are running in the May 3rd recall election of Sidney Township Board member Jed Welder (R). The candidates are Erik Benko and Scott Giddings, both running with no party affiliation. The Democratic Party did not nominate a candidate. 

Petitioners handed in 370 signatures, they got 306 and needed 274. It took three tries to get the language approved. 

The issue was a vote in favor of a wind farm.

Update: Giddings appears to have dropped out.

Florida: Judge rejects recall attempt against Pahokee Vice Mayor

Did not see this one earlier -- Pahokee Vice Mayor Regina Bohlen faced a recall effort over a decision to fire the interim city attorney on a 3-2 vote. The same 3-2 vote rehired the past city attorney, who had been fired two years before. Mayor Keith Babb Jr. (who opposed the vote) locked the group out of the council chambers, so the vote was in a parking lot. Babb tried to launch a recall against Bohlen, but it was rejected by a judge.

Vermont: Push for adoption of direct democracy, including recall, in Burlington

Here

Michigan: Leelanau County Commissioner facing May 3 vote

Leelanau County Commissioner William Bunek (R) is facing a May 3rd recall election vote. Bunek, who has been in office for 14 years, is facing the recall over his efforts to zero out Early Child Services millage. Voters passed that law in 2019, and a 4-3 vote by the council tossed it out.

Lois Bahle (D), who lost to Bunek in the last two elections, will be running for the seat. Petitioners handed in 663 signatures and needed 513 valids (not sure how many were tossed out).

California: LA Mayoral Hopeful backs Gascon recall effort

Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso is backing the District Attorney George Gascon recall and has promised some financial support for the signature gathering effort.

California: Some more coverage of the School Board recall

 Recall Fever having its moment

SF Chronicle's Joe Garofoli on whether District Attorney Chesa Boudin should be worried

LA Times Mark Barabak gives some thoughts on the impact of the vote

Michigan: Douglass Town Board members facing recall fight

Petitions have been taken out against Douglass Township Supervisor Terry Anderson, Clerk Rhonda Snyder, Treasurer Amy Laper and Trustee Tom Jeppesen. The issue was an appointment to the planning commission.

Update: The first petition language effort was rejected by the Election Commission on factualness/clarity grounds.

Vermont: Ousted Underhill Selectman running for office again

Former Underhill Selectman Peter Duval was ousted in what was likely Vermont's first recall, is running for the office again The recall was over charges of conflict of interest and failing to behave in a respectful manner. The conflict was asking the town's lawyer to let him know about litigation -- Duval had been in litigation against the town over a zoning issue. Petitioners handed in 415 signatures to get the recall on the ballot. 

Voters adopted the recall on Town Meeting Day (the drafting was only in July). 16 towns in Vermont have recall amendments, though the story claims that it was the first use in Vermont's history. The replacement is chosen by the board.

Minnesota: Robbinsdale City Council member facing recall after DUI/Fleeing police

Petitions are being taken out against Robbinsdale City Council member Tyler Kline, after he was charged with drunk driving and fleeing police. 

Former Mayor Regan Murphy is leading the petitions, which would need 650 signatures in 30 days. As Minnesota is a malfeasance state, they need approval to move forward. 

California: Signatures handed in against three Huntington Beach Council members

Signatures have been handed in for the recall effort against Huntington Beach Council members Kim Carr, Dan Kalmick, and Mike Posey. Petitioners handed in between 13,966-14,295 signatures. They need 13,352 valids for each, which would require an unusually low signature failure rate. 

Petitioners had previously failed in handing in signatures for Huntington Beach Councilmembers  Barbara Delgeize, and Natalie Moser, with petitioners not handing in the 13,252 signatures needed.  Councilman Erik Peterson, a conservative, is not facing recall threats and Rhoda Bolton was targeted earlier, but did not hit the end of her term's grace period to start the signature collection effort. 

The issue is claims that they surrendered "local zoning control to the state." One of the leaders of the petition effort is Gracey Van Der Mark, who lost the race for the seat in November 2020 (she came in fourth for the three seats).

New Jersey: Buena Mayor and Councilman facing petitions

Buena Mayor David Zappariello and Councilman Joseph D'Alessandro III are facing recall efforts over the disbanding of a volunteer fire company. Petitioners need 826 signatures in 160 days. 

New Jersey: Northern Burlington County School Board members facing petitions

Northern Burlington County School Board member Kerri Tillett is facing a recall effort, though so far no reason has been given, though it seems it the petitioners were previously complaining about Tillett's support for quarantine policy to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Tillett is a Democratic and the petitioners are Republicans. 

Petitioners are also threatening recalls against Board President Paul Narwid, and members Gerry Spence and Radiah Gamble.  

Petitioners need about 1916 signatures in 160 days. 

California: LA County Association of Deputy District Attorneys vote to support LA DA recall

The recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon got a boost as the Association of Deputy District Attorneys (with over 800 members) voted overwhelmingly to support the recall effort. 83.3% of members voted, with 97.9% in favor. 

Georgia: Newton County Commissioner facing recall threats

Recall petitions are being threatened against Newton County Commission Chairman Marcello Banes over his push to remove a sign naming a middle school bandroom for T.K. Adams, a local arts leader. Fellow Commissioner J.C. Henderson is leading the recall threats.

The issue is whether the Board of Commissioners actually voted to approve the naming and whether that is required to put up the sign.

Petitioners would need about 7200 signatures (30% of registered voters) to get on the ballot. Georgia is a malfeasance standard state and needs to show a statutorily delineated reason for the recall, the county charter seems to allow an individual board member to shortcut that part if the board majority votes in favor (or if a Superior Court Judge greenlights it).

Louisiana: Republican State Representative facing recall petitions over votes to uphold Gov. veto

State Representative Joe Stagni (R), representing Kenner, is facing petitions after voting to uphold Governor Edwards (D) veto of a bill that targeted transgender children. The petition also goes after Stagni for opposing concealed armed carry (without any permit or training) legislation and for not signing a petition to limit Edwards' ability to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners need somewhere in the neighborhood of 6750 signatures (25% of registered voters) in 180 days. 

Washington: Thurston County Commissioner recall tossed out by judge

The recall effort against Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser has been tossed out by a judge. The petition was over complaints about meetings and opposition to the purchase of a complex.

 Washington is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, so a judge must approve the petitions for the recall to move forward. The lead petitioner previously filed recall efforts against Menser, as well against Olympia councilmembers in 2018 that were tossed out by judges. Menser says that the petitioner treats actions against officials as a "full-time hobby." 

California: Chico Mayor recall effort fails

The recall effort against Chico Mayor Andrew Coolidge has apparently failed, as petitioners turned in 2052 signatures and 747 were tossed out. They needed 1519 and got 1305.

No word on what happened to the recall effort against council member Sean Morgan. The issues seems to be a hodgepodge of complaints about spending and behavior, though Morgan suggests that the petitioners are in favor of widespread cannabis dispensaries and needle distribution.

Michigan: Lee Township Trustee and Supervisor recall election scheduled for May 3

The recall election against Lee Township Supervisor Kristy Gustafson and Trustee Darla Rippee is scheduled for May 3. The recall is apparently over the closure of the town dump. Rippee attended the meeting on the petition language and was found to have an active case of COVID, ending the meeting 

California: Three San Francisco School Board Members ousted in recall vote

There's been an enormous amount of coverage on the San Francisco School Board recall, to the degree that it is challenging to summarize here (waiting to see about an op-ed).

Board President Gabriela Lopez lost with 75% against (94,692-31,575) former Vice President Alison Collins had 78.6% against (99,555-27,061) and member Faauuga Moliga had 72.1% against (90,977-35,131). These numbers will likely change on the margins. Note that more voters cast ballots in the recall voted to originally elect these officials. 

This is the first successful recall in San Francisco that I can find since 1921, when two municipal judges, John Sullivan and Morris Oppenheim, were kicked out. There may have been others. Also removed in recalls is my man Senator E.E. Grant in 1914 and Police Judge Charles Weller in 1913. 

And, of course, there's plenty on the funding issues and the role of Asian-Americans in the recall effort. 

Nevada: Washoe County Commissioner and School Board member facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung (R), though no reason has been given. Petitioners need 14,345 signatures to get on the ballot. 

The same petitioner, who claims to be Robert Beadles and said he is an "avid believer in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology" filed petitions against School Board Member Angie Taylor.

Two Washoe Republican Board members (Cindy Martinez and Sandra Linares) are listed as supporters of the petition (though I'm unclear if it is the Hartung or Taylor one).

California: Deep look at the Shasta County Recall

 Here

California: Signature verification process to cost $3896 in Downey Councilwoman recall effort

The signature verification process for the Downey Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez is $3896. Petitioners handed in 4,016 signatures and need 3454 valids to get on the ballot. The recall is reputed to be over Alvarez's failure to disclose her criminal history, where she was arrested for welfare fraud and shoplifting. It would just be a one question vote, with a replacement selected at a later date.  

Michigan: Sidney Township Board member facing May 3 recall vote

The recall election for Sidney Township Board member Jed Welder (R) is set for May 3.  Petitioners handed in 370 signatures, they got 306 and needed 274. It took three tries to get the language approved. 

The issue was a vote in favor of a wind farm. 

California: San Francisco Board of Supervisors proposes radical changes to recall law

San Francisco Board of Supervisors has proposed a measure to create a 6-12 month grace period at the start of the term and a full one year grace period at the end of the term (potential longer than a year, as it seems to go to Election Day, which is about two months before a term is up). This may be the longest grace period in the country. 

Additionally, it would ban anyone appointed as a replacement from running in the next election, which I've never seen before. 

Here's an op-ed from John Trasvina, former SF Elections Commission member and former USF Law School Dean, pointing out the radical nature of the reform and how it will effectively stop the recall from being used. 

Oregon: Newberg School Board member resigns after failed recall of two other members

Following the failed recall of two Newberg School Board members (both of whom survived the vote), board member Ines Pena resigned her seat due to what she called a "toxic work environment. Pena opposed the actions of Brian Shannon and Dave Brown, the two members who faced a recall vote over their decision to fire the Superintendent and to ban political flags (seemingly targeting LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter). The other board members will choose a replacement.

Texas: Santa Fe Mayor resigns after signatures handed in

Santa Fe Mayor Jason Tabor has resigned after signatures were handed for his recall. The petitions were taken out over social media posts he wrote criticizing the investigation into a 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting that killed 10 people. Tabor said he was drunk in a casino when he posted the comments. 

The shooter is in a state mental health facility and the parents have been unable to receive information about the shooting, including an autopsy report because it is still under investigation. Tabor proposed a theory for the shooting and tagged one of the victims on Facebook (though the wrong one). 

Petitioners need 250 signatures to get on the ballot (note this is a small town in Galveston County, not Santa Fe, New Mexico). 

California: San Francisco School Board Recall Day -- Key facts and figures about School Board recalls (Updated)

Today is the first big recall election of the year, as San Francisco Board President Gabriela Lopez, former Vice President Alison Collins and member Faauuga Moliga are facing the voters. Let’s dive into some key facts (apologizes for the font):

1.     School board recall efforts have been taking off over the last two years, primarily due to the efforts to combat the spread of the COVID pandemic – last year saw at least 250 recall attempts against school board members, more than triple a normal year but…

2.     They almost all failed. In a reversal of historic norms (where recall that get to the ballot usually result in removal) Only 18 got to the ballot (and 8 resigned and 1 died). Of those 16 members survived the vote. The two that were ousted had nothing to do with COVID issues.

3.     There have been 7 school board recalls already in 2022. All of the officials survived (in Oregon, Nebraska and Massachusetts).

4.     School board recalls are a regular feature of American politics: Since 2011, there have been 145 127 school board recalls in the US, with 95 93 being removed. Another 51 43 others resigned and 1 was kicked out by the board and another died. (I did not include 2021 in the earlier list -- I am not including the 7 in 2022 yet). 

5.     In California, since 2011, 31 school board recalls got to the ballot, plus another 9 officials resigned and one was removed by the board before a vote (this took place in 24 jurisdictions). The results of those 31 elections show a stark problem for the members – 25 of the officials lost their seats. Only 6 survived. 4 of those six were in a single race (in Parlier in 2011).

6.     The last school board recall in California was in 2020 against two members of the El Rancho Unified School Board (they were both overwhelmingly removed).

7.     This may be the largest school district to ever face a recall vote. In 2015, three school board members in JeffersonCounty, Colorado lost their seats in a recall vote.

8.     Arguably the most consequential recall election in US history was against a school board. In the recall’s finest hour, in 1959, Little Rock, Arkansas voters ended the Lost Year, ousting three School Board members and helping end the famed desegregation crisis.

9.     There has been a divide in the recall defense, with Moliga trying to create separation with Lopez and Collins. Can this work? Usually, it doesn’t, as the clean sweep is popular arrangement in recall battles. But not always.

10. Turnout appears to be low, which is sometimes a feature of recalls, though not in high-profile ones. Is turnout decisive? Well, here's a dive into numbers during the gubernatorial race. 

11. This is the first recall in San Francisco since 1983, when then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein easily beat back a recall and shows how recalls can be a boon to your career. But it won’t be the last! Tune back in this June, when San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin will face the voters.

As for the details of this recall: Petitioners handed in over 81.200 signatures and they needed 51,285 to get on the ballot. 

The School Board recall is over a few issues, including a fight over planning (or accusation of failure to do plan) for the reopening of the schools, changing admissions for a high school and an extremely controversial decision to change the names of public schools for political reasons and using some odd history, including removing the name of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Dianne Feinstein. Collins filed a $87 million lawsuit against the board for removing her from the VP position.

Mayor London Breed has been particularly critical of the board. If the officials are removed, Breed will appoint the replacement (there is no replacement race). 

Other board members Jenny Lam, Mark Sanchez and Kevine Boggess and Matt Alexander, will not be able to face a recall until June.

One notable feature of this recall is that non-citizens can vote in the race.

Fundraising has been overwhelmingly on the side of removal, with charter school supporters and others pouring in cash for the effort, with nearly $2M sent in to the pro-recall side, and only about $86,000 raised for the recall defense effort.

Oregon: Yamhill County Commissioner recall seems to make the ballot

The Yamhill County Clerk has said that petitioners have handed in enough signatures to get the recall of Yamhill County Commissioner Lindsay Berschauer on the ballot. They submitted 7675 and 6873 valids. Petitioners had previous handed in 8903 signatures, but since. 1500 of these signatures were on e-sheets that needed the written approval by the county clerk's office, that effort seems to have been rejected.

The recall is over a kitchen sink of issues, including cutting fees that a landfill paid the county, ending development of a trail and demanding a special election for Urban Renewal District. She has been criticized for her opposition to mask and vaccine mandates to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The recall would be on March 22.

California: Shasta County Supervisor ousted in recall vote

Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty was ousted in a recall vote 4885-3867, with Happy Valley School Board Member Tim Garman currently leading the replacement vote over Dale Ball by 126 votes. 

The recall has garnered quite a big of attention, as it is one of the few to succeed over debates over restrictions to fight the Covid pandemic. The petitioners have also been accused of being secessionists and  there is also a claim that the recall proponents have copied their logo from the QAnon logo. Here's a detailed look at the recall from a Moty supporter who has provided one of the few on the ground looks at the issues.

Petitioners failed to garner enough signatures for the recall of Mary Rickert, Joe Chimenti and Les Baugh, though both Chimenti and Baugh are not running for reelection in June.

Virginia: Washington Post editorial against Virginia's Recall Trial law

Here

Michigan: Davison School Board Member recall fails by 96 signatures

The recall effort against Davison School Board Member Matthew Smith Jr. failed by 96 signatures (Smith is also the chairman of the Genesee County Republican Party). Petitioners handed in 4025 signatures and needed 3698 signatures to get on the ballot. The got 3593.

Smith has been charged with malicious use of telecommunication services (he is accused of harassing the Houghton County Clerk by calling her and threatening to kill her dogs). 

Louisiana: Oakdale mayor facing petitions

Oakdale Mayor Gene Paul is facing recall petitions after revelations that the city clerk stole almost a million dollars. Petitioners would need 934 signatures in 180 days. 

Colorado: Douglas County School Board members facing recall threats over firing school superintendent

Douglas County School Board President Mike Peterson and members Becky Myers, Kaylee Winegar and Christy Williams are facing recall threats after firing the school Superintendent Corey Wise. The story suggests that the board majority (who won office in November as a conservative slate) could not come up with a reason for the firing. 

Petitioners would need about 15,000 signatures to get the recall on the ballot. 

California: Recall effort against two Huntington Beach Council members fails

The recall effort against Huntington Beach Councilmembers  Barbara Delgeize, and Natalie Moser has failed, with petitioners not handing in the 13,282 signatures needed. There are still recall efforts outstanding against Council members Kim Carr, Dan Kalmick, and Mike Posey. Councilman Erik Peterson, a conservative, is not facing recall threats and Rhoda Bolton was targeted earlier, but did not hit the end of her term's grace period to start the signature collection effort. 

The issue is claims that they surrendered "local zoning control to the state."

California: Gubernatorial recall cost $200M

The Secretary of State has reported that the Governor Gavin Newsom recall cost $200,241,680, significantly less than the $278M set us aside for it. $174M was for counties and the Secretary of State spent $26.1M.

New Mexico: Potential Constitutional Amendment for recall moves out of committee

New Mexico has advanced out of committee a proposed constitutional amendment to allow recalls for state officials. There is questions over a provision that will allow the candidate with the second most votes to replaced the official. Petitioners would need 25% of turnout in 90 days. 

UK: Scottish Parliament considering recall proposal

MSP Graham Simpson (Tory) has put forward a recall bill for breaching rules, as well as a law which would give voters the power to remove an MSP who doesn't "take part in parliamentary proceedings for more than six months without a valid reason."

The former Finance Secretary Derek Mackay resigned from that job in February 2020 over allegations of inappropriate social media with a 16-year old boy, but stayed on as an MSP until May 2021 without showing up.

Nebraska: Deep dive into issues surrounding Alvo recall election scheduled for February 15

Here's a look at the extended fight over a recall vote against Alvo Board Members Larry Langer and Robin LaPage, which is now scheduled for February 15 Previously a lawsuit was filed against Alvo after the town board voted 5-0 against scheduling the election and a judge order the recall to be scheduled or the board to be held in contempt. The recall seems to be over a tire scrapeyard, which was previously owned by Langer.

Venezuela: Government sets impossible conditions for recall effort

The mid-term chance for a recall of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro appears guaranteed to fail, as the Government Election Board required the nearly 4.2 million signatures to all be gathered in a 12 hour time period at 1200 electoral centers. Petitioners gathered 42,421 signatures. Maduro previously killed a recall against him in 2017. His predecessor Hugo Chavez survived a recall vote in 2004. 

California: Silicon Valley money going after San Francisco DA

 Here

Maine: One Kennebunk School Board recall gets exact number of signatures; other fails by one signature

Petitioners appear to have enough signatures to get a recall of Kennebunk School Board (RSU 21) Timothy Stentiford on the ballot.  Former board member Norman Archer is one of the leaders of the recall effort. petitioners handed in 697 signatures and verified 668, though that was lowered to 665. They needed exactly that.

Petitions were also taken out against Chair Arthur LeBlanc, with petitioners missing by one signature (they got 664). The issue appears to be a recent teacher contract and claims of bullying.

The recall may be set for March 29. 

California: Los Angeles Councilmember target of two failed recalls, not seeking reelection

After two failed recall effort, Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin has announced that he won't run for a third term.

The latest recall effort, which failed this month as more than 13,000 signatures were tossed out. Petitioners handed in 39,188 signatures and needed 27,317. They got 25,965. Petitioners can still appeal.

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.

Bonin previously faced a recall effort in 2017-2018 over his road diet plan -- the DOT's removal of 9.4 miles of traffic lanes to prevent pedestrian deaths. 

Bonin is up for re-election in December, with a primary in June. If the recall got on the ballot, the vote would likely have taken place in April or May, though that would not effect the re-election vote in June. Bonin won his 2017 re-election run with 71% of the vote.

The last recall in Los Angeles was Councilman Art Snyder, who survived the vote in 1984. The last one to result in removal was Councilman Meade McClanahan in 1946.

California: Petitions approved in new effort against Los Angeles District Attorney recall

A second recall effort has been approved against Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. Gascon has faced recall efforts led by victims' rights groups and others over Gascon's criminal justice reform plans, including ending cash bail and other efforts. A previous effort failed to get 579,062 signatures (though this article says they need 566,857)

Michigan: Petitioners fail to hand in signatures against Scio Supervisor

Petitioners failed to hand in any signatures against Scio Township Supervisor Will Hathaway for the May primary date. They can still gather signatures for November. Petitioners needed 2439 signatures. The recall seems to be about a vote to double Hathaway's salary. 

There was also a recall effort against Trustees Alec Jerome, though no word on what happened to that one. Township Supervisor Jane Vogel resigning in the face of an approved recall petition. Vogel said the resignation is about "professional and family priorities."

California: 5000 votes cast in early voting in Shasta County Supervisor recall

Over 5000 votes have been cast in the recall of Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty, which has a February 8 deadline. The recall is over the Supervisors support for restrictions to fight the Covid pandemic, though it has seemed to morph into a other right wing political issues, including potential secession from the state. 

Here's a vastly more detailed look at the fight. There is also a claim that the recall proponents have copied their logo from the QAnon logo. Supervisor Patrick Jones joined the petitioners in their handing in the signatures.  

The cost for a recall election is estimated is between $200,000 and $400,000.

Oregon: Two Newberg School Board members leading in recall vote

Though results won't be known for a month, the latest reports have Newberg School Board member Brian Shannon and Dave Brown beating back the recall with about 52% in their favor. The recall was over a vote to fire the Superintendent and a vote to ban political flags (such as LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter). 

California: Petitioners in Nevada County Supervisors recall allegedly force into clerk's office

Petitioners targeting Nevada County Supervisors allegedly forced themselves into the clerk's office, resulting in a temporary closure. The petitioners refused to follow the mask mandate designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Petitions were taken out against five Nevada County Board of Supervisors, Dan Miller, Hardy Bullock, Heidi Hall, Ed Scofield and Susan Hoek over votes to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. There is also a complaint about using drones to inspect property. Petitioners need between 2600-3200 signatures per supervisor.

Some more thoughts are here

Massachusetts: Petitions taken out against Dudley-Charlton School Board members

Recall petitions have been taken out against Dudley-Charlton School Board members Pauline Aucoin, Catherine Kabala, Jeanne Costello, Jordan Evans and Kenneth Laferriere. Petitioners need about 800 signatures each. The issue seems to be Critical Race Theory and teaching about transgendered issues. 

Virginia: Push on to change recall laws

Following the Loudon County School Board recall effort, there is a move to change the recall laws to increase the amount of signatures, from the very low 10% of turnout to a higher number. The push includes getting rid of Virginia's odd recall trial law and replacing it with a normal recall election. 

Michigan: Petition language approved against two Marshall School Board members

Petitions language has been approved against Marshall School Board members Matt Davis and Shawna Gamble. The recall is over a failed bond measure. A recall against School Board Members Richard Lindsey was rejected and will need to be resubmitted. Petitioners need 2457 signatures to get on the ballot.

The petitions were taken out by former Albion Mayor David Atchison, who faced recall petitions during his term.

Oklahoma: State Senator introduces bill allowing for school board recall

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat introduced a bill allowing school board recalls. Petitioners would need 10% of turnout. 

Missouri: Nixa Mayor who survived recall vote now running for State Rep

Following his overwhelming recall victory in November, Nixa Mayor Brian Steele is running for state Representative as a Republican. 

Steele survived his recall election with 75% in his favor (808-2458). Turnout was much higher than Steele's original victory (he won 648-19). The recall was over Steele's support for the city's mask mandate to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners handed in 97 signatures, with 73 valid. They needed 67.  The recall cost was estimated to be $10,000-$15,000.

Massachusetts: Two Belchertown schoolboard members survive recall vote

Belchertown Schoolboard members Michael Knapp and Diane Brown survived recall votes, 661-1845 for Knapp and 591-1925 for Brown. Turnout was 21.7%. 

The recall was over their support for provisions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, specifically a vaccine requirement to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Knapp faced two challengers (Kristen Lech and Stephan Corbin) in the replacement race, but the votes were not tabulated. No one ran in the replacement race against Brown.

Michigan: Signatures handed in for recall of Maple Valley Township Supervisor

Signatures have been handed in for the recall effort against Maple Valley Township Supervisor John Schwandt. Petitioners handed in 370 signatures and need 274. 

The recall is over two votes regarding wind farms. One was a vote in favor of a six month moratorium and the other was the cancellation of a ballot question on wind farms. Presumably, the recalls are from opponents of wind farms. There is also a recall effort against Sidney Township Board member Jed Welder over wind farm issues.

Washington: Thurston County Commissioner facing petitions

Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser is facing a recall petition over complaints about meetings and opposition to the purchase of a complex. Washington is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, so a judge must approve the petitions for the recall to move forward. The lead petitioner previously filed recall efforts against Menser, as well against Olympia councilmembers in 2018 that were tossed out by judges. Menser says that the petitioner treats actions against officials as a "full-time hobby." 

Alaska: Anchorage Assembly member recall fails

The recall effort against language Anchorage Assembly Member Jamie Allard has failed, with petitioners supposedly getting less than a fifth of the 2530 signatures needed. 

The recall efforts was over the same reasons that the recall elections against Assembly member Meg Zaletel and Assembly Chair Felix Rivera got on the ballot (both of them easily beat back the recalls): a meeting which, due to the size of the audience, violated the emergency order limiting crowds during the coronavirus pandemic (there may have been 17 people at the meeting, which had a limit of 15). Petitioners seem to be opposed to masking requirements. There was a fourth reason based on an odd open meeting violation (Allard replied to all Assembly members in an email).

Allard actually voted against the requirements but was still being targeted by the same group.

Petitioners needed 2530 signatures. 

Allard previously faced a recall effort that failed after she posted on Facebook defending vanity license plates with the words "fuhrer" and "3reich." Allard also alleged wrote that the words "are simply German words with no offensive connotation." She also said alleged wrote that "progressives have put a spin on it and created their own definition." 

Governor Mike Dunleavy has since removed Allard from the state's Human Rights Commission. 

Massachusetts: Two Belchertown schoolboard members facing recall vote on January 24

Belchertown Schoolboard members Michael Knapp and Diane Brown are facing a recall vote on January 24 over their support for provisions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, specifically a vaccine requirement to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Knapp is facing two challengers (Kristen Lech and Stephan Corbin), though not one is yet running against Brown.

California: San Francisco Supervisor proposed long grace periods from recall for city officials

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin has proposed changes to the recall law, giving enormous grace periods for elected officials. Under Peskin's plan, petitioners could not start a recall until the official has been in office a year and could not file one during the last year in office. So, there would be a two year window for a recall in a four year term. 

California: Culver City Mayor and Councilmember recall effort fails

Recall efforts against Culver City Mayor Daniel Lee and Councilmember Alex Fisch failed, with petitioners not submitting. The recall was over attempts to modernize the housing code as well as police reform and the transportation project issues.

Michigan: Petitioners claim they have the signatures in Davison School Board Member recall

Petitioners claim to have over 4100 signatures for the recall of Davison School Board Member Matthew Smith Jr. (he is also the chairman of the Genesee County Republican Party). Petitioners need 3698 signatures to get on the ballot.

Smith is charged with malicious use of telecommunication services (he is accused of harassing the Houghton County Clerk by calling her and threatening to kill her dogs). 

Missouri: State Representative amends proposed school board recall law to lower signature requirement

State Representative Chuck Basye (R) has cut down the amount of signatures needed in his proposed law adding school boards to the list of officials available to face a recall vote in Missouri. Bayse's earlier version went with 25% of turnout. He now is looking for 10% of turnout. He has also proposed allowing lawsuits against school boards for willful neglect or refusing to perform certain duties.

Currently, the recall is limited to third-class cities, fire districts and ambulance districts (here's a long post from 2015 on Missouri's recall law). Bayse is promoting the idea due to complaints about the school boards' efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic with distance learning. 

There are two bills that would extend the recall to county commissioners, one by State Representative Doug Richey (R) that would require a 60 percent supermajority to vote out and a second one by State Representative Mark Ellebracht (D), which would need just a straight majority voting for an ouster. 

https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/16/missouri-lawmaker-wants-implement-school-board-recall-process-willful-neglect-lawsuits/9175389002/

California: Recall effort against Los Angeles Councilmember fails, with 13,000 signatures tossed out

The recall effort against Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin has failed, as more than 13,000 signatures were tossed out. Petitioners handed in 39,188 signatures and needed 27,317. They got 25,965. Petitioners can still appeal.

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.

Bonin previously faced a recall effort in 2017-2018 over his road diet plan -- the DOT's removal of 9.4 miles of traffic lanes to prevent pedestrian deaths. 

Bonin is up for re-election in December, with a primary in June. If the recall got on the ballot, the vote would likely have taken place in April or May, though that would not effect the re-election vote in June. Bonin won his 2017 re-election run with 71% of the vote.

The last recall in Los Angeles was Councilman Art Snyder, who survived the vote in 1984. The last one to result in removal was Councilman Meade McClanahan in 1946.

California: Signatures handed in against Westminster Councilmember, who is facing second recall effort since 2020

Westminster Councilmember Kimberly Ho, who survived a recall vote in 2020, is facing another potential vote, as petitioners have handed in 4045 signatures. They need 2666 valids. 

Ho, along with Mayor Tri Ta and Councilmember Chi Charlie Nguyen, survived an April 7, 2020 vote, with 57% opposing the recall (Ta and Ngyuen also survived by similar margins).

Ho seems to have switched her regular vote to join with two other councilmembers (Tai Do and Carlos Manzo, who opposed Ta, Ngyuen and Ho. 

In the last recall, the claims were of ethical violations, such as limiting debate and participation.

California: Can non-citizen voting decide the San Francisco School Board recall?

Here's some discussion of the fact that San Francisco non-citizens have the right to vote in local elections -- 74 new voters have signed up -- which (I'll bravely predict) won't impact this race. 

Nebraska: Two Leyton School Board members survive recall vote

The recall election against Leyton School Board President Suzy Ernest and Secretary Roland Rushman failed, with the vote for Ernest 196-246 and Rushman, 179-264. 

The recall seems to be about placing a Superintendent on paid leave without board approval (the superintendent is now back in office), offering an interim superintendent a contract (that person is now facing child abuse charges) and signing an asbestos removal bid before a board vote. 

Mexico: More on the AMLO recall effort

Here's another article claiming that the recall, which is pushed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador against himself, is for his own benefit. 

California: Washington Post claims San Francisco School Board recall tearing Democrats apart

Here -- though it doesn't seem to be having that much of an effect. 

New York: New push for recall law against Manhattan DA

There's new push to adopt a recall law in New York, targeting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Former Mayor (among many other roles) Rudy Giuliani and Republican Mayoral candidate Curtis Siliwa are pushing for the on-line effort. New York is one of the few (nine is my last count) states without any recall election provisions whatsoever.

Japan: Company president convicted over role in fraudulent signatures in failed Aichi Governor recall attempt

Looks like we got the denouncement to the crazy fraud case of the recall of Aichi Governor Hidekai Omura, as Akira Yamaguchi, the former president for a company that recruited people to forge signatures received a 16 month sentence (suspended for four years). Two other defendants are facing sentencing as well.

A criminal complaint had been filed over the use of fraudulent signatures. Hundreds of thousands of signatures thrown out because they look to be forgeries (83% of 435,000) and 48% were not listed on voter roles. Petitioners needed 860,000 signatures. According to reports, an advertising company contractor hired people to copy names and addresses onto the petitions.

The recall effort is led by a Holocaust-denier and denier of the Nanking Massacre, Katsuya Takasu, a cosmetic surgeon (who for some reason is on an arts festival committee). The event was an arts festival which included, among other art, a statue of a girl representing Korean comfort women, who were forced into sexual slavery in WWII. Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who was the organizing committee's acting chairman, also promoted the recall drive. 

Michigan: Marshall School Board members facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Marshall School Board Members Richard Lindsey, Matt Davis and Shawna Gamble. The language is currently being reviewed by the Election Commission, though the story doesn't go into the reasons for the recall.

The petitions were taken out by former Albion Mayor David Atchison, who faced recall petitions during his term.

Oregon: Two Josephine County Commissioners facing recall efforts

Josephine County Commissioners Dan DeYoung and Herman Baertschiger are facing recall efforts over their votes on the COVID-19 pandemic response, wildlife preparation and "illegal marijuana policies." From the article it is not clear what angle the complaint is taking. Petitioners need about 6300 signatures by March 2.

Colorado: Avon Mayoral/Council receive reimbursement after surviving recall vote

Avon Mayor Sarah Smith Hymes and Councilmember Tamra Underwood have been given reimbursement for their recall expenses of between $5500 and $6000 apiece. Both officials easily survived the vote on Election Day, November 2, with more than 70% in favor of their retaining the office.

Here's some earlier detailed coverage of the fight. I'm not sure what happened to the recall of Councilmembers Amy Phillips.

Nebraska: Waverly School Board President easily survives recall vote

Continuing the trend of officials surviving recalls over their support for measures to combat the spread of the pandemic, Waverly School Board President Andy Grosshans overwhelmingly survived his January 11 (mail-in ballot) recall vote, 116-548. Petitioners got the 88 signatures they needed (notably, Grosshans ran as a write-in candidate, which may have depressed his turnout) Grosshans has actually been on the board since 2008. The recall was over his support for measures to stop the coronavirus pandemic.

Oregon: Newberg School Board recall to cost $65K-$80K

The January 18 recall against Newberg School Board member Brian Shannon and Dave Brown is expected to cost between $65,000-$80,000. The recall is over a vote to fire the Superintendent and a vote to ban political flags (such as LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter). Petitioners needed over 2500 valids, they gave in over 4000, and got about 3300.

Oregon: Two Newberg School Board members facing January 18 vote

The recall against Newberg School Board member Brian Shannon and Dave Brown got to the ballot and will be held on January 18. The recall was over a vote to fire the Superintendent and a vote to ban political flags (such as LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter). Petitioners needed over 2500 valids, they gave in over 4000, and got about 3300.

Ballotpedia looks at the year in recall

Here's Ballotpedia's take and their numbers (slightly different than mine, we always have that discrepancy). They have 535 recall attempts, though they list some additional results that I'll have to check (42 survivals, 25 removals and 19 resignations). Here's CNN's Chris Cillizza's take on it.

Colorado: Daily Camera editorial on the misuse of the recall

Here -- am I going to pass up an editorial that cites my book? 

Taiwan: DPP considers changes to recall law

After seeing 14 recalls votes in two years (some so-called "Revenge Recalls"), and with three major removals (Mayor, Legislator, City Council member), the Democratic Progressive Party is proposing rules to curb recall use. It sounds like these changes include increasing thresholds for removal. 

Taiwan: DPP candidate wins replacement race October 23 recall seat

It what was seen as a double-loss for the KMT (including the Lim recall), DPP's Lin Ching-yi won the replacement race for the seat previously held by Chen Po-Wei (pro-independence Taiwan Statebuilding Party). Chen Po-Wei was ousted in a recall election on October 23 vote, 77,899-73,433 looking for removal. 

Lin won 88,752-80,912 for Yen Kuan-heng.

The KMT is supporting the recall and has made it an issue in the ongoing difficulties with China. This is also seen as part of a "revenge recalls" over the ouster of Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-Yuto.

Taiwan: Independent Legislator Survives Recall vote

The recall election against Taiwan Independent Legislator Freddy Lim, the former lead vocalist for heavy-metal band Chtonic, failed due to an inability to get a high enough turnout (what I call an absentee veto law). 54,813 voters supported the recall, versus 43,340 who voted against. Petitioners needed 58,756 votes in favor in order to remove Lim.

The recall seemed to be a debate of who was to blame for a Covid outbreak. Petitioners handed in 38,286 signatures and got 27,362 valids. They needed 24,475.

Lim was previously part of the New Power Party and an activist for independence. This may be part of the wave of recalls hitting Taiwan.

Michigan: Lansing City Councilmember resigned after petitions approved

Following a judge ruling that a petition Lansing City Councilman Brandon Betz could move forward with minor changes, Betz resigned the seat. The first petition filed against Betz had been rejected by the Election Commission due to clarity issues. 

The recall effort was over vulgar text messages he sent to a Black activist.  Betz has been stripped of committee assignments and "asked to consider resigning by the Ingham County Democratic Party." Petitioner needed about 2500 signatures to get on the ballot. 

California: No Newsom-Elder II in 2022

Conservative radio host Larry Elder, the top performer on the replacement race in the California Gubernatorial recall (well, outside of the people who left the replacement blank -- a much higher total), will not run in 2022 against Gavin Newsom. 

Michigan: Judge throws out GOP lawsuit challenging unlimited donations to Governor during recall fight

A federal judge tossed out a lawsuit over Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) ability to raise unlimited funds during a recall and keep it for a general election. The rejection was over standing grounds, with the judge holding that the plaintiffs (the state GOP) hadn't shown an injury.

The decision comes down after Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson submitted a filing saying the Governor would have to return money to donors or donated to other sources a

Whitmer was able to raise funds in unlimited amounts, rather than the $7,150 usual limit. Anyone paying attention to the California and Wisconsin recalls will be well familiar with this result. Petitioners would need 1,062,647 signatures to get on the ballot and here's a bill that is being proposed to get the recall law in-line with other campaign finance rules. 

I'm not clear why this was a federal court case rather than in state court. 

California: Signatures handed in for recall of Downey Councilwoman

Petitioners handed in 4,016 signatures for the recall of Downey Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez. They need 3454 valids to get on the ballot. The recall is reputed to be over Alvarez's failure to disclose her criminal history, where she was arrested for welfare fraud and shoplifting. It would just be a one question vote, with a replacement selected at a later date.  

California: No fraud found in 300 stolen recall election ballots

In an ending to one of the strange stories of the recall, the man who was found with 300 unopened recall ballots was not engaging in election fraud, according to the police investigation. It seems that it was more of a traditional theft/bank fraud activity.

Nebraska: State Senator proposes Constitutional Amendment allowing for state level recalls

Nebraska State Senator Tom Briese has introduced a Constitutional Amendment allowing for the recall of the Governor and State Senators -- note that Nebraska is the only unicameral legislature in the country. 

California: Desert Sands School Board Trustees facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Desert Sands School Board Trustees Tricia Pearce and Wendy Jonathan over their support of restrictions to combat the coronavirus pandemic (though Jonathan has apparently since said she would oppose vaccine and mask mandates). There are also complaints over ethnic studies curriculum. There are also recall attempts against Trustees Ana Conover, Don Griffith and Linda Porras, but the paperwork was incorrect. 

Petitioners need about 4000 signatures in 120 days. 

Michigan: Alma commissioner recall effort fails

The recall effort against Alma Vice Mayor Roxann Herrington and Commissioners Nick Piccolo and Audra Stahl failed, with petitioners not handing in the 745 signatures by December 31. It took numerous recall petitions before approval as a judge overturned an Election Commission ruling that the language was not factually accurate (and the Election Commission rejected another). The recall was over a vote that will allow a former nursing home to be converted into a temporary shelter for young male refugees. 

California: Los Alamitos School District recall efforts fails to get petitions started

The recall effort against Los Alamitos Unified School District board members Megan Cutuli, Chris Forehan and Scott Fayette missed a deadline for its fourth draft of petitions, requiring a restart. Petitions were over the board's support for restrictions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, as well as an adoption of an ethnic studies elective.

California: Santa Monica-Malibu School board recalls fail to turn in signatures

The recall effort against Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board members Laurie Lieberman, Maria Leon-Vasquez and Jon Kean has failed, with no signatures handed in. There was a previous failed attempt against member Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein as well. The recall threat was over a kitchen sink group of complaints about performance.