Florida: Former Sebastian Councilmember running for seat two years after being kicked out

Two years after he was kicked out of office in a recall, former Sebastian City Councilman Damien Gilliams, is running for office. There was two year ban after Gilliams was convicted of violating the Sunshine law.

Gilliams was one of three Sebastian City Council members kicked out in a recall that seems to have started over fights with the Mayor and other council members -- the three were elected on on a platform of opposition to an 1100 acre annexation plan last year. Gillams and Parris notably voted against the hiring of a new city attorney.  They were also arrested for breaking the Sunshine Law and perjury for lying to investigators. The three members allegedly voted to fire the city staff and appoint Gilliams mayor in what investigators call an illegal meeting. The two allegedly lied under oath.

Oregon: Eugene City Councilor sues to stop recall election

Eugene City Councilor Claire Syrett has filed a lawsuit to stop the upcoming recall election, claiming that signature gatherers lied about the basis of the recall. The recall effort is over her support for a traffic and public transit plan and the claim is that the vote was about further study. She is seeking $2500 in damages from the plaintiffs.

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures. They needed 1365. Haven't seen how many were rejected. 

Tennessee: Nashville City Council member recall fails

The recall effort against Nashville Councilmember Jonathan Hall failed. The recall was over campaign finance violations and penalties. Petitioners handed in 1498 signatures and needed needed 1800. The signatures were not actually counted as they didn't hit the limit. 

The lead petitioner, Charles Scott, is running for the position in the next election.

California: Another look at the Los Angeles District Attorney Recall Failure and Baseless Conspiracy Claims

While we already looked at the failure of the recall attempt against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, there has been a number of articles and a prominent social media post putting forward a complaint about the clerk which suggests something untoward in the signature verification process. There have been some corrections, including a highly recommend Red State story  a conservative site that backed the recall, which takes a scathing look at the failure of the recall effort and calls into question the complaints of petitioners. The Red State article alleges some level of actual fraud in signing the attestations and that the petitioners knew that they did not have enough signatures.

I guess I should revisit the numbers to show what seems to have happened. 

27.3% of the signatures were tossed out -- 195,783 of the 715,833 signatures handed in (I'm not sure why 28% has been regularly cited as the number). So they missed by 46,807. They got 520,050 valids. They needed 566,857.

As noted before, the signature rejection rate was within the range of past California recalls, though on the higher end (Here's the link with the discussion). There was a 34% signature failure rate for LA Councilmember Mike Bonin and a 20% rejection rate for the recalls of the San Francisco District Attorney and the three San Francisco School Board members. Because of the available data, these are useful to look at for comparison purposes.

The rejections for the Gascon recall were as follows:

Not Registered -- 88,464 (12% of total handed in) 

Duplications -- 43,593 (6%)

Different Address -- 32,187 (4%)

Mismatch signature -- 9,490 (1.3%)

Canceled -- 7,344 (1%)

Out of County Address -- 5,374 (.07%)

Other -- 9,331 (1.3%)

In the San Francisco recalls, the handed in 83,484 signatures, and sampled 4174 (I explain how this works here). In the D.A. Chesa Boudin recall, the breakdown was:

Approved -- 79% (3229 signatures)

Not Registered 13.2% (553)

No Signature 0% (2)

PO Box/Mailing Address -- .1% (4)

Printed Signatures .1% (3)

Registered Late -- .9% (39)

Signatures does not match 1.5% (62)

Wrong Address -- 4.8% (201)

Cannot identify .2% (7)

No Residence Address Given 0% (2)

Duplicates -- Signed more than once 0% (2)

Hopefully, we can see the big difference here. The not registered is very similar -- actually higher in San Francisco. The sheer number of duplicates here -- 43,593 is 6% of total signatures. There were only 2 duplicates in the SF DA sample. The school board samples were even better -- they had only one for all three combined recalls. This may point to issues the gatherers, as there was a lawsuit by the signature gathering company against the recall committee. The Red State article goes very deeply into this. 

More objectionable, the pro-recall forces sent a note complaining about the standard for the recall and a "shockingly large" rejection rate, though they used a very odd comparison (ballots mailed out during past elections). These ballots were of course sent to registered voters. So there would be no problem with the non-register voters, out of district voters or duplicates. The failure rate of those signatures was similar with the election and recall. 

This did not stop a false meme from spreading, a story amplified by Donald Trump Jr. among many others. But as we can see (and as the Red State story notes), the actual mismatched signatures were a small part of the Gascon recall failure. 

The petitioners have criticized heavily for spending $8 million and not getting to the ballot (an upcoming Red State story promises a look at where the spending went). Some recent propositions (discussed towards the end) spent $6 million to get on the ballot, though they had the advantage of gathering signatures throughout the state. But even there, there was a significant failure rate. 

The petitioners could have claimed a moral victory in gaining so many signatures -- this was vastly more signatures than ever handed in for a non-gubernatorial/LG recall in American history. The sheer number of signatures needed (more than against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker in 2012 and nearly 10X that needed in San Francisco), was enough reason for it to fail. But instead, they decided to launch a baseless attack on the Clerk's office. 

New Jersey: Follow-on article about high signature requirement in recall effort against Jersey City Councilwoman

Follow-on article to the recall effort against Jersey City Councilwoman Amy DeGise after video was released of her hitting a cyclist in a hit-and-run accident. 

The article notes that the high threshold for recalls, as petitioners would need 42,523 signatures to get the recall on the ballot. Because she is in her first year, the recall couldn't get on the ballot until January.

Michigan: Signature verification failures kill recall effort New Buffalo Mayor and Councilman

The recall effort against New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey and Councilman Brian Flanagan has failed, with officials knocking out enough signatures to kill the recall. 294 signatures were handed in for Humphrey and 271 for Flanagan. At least 80 signatures were tossed out on each one and they needed 219 to get on the ballot. Petitioners said they would challenge the decision.

The issue was a vote in favor of a ordinance banning short-term rentals. Humphrey is also facing a petition over having someone kicked out of a council meeting.

Texas: La Marque Mayor recall on Election Day Ballot

The recall effort against La Marque Mayor Keith Bell has made the ballot for Election Day in November. Can't open the article, but it seems that he is facing a recall effort over complaints over what may be campaign finance issues.

Update: Here's some more details. Petitioners got 543 valid signatures (51% of turnout). The accusations are a kitchen sink of verbal abuse and corruption. 

California: Former San Francisco School Board President running in November

Gabriela Lopez, who was ousted as the San Francisco School Board President in the February recall, announced that she is running for a seat on the board in the November elections. 

Oklahoma: Proposition on Norman ballot to modify recall law

Norman voters are casting ballots on a proposition that would change recall laws following the 2020 attempts. It would add a grace period six months before the end of the term (there is currently a grace period in the first six months). It would also handle the quorum challenge of having too many officials kicked out at once, by letting a majority vote prevail if more than four councilors are kicked out. It would also let the councilors call an election for a recall vacancy.

Ohio: Berea Councilmember recall set for September 13

 Berea Councilmember Leon Dozier's recall has been scheduled for September 13. The issue seems to be complaints of a lack of responsiveness and problems with flooding. 70 signatures were handed in.

California: Los Angeles District Attorney recall fails, with 28% signature rejection rate

The recall effort against Los Angeles District Attorney has failed, with 28% of the signatures being tossed out -- 195,783 of the 715,833 signatures handed in. So they missed by 46,807 (520,050 valids. They needed 566,857.

As noted before, the signature rejection rate was within the range of past California recalls, though on the higher end (I won't repeat all the details -- here's the link with the discussion).

What is perhaps noteworthy is the sheer number of duplicates here -- 43,593, 6% of total signatures. All four of the San Francisco recalls saw negligible duplication rates. This may point to issues the gatherers, as there was a lawsuit by the signature gathering company against the recall committee. 

The pro-recall forces sent a note complaining about the standard for the recall and a "shockingly large" rejection rate, though they used a very odd comparison (ballots mailed out last year). As we can see below, the actual mismatched signatures were a small part of this. The largest tranche of rejected signatures, as in SF was not registered voters.

The rejections were as follows:

Not Registered -- 88,464

Duplications -- 43,593

Different Address -- 32,187

Mismatch signature -- 9,490

Canceled -- 7,344

Out of County Address -- 5,374

Other -- 9,331

I'm not sure what the "canceled" category is, though I wonder if it could be a signature strike counter petition.

It is not clear if there will be a lawsuit or what that lawsuit could be based on. The reasons for rejection really limit the options. 

The question of why the recall failed is already being discussed. The sheer number of signatures needed (more than against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker in 2012 and nearly 10X that needed in San Francisco) should be at the top of the list. 

Michigan: Signatures handed in for recalls against school boards throughout Berrien County

Signatures have been handed in against School Board members in Berrien County. Niles Community School Board President Mark Wortham, Trustee Kyle Zelmer and Trustee David Fink, Lakeshore Public School Board President Jason Beckrow and Secretary Rachel Wade,  and St. Joseph's Trustee Kathy Weykamp and Trustee Brett Wier. All recall were over board members support for mask policies designed to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The Niles signatures have been rejected already as not having enough valid signatures due to errors on the form. Petitioners claim they got 17,600 signatures since July, though the numbers are not broken down individually

Petitioners handed in 2388 for Becrow and 2400 for Wade. They need 2156 valids.

They handed in 2590 for Weykamp and 2580 for Wier. They need 2498 valids. 

Signatures were not turned in by the deadline against Watervilet School Board President Bill Spaulding. 

Michigan: Petition language rejected in recall attempt against two Flint School Board Members

Petitions have been rejected against Flint School Board of Education Chair Joyce Ellis-McNeal and Treasurer Laura McIntyre over unclear language.

The petitions focused on a complaint filed by former board member Anita Steward over racial discrimination. 

Petitions were previously filed against Ellis-McNeal over claims of violating policy by voting to reopen contracts. It is not clear who originated the recall. Ellis-McNeal only became the president recently, after previous president Danielle Green was charged with assaulting another board member during a meeting.

Ohio: East Cleveland Mayor recall makes the ballot

Signatures have been validated against East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, with petitioners handing in 322 valid signatures and needing 311. The election would likely be on Election Day, November 8.

Petitioners claim that King used the police to target his Democratic primary opponents in 2021 for towing a van he was using to promote another candidate using loudspeakers.

King has been mayor since 2016 when the last mayor, Gary Norton, was kicked out in a recall with the council president, Thomas Wheeler. 

Virginia: Petitions out in Virginia Beach School Board recall

Virginia Beach School Board members Carolyn Rye, Trenace Riggs, Jessica Owens, Dottie Holtz, Kimberly Melnyk and Beverly Anderson are being targeted in a recall effort over the votes for procedures to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Five school board members are not listed, one of whom, Victoria Manning, is actually listed as part of the leadership of the pro-recall group. 

Petitioners claim they need between 12,000-30,000 signatures. This recall would not go to the ballot, but would be decided by a judge under Virginia's recall trial law. 

Virginia: Signatures handed in for Isle of Wright School Board member

Signatures were handed in against Isle of Wright School Board Member Michael Vines over accusations of defamatory remark with a fellow board member. This was during a fight over a promotion of a staffer to a new Deputy Superintendent position. Vines also seemed to attack the non-native county members and is accused of leaving information off disclosure forms. Petitioners handed in 214 and need 172 signatures.

Vines was appointed as a replacement last year, so his seat was up for a vote in November regardless. Virginia's recall trial law would require a judge to decide whether Vines keeps the position.

California: New candidate in San Francisco District Attorney replacement race

Former Police Commissioner John Hamasaki is running in the San Francisco District Attorney replacement race to replace Chesa Boudin, who was ousted in a recall vote (Police Commissioner is an appointment Supervisor position. The head of the department is the Chief).

Current D.A. Brooke Jenkins, who was appointed to temporarily replace Boudin by Mayor London Breed, is now under fire over accepting $100,000 as a consultant for a group that helped push for the recall.

Michigan: Marshall School Board President resigns

Marshall School Board President Richard Lindsey has resigned in the face of a recall effort (though Lindsey claims it had nothing to do with the resignation). Lindsey was on the board for 13 years.

Petitions language was approved against Marshall School Board members Lindsey, Matt Davis and Shawna Gamble over a failed bond measure and a violation of an open meeting act and complaints of conflict interest (as Lindsey was an attorney for Albion College). Petitioners need to get 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.

California: Petitioners claim about "shockingly large" rejection rates

The lead petitioners in the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon are complaining about the procedures for signature verification. Petitioners claim that the 22% rejection rate is "shockingly large" which they oddly compare to a 2% rejection for vote by mail ballots, which are of course different. The problem is that (based on the SF recall efforts) most of the signatures are rejected because the voters are not registered or give a wrong address. The 22% signature failure rate is not that unusual based on past recall efforts. 

Virginia: Proposals look to change recall law

There is some pushes for changes to Virginia's recall law, with progressives looking to raise the signature requirement for recalls to 30% of turnout and try to tighten the malfeasance standard to make it harder to get on the ballot. The proposal would have gotten rid of the odd recall trial law, so a recall would be much more likely to succeed. Republican recall proponents are looking to make it easier, though it is not clear that there are any efforts to get rid of the malfeasance standard.

Michigan: Signatures handed in against New Buffalo Mayor and Councilman

Signatures have been handed in for the recall of New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey and Councilman Brian Flanagan. 294 were handed in for Humphrey and 271 for Flanagan. Petitioners need 219 to get on the ballot. The issue was a vote in favor of a ordinance banning short-term rentals. Humphrey is also facing a petition over having someone kicked out of a council meeting.

My op-ed in the Hill on Georgia recall and the recall boomerang

 Here's my op-ed in the Hill looking at the unlikelihood of the Georgia D.A. recall, as well as why it may help Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. 

Minnesota: Two Harbors Mayor ousted in recall vote; Seemingly first recall ouster in state since at least 1996

Two Harbors Mayor Chris Swanson has been ousted in a recall vote, with early results showing more than 86% of the vote against him, 1149-180. This seems to be the first recall removal since Minnesota adopted a malfeasance standard recall in 1996 (a recall in Tracy in 2017 saw an official survive. Other officials have resigned in the face a recall vote). 

The recall was seemingly over claims that Swanson, in his second term, 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. This was seen as using this for his own business dealings. Swanson, who was one of six Democratic mayors to back Trump in the 2020 election, recently admitted that he was sentenced to probation for sexual abuse as a teenager. 

Petitioners handed in 618 signatures and have 532 valids, they needed 498. 

Petitioners previously gathered signatures, claiming they had 970 signatures for the recall, but they pulled those petitions over a lawsuit that would have removed the anonymity for any signers. The suit sought to require the signatures be revealed. 

There was a separate suit by a Republican County official asking the recall to be tossed out over Minnesota's strict malfeasance standard/judicial recall rules, which has led nearly all petitions (but one!) that I've seen have been rejected at that stage. The City Attorney wrote an opinion that he used the position for personal benefit, which could allow them to overcome the malfeasance standard. 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. In this case, there will be a replacement appointed. A district court judge threw out an attempt to toss the recall. 

New Jersey: Recall threats against Jersey City Councilwoman

Jersey City Councilwoman Amy DeGise is being pushed to resign or face a recall attempt after a hit-and-run accident. 

Petitioners would need 42,523 signatures to get the recall on the ballot. Because she is in her first year, the recall couldn't get on the ballot until January.

Colorado: Lead petitioner in Woodland Park School Board recall arrested over filing police report

The lead petitioner in the recall effort against Woodland Park RE-2 School Board President David Rusterholtz, Vice President David Illingworth II and Director Suzanne Patterson was arrested on charges of making a false police report. The petitioner, Samantha Peck, called and claimed that Illingworth's wife was getting into a car drunk with a small child.

The petitions over complaints about approving a charter for a new Academy in the district. The claims include violations of open meeting laws. 

Petitioners need about 3000 signatures each by the end of July. 

Canada: Petitions taken out against British Columbia's Vernon-Monashee MLA

Petitions have been filed against British Columbia (Vernon-Monashee) MLA Harwinder Sandhu over complaints about her support for policies put in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Petitioners need 21,268 signatures by October 11. Unlike in the US, there is a strict $37,046.52 spending limit for both sides. Additionally, the petitions automatically vacate the seat, resulting in a by-election, which the official can run in (easier than many recalls in the US, where and absolute majority is needed to win the vote).

The article notes that 26 recall petitions have been taken out since 1995, though there have been no recall elections held. Only six have been turned in with signatures. Five failed to get enough signatures, and the MLA resigned during the verification process in the sixth.

Ohio: Lakota School Board Member facing petitions

Petitions are being taken out against Lakota School Board Member Darbi Boddy is facing. Boddy, who was elected last year, has focused on complaints about teaching Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ lessons, though officials and other board members have claimed that it is not taught in the district. 

Petitioners need 6751 valid signatures, though it sounds like a court (Butler County Common Pleas Court) would decided on whether she would remain, which sounds like Virginia's Recall Trial law.

Texas: La Marque recall makes the ballot

Petitioners have apparently collected enough signatures to get the recall of La Marque Mayor Keith Bell on the ballot. It seems to be over campaign finance issues. Hopefully, we'll have some more info soon.

Ohio: Johnstown Mayor and Council President recall vote set for August 30

The recall election has been scheduled against Johnstown Mayor Chip Dutcher and City Council President Marvin Block for August 30. The recall will cost about $15,000.

The recall is over claims that they pressured the former police chief to fire the court clerk/police dispatcher. The chief has filed a complaint against Block. The police chief has been fired (there is also claims that he claimed the police chief and finance director where in an "inappropriate relationship.") The campaign is called the "Chip off the old Block." Block argues that the recall is over a goal from proponents to preserve the "rural feel" rather than growing. 

The petitions were first rejected by the City Clerk over claims that petitioners could not start gathering signatures, because the six month grace period at the start of a term had not started. The petitioners claim that the law didn't specify that it needs a new term (they are both on their second term). This does not sound like a winning argument and the clerk felt the same way. 

Petitioners handed in 305 for Dutcher and 332 for Block, and apparently got about 140 valids each. They needed 95 valids. 

Idaho: Three Pocatello City Council members facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Pocatello City Council member Roger Bray, Claudia Ortega and Chris Stevens over complaints about belligerent behavior. There seems to be complaints over spending and behavior (with one claim that it's like North Korea) and racially insensitive comments. 

Petitioners would need about 6000 signatures in 75 days. 

California: Former San Francisco District Attorney Boudin not running in replacement race

Former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is not running for election in the replacement race to replace himself in November. Boudin said that he is not running due to a desire to "put my family first."

Georgia: Fulton County District Attorney targeted by Trump support recalls

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing a potential recall effort over her investigation into Donald Trump's attempt to overthrow the 2020 elections. Petitioners would need more than 240,000 signatures to get a recall on the ballot.

Georgia is a Malfeasance Standard/Judicial Recall state and (absent a particularly partisan review or an Alaska Supreme Court-like decision) is unlikely to approve a recall effort. However, the article claims it will be used to attack her as ignoring crime rates and damage the jury pool. They may want to read up on the recall boomerang effect here. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene rewetted a recall note and Home Depot former Chairman Bernard Marcus has been a funder of the early efforts. 

New Jersey: Cedar Grove School Board member resigns

Cedar Grove School Board member Chrissy Dye has resigned after a recall was scheduled for Election Day. Dye, who was in her fourth term, faced a recall over complaints about a survey over gender identity. Petitioners handed in 3032 signatures and needed about 2802 (the article doesn't specify how many were valid).

California: Observers barred from Los Angeles District Attorney Signature Review process

Petitioners are not being allowed to monitor the signature review process in the recall effort of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon because it is not considered an election. This is part of the argument that recalls are ballot measures not elections (which therefore allows for unlimited campaign donations), though the replacement races are elections. Ballot measures themselves are not open to public inspection.

Michigan: Signatures handed in against three Winfield Township Board members

Signatures have been handed in against Winfield Township Supervisor Phyllis Larson, Clerk Colleen Stebbins and Trustee John Black over complaints about ordnances dealing with wind and solar energy. There are debates over the publication of public notices in a weekly paper and whether publishing only in a weekly shopper that doesn't have online publication counts. 

There was also a recall effort against Treasurer Cathy Killinger and Trustee Steve Cole, though it is not clear what happened with those. 

The solar ordinance lost a referendum vote in Tuesday's primary.

Colorado: Petitions taken out against three Steamboat Springs Councilmembers

Petitions have been taken out against Steamboat Springs Councilmembers Heather Sloop, Joella West and Dakotah McGinlay, which is seemingly tied to a 9% tax on short term rentals (there is a repeal referendum against the law as well). Petitioners need about 1000 signatures each (10% of turnout) to get on the ballot.

Oregon: Recall of Eugene City Councilor makes the ballot

The recall election of Eugene City Councilor Claire Syrett is moving forward, as enough signatures have been validated. The recall effort is over her support for a traffic and public transit plan. 

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures. They needed 1365. Haven't seen how many were rejected. 

Update: Syrett will not resign and has criticized the recall effort.

Colorado: Only one signature removed two signatures in Buffalo School Board recall

Only one person asked to have their signatures removed from the petitions to remove Buffalo School Board member Sonya Hutchison. Petitioners have handedin 122 signatures, and 104 validated. They needed 79. The issue was a search for a new superintendent and claims that Hutchison went "rogue" which caused one candidate to withdraw.

The last recall election in Logan County was in 1980, when county assessor Woodrow Brown was removed and replaced by Nancy Wood. This was a two day-two step recall.

Update: The recall vote has been scheduled for November 8..

Malaysia: Government considers law for recall of party-switchers

Malaysia is considering a law to allow recalls of party-switchers and "non-functioning or problematic representatives."

California: Petition collection company sues recall committee looking to remove Los Angeles D.A. Gascon over unpaid bills

A petition gathering company called Let the Voters Decide has sued the committee pushing for the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon for $469,569 over unpaid bills. The company was hired to get 400,000 signatures at a 75% validation rate (300,000 valids) by May 4. 

The lawsuit allegeds that the committee refused refused to pay market rate for signatures collectors. 

Oregon: Petitions taken out against Port of Alsea Commissioners

Petitions have been taken out against all five Port of Alsea Board of Commissioners members, Robin Bishop, Janice Power, Joe Rohleder, Chuck Pavlik and Buster Pankey over a decision to end a lease for the "Shrimp Daddy" bait and tackle shop. There were also complaints about the Port manager.

Petitioners would need 673 valid signatures to get to the ballot.

The lead petitioner, Kurt Saindon, had previously filed petitions against Governor Kate Brown in 2020, but never handed in signatures.

Wisconsin: Signatures handed in against Shawano School Board

Signatures have been handed in against two Shawano School Board Member Michael Sleeper (1958) and Chuck Dallas (1923). Petitioners need 1829 valids. The issues is complaints over a $2 Million deficit that could lead to closings/staff cuts. 

Louisiana: Oakdale mayoral recall effort fails

The recall effort against Oakdale Mayor Gene Paul  failed. The recall was over revelations that the city clerk stole $897,000. The clerk has since died. 

Petitioners needed 934 signatures  (33 1/3rd of registered voters) in 180 days. Petitioners claim to have received over 600 -- they previously claimed to be only 350 signatures away from hitting the mark, though it sounds like none were handed in.

Texas: La Marque mayor facing petitions

La Marque Mayor Keith Bell is facing a recall effort over complaints over what may be campaign finance issues. Hopefully, we'll find out more info soon.

Tennessee: Nashville City Council member facing petitions

Nashville Councilmember Jonathan Hall is facing a recall effort over campaign finance violations and penalties. Petitioners need about 2500 signatures by August 14. Hall claims health issues. The recent redistricting causes some issues, as the election would be held under the old district lines

The lead petitioner, Charles Scott, is running for the position in the next election and would not appear on the November ballot.

Michigan: Dueling petitions engulfs Thetford Council

Dueling petitions in Thetford, where the Board Clerk Nicole Moore and Trustees Julie Tack, Ralph Henry are facing petitions filed by Supervisor Rachel Stanke (R). Stanke has filed three failed attempts against Henry alone over votes against a proposed annual budget, which resulted in a six day government shutdown.

Following the last attempt, Henry filed petitions against Stanke, Treasurer Kristine Taylor and Trustees John Congdon and Eric Gunnels. The claim against Stanke is over actions surrounding solicitation of donations for a Christmas party. This is mostly an intraparty affair, as only Congdon and Gunnels are Democrats.

The Election Board has to decide on the language, though worth noting that one member, Count Clerk-Register John J. Gleason is facing charges of bribing or intimidating a witness.

Michigan: Signatures handed in against four Exeter Township officials

Signatures have been handed in against Exeter Township Manager Phillip Bruck, Clerk Christina Bogoski, Treasurer Tammy Kernyo and Trustee Anne Kleinow after the four voted to ban Supervisor Bob Queen from township property for "erratic and inappropriate behavior." While not the lead petitioner, Queen allegedly gathered some of the signatures himself.

The article lists several different actions, including a fight over a preservation of a historic barn and another was Queen removing an unused fuel tank and dumping it down a drain, causing problems for a neighbor (he claims he thought it was groundwater). Queen allegedly interfered with responders and argued with the owner. 

Mexico: Petitions taken out against Calexico Mayor

Calexico Mayor Javier Moreno is facing a recall effort over complaints that he used his position unlawfully, seemingly over a car registered out of state. Moreno serves a one-year term and his reelection by the council seemed to upset petitioners. It seems like they would need in the neighborhood of 4,000 signatures. 

UK: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson could face recall effort if Parliamentary inquiry goes against him

Soon-to-be-former Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Conservative) could face a recall vote if he is suspended from the House of Commons as part of a Parliamentary inquiry over whether he violated the lockdown protocols and lied about it during the coronavirus pandemic. If he is suspended for 10 sitting days or 14 calendar days, a petition can be filed. 

Oregon: Signatures handed in against Eugene City Councilor

Signatures have been handed in against Eugene City Councilor Claire Syrett. The recall effort is over her support for a traffic and public transit plan. 

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures. They need 1365. 

New Jersey: Cedar Grove School Board makes the ballot for November

Signatures have been verified in the recall effort against Cedar Grove School Board member Chrissy Dye over complaints about a survey over gender identity. Petitioners handed in 3032 signatures and needed about 2802 (the article doesn't specify how many were valid). 

The election will be held on Election Day, November 2022.

California: Recall threats against Mendocino County Sheriff

Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall is facing threats of a recall in the future, after a write-in candidate (and Sheriff's Deputy) Trent James got 14% of the vote in the June primary. A separate resident stated that he would initiate a recall effort after the grace period of the next term, which starts on January 2. Petitioners needed more 8000 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: Redondo Beach Councilmember recall set for October 19

The recall election of Redondo Beach City Councilmember Zein Obagi Jr, has been scheduled for October 19, which will also be the same day as a cannabis initiative.

The recall is apparently over his support for affordable housing and a homeless pallet shelter in his district, as well as claims of misconduct by the state bar. Obagi blames Cannabis dealers pushing to open dispensaries in the city for backing the recall (Catalyst Cannabis Co. has been the top funder).. Petitioners got 2452 valids and needed about 2250.

The special is supposed to cost $270,000 (or $240,000 if explanatory text is online only). If it is on the general election day, it will be $37,000.

Update: Tonya McKenzie is the only candidate in the replacement race.

Washington: Four Prosser School Board members facing petition threats

 Prosser School Board President Andy Howe, VP Jason Rainier and members Peggy Douglas and Jeanie Aubrey are facing petitions. Petitioners want the board to fire the school superintendent and instead giving a raise. The fifth board member, Elisa Riley, is not facing petitions. Petitions first have to be approved by a judge, as Washington is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state. 

Ohio: Johnstown Mayor and Council President recall effort blocked due to grace period

The recall effort against Johnstown Mayor Chip Dutcher and City Council President Marvin Block has been rejected by the City Clerk over claims that petitioners could not start gathering signatures, because the six month grace period at the start of a term had not started. The petitioners claim that the law didn't specify that it needs a new term (they are both on their second term). This does not sound like a winning argument and the clerk felt the same way. 

The recall is over claims that they pressured the former police chief to fire the court clerk/police dispatcher. The chief has filed a complaint against Block. The police chief has been fired (there is also claims that he claimed the police chief and finance director where in an "inappropriate relationship.") The campaign is called the "Chip off the old Block". 

Petitioners handed in 305 for Dutcher and 332 for Block and need 95 valids. 

Missouri: Three Robertson Fire District Board members face recall vote on November 8

Robertson Fire Protection District Board members Joan Noel, Becky Reinsmith, Mike Conley  are facing a recall vote on November 8, after 630 signatures were verified for each. The board is blamed for putting Hazelwood near bankruptcy due to a "costly contract." Supporters of the board members claim that Hazelwood is trying to get out of the contract with the recalls. The issues listed include failure to lower costs, retaliation, failing to turn over public records and selling property for below market value.

Colorado: Signatures validated in Buffalo School Board recall

Signatures have been validated in the Buffalo School Board member Sonya Hutchison, with petitioners handing in 122 signatures, and 104 validated. They needed 79. The issue was a search for a new superintendent and claims that Hutchison went "rogue" which caused one candidate to withdraw.

The last recall election in Logan County was in 1980, when county assessor Woodrow Brown was removed and replaced by Nancy Wood. This was a two day-two step recall.

Update: The recall vote has been scheduled for November 8.

Georgia: Cordele Commission Chair facing petitions

Cordele Commission Chairman Joshua A. Deriso is facing a recall effort over complaints about removing a picture from the police department, insulting another commissioner and kicking one of the lead petitioners out of the movement.

Petitioners have gathered 126 signatures, they need 100 valids to move to the next stage. Georgia is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, so a judge will have to sign off. Petitioners are shooting for 2000 signatures, though it's unclear how many they need from the stories. 

California: LA District Attorney recall verification going to a full count

In an unsurprisingly development, the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has found that the random sampling method did not get a clear decision on the Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon recall effort and will be going to a full count. Petitioners handed in 715,833 signatures. The sample was 5% (35,793) and 27,983 were found valid. If this verification rate kept up, the signatures would just fail (by about 7000 signatures, though that may not keep up.

Here's my look at the signature rates and how this sample method works. Here's a good article on the verification process itself.

Wisconsin: Two Morgan Town Board Members kicked out in Recall Vote over Solar Power Facility

Morgan Town Board Chair Fran Wranosky and Supervisor Leonard Wahl were tossed out in a July 12 recall vote over their support for a proposed solar power facility. Rob Berg defeated Wranosky, 57-36% and Jeff Folts beat Wahl 59-36%. Wahl's son-in-law, Matthew Gaulke, ran as a candidate for both seats (if nobody got a majority, there would have been a run-off, which may explain Gaulke's candidacy). 

Both Wranosky and Folts have been on the board for over a decade. Turnout was about 41%.

California: Redondo Beach Councilmember recall makes the ballot

Signatures have been verified in the recall of Redondo Beach City Councilmember Zein Obagi Jr., apparently over his support for affordable housing and a homeless pallet shelter in his district, as well as claims of misconduct by the state bar. Obagi blames Cannabis dealers pushing to open dispensaries in the city for backing the recall (Catalyst Cannabis Co. has been the top funder).. Petitioners got 2452 valids and needed about 2250.

It is not clear when the recall would be voted on, as they are looking to get on the November 8 ballot, but also talking about a March 7 vote. It is unclear why either would happen, as it needs to be in 125 days. 

New Mexico: Cobre School Board members resign after recall petition filed

Cobre School Board President Ralph "Toy" Sepulveda and Vice President Frank Cordova have resigned before a hearing on a recall petition filed against them by board member Gilbert Guadiana. Cordova has been on the board for 38 years.

Petitioners cited claims of nepotism (Cordova's son-in-law was appointed as a replacement board member) and there was complaints about reimbursement for the legal representation in the recall battle.

Colorado: 12th Judicial District Attorney (Alamosa/San Luis County) resigns after recall makes the ballot

Alamosa/12th Judicial District Attorney Alonzo Payne has resigned after the recall against him got to the ballot. Petitioners handed in 5974 signatures, with 4757 being declared valid. They needed 3996. The resignation was after a monitor was appointed by the state Attorney General.

The recall effort was over complaints of being soft on crime (not pursuing charges on large drug busts and not following up with crime victims on plea deals, as required by law), so a bit along the lines of the Boudin/Gascon recall efforts in California. The petitions were taken out by Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman. 

California: Report on spending in SF DA recall

Here -- $7M for the pro-recall forces, $3M for those opposing the recall of Chesa Boudin.

New Jersey: Signatures handed in against Cedar Grove School Board

Signatures have been handed in against Cedar Grove School Board member Chrissy Dye over complaints about a survey over gender identity. Petitioners handed in 3032 signatures and need about 2802. 

Ohio: Signatures handed in against Johnstown Mayor and Council President

Signatures have been submitted against Johnstown Mayor Chip Dutcher and City Council President Marvin Block over claims that they pressured the former police chief to fire the court clerk/police dispatcher. The chief has filed a complaint against Block. The police chief has been fired (there is also claims that he claimed the police chief and finance director where in an "inappropriate relationship.") The campaign is called the "Chip off the old Block". 

Petitioners handed in 305 for Dutcher and 332 for Block and need 95 valids. One problem here is that petitioners may have jumped the gun, as there is a grace period of six months at the start of a term. The petitions seem to gave been taken out at the five month mark (both are on their second term, so petitioners are claiming that the law doesn't specify that it must be a new term.). A recall vote would be expected to be scheduled for August. The cost of the recall would be about $15,000 as a special in August and $700 if it is during the general election in November.

Florida: Petitions taken out against Riviera Beach Council member

Petition have been taken out against Riviera Beach Councilwoman Julia Botel over claims that Botel tried to stop a beach party from taking place on Singer Island. No word on how many signatures are needed.

California: Mayor appoints new San Francisco District Attorney to replace Chesa Boudin

San Francisco Mayor London Breed appointed Brooke Jenkins as the new District Attorney to replace Chesa Boudin, who was ousted on the June 7 primary. Jenkins is a former Assistant District Attorney and prominent opponent of Boudin -- she was featured in ads calling for his removal.

Jenkins will be running in the replacement race. Boudin has suggested that he may also run to replace himself. 

Ohio: Newton Falls to vote on signature gathering time limit

Newton Falls will be voting on a proposed 90 day time limit for signature gathering. Newton Falls saw significant drama and legal issues around its recalls last year, with a councilwoman eventually ousted.

California: Will the George Gascon Recall get to the ballot? A look at signature verification and failures rates

Update: 715,833 signatures are reported to have been handed in. 

Today is the due date for signatures to be handed in the recall of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon. Petitioners have said that they will be handing in more than the 566,857 signatures needed to get on the ballot. This will be almost certainly the fifth most signatures handed in for any recall in US history and the most for any non-state-wide office. If it gets to the ballot, it would be the third most required (after the two California Governor recalls, above the Wisconsin Gov/Lt. Gov). But the real question is: Will it be enough?

I'll update this once we get the actual numbers, but the number to look for is about 700,000. As explained below, a large number of signatures will be rejected -- Based on past experience, we should probably expect about 20% will be declared invalid. So the 700,000 gets the petitioners in that range of what they need. 675K, they are very likely to fail. 725K, they are looking very good.

Let's look at the recent recalls to see why we think 20% is the right number:

• In 2021, the Governor Gavin Newsom recall, which needed 1,495,709, saw a 19% failure rate across the state. Los Angeles County was almost a perfect mirror of the state, as 19.44% were rejected. Note that (as explained below), each signature was checked, as opposed to the sampling method that will take place in the Gascon recall (and the SF and Sonoma ones noted below).
• In San Francisco, we had four prominent recalls in 2022. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin saw 83,484 signatures handed in, and they needed 51,325. The sampling of 4174 signatures saw a 20.96% failure rate, more than enough to get on the ballot.
• The three San Francisco school board members saw signature failure rates of 20.8% for Alison Collins; 20.64% for Gabriela Lopez and 19.74% for Faauuga Moliga. Each needed 51,325 signatures and they all had over 71,000 signatures handed in. So all were easily adopted. 
• Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty's recall effort saw a 25.79% rejection rate, though they only needed 4308 to get to the ballot.
• Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch recall in 2021 saw a 25.83% rejection rate (they needed 30,056 valids). 
• (Update -- don't know why I left this out, probably because it didn't make the ballot) A recall effort against Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin saw 39188 signatures handed in, but more than 13,000 were thrown out. They needed 27,317. They got 25,965. I don't see an official statement by the clerk though. So that is a rejection rate of about 34%. 
• Going quite a bit further back, in 2003 Gray Davis gubernatorial recall, the failure rate was just under 18%.

So what's this about? As we’ve seen so often with recalls (and petitions in general), signatures will be tossed out. The reasons are usually mundane, which is what happens when you’re collecting signatures on the street and frequently paying people to collect. The problems range from the signers not being registered (based on the SF recalls, which has the info, the vast majority of failed signatures were due to not registered; second is wrong address) to signing more than once to living out of district or state or (in rarer instances) using fake names. While most recall attempts fail because petitioners do not hand in any signatures, over the last nine years (2012-2021) I count at least 146 recall attempts throughout the country in which petitioners handed in enough unverified signatures, but because of a high rejection rate resulted in the recall failing to get on the ballot. 40 of these rejections happened in California. So while not an everyday occurrence, signature failures are certainly something to consider.

In the past, I've seen articles suggesting that a general rule of thumb is a 10-15 percent failure rate, though I'm not sure where that is from (and the article links are now dead). We actually see a 10 percent number referenced in the law regarding local recalls.

 

Random Sampling Method:

Unlike at the state level, if there are more than 500 signatures submitted for the recall, the clerks use a random sampling verification technique (take sampling/determine the number of valid/extrapolate to the rest). Using this procedure, if valid signatures top 110 percent of the minimum number, the recall qualifies and moves to the ballot. (If it is between 90-110 percent, they verify each one. If it is below 90 percent, it fails). Note that the Sonoma County D.A. recall came in at 106%, requiring the manual recount.

 

Beyond the very recent recalls, we have some others worth considering. 

The last two state level recalls against state Senators saw significantly worse results for petitioners, even though the recalls got to the ballot. In 2018, the failure rate for the State Senator Josh Newman recall topped 25 percent (73.66 percent were validated).

 

The 2008 recall effort against State Senator Jeff Denham, saw a 41.5 failure rate (58.58 percent were validated). This verification was under the random sampling technique (the law was changed in 2018 to remove state level recalls, at least partially to slow the Newman recall effort).

 

There is another recent recall effort that is also worth considering.  In 2018, Santa Clara Judge Aaron Persky faced a recall, the first against a judge in California since 1932 (and the first in the US since 1982). The judicial district was much larger than a regular state senate one. Petitioners needed 58,634 signatures to get on the ballot. Using the random sampling rules, the registrar found that 3389 of 4727 signatures were valid. Since the petitioners handed in 94,539, this was more than enough to get on the ballot. But the failure rate was over 28 percent (the verification rate was 71.6 percent).

 

Do initiatives tell us anything on this front? Prop 22 was the most high profile initiative in the 2020 race, as petitioners spent more than $6.4 million to get on the ballot. Petitioners needed 623,212 and handed in 987,813 signatures. Once again using the random sampling method, 22.5 percent were found invalid (77.5 percent were verified). A similar result can be seen in a Proposition that required a higher signature total. Prop. 15, which spent nearly $6 million to get on the ballot, was a Constitutional Amendment, which therefore required 997,139. Once again, the random sampling method found 25.4 percent invalid (74.60 percent were verified).

 

In other states, we see a potentially different picture. The last state to hold a gubernatorial recall, Wisconsin had a very different recall law. As Richard Winger of Ballot Access News and Christian Schneider point out, Wisconsin allows the signatures of any eligible voter in the state, not just any registered voter (as in other states). This makes signature rejection much less likely.

 

The petitioners in the Scott Walker recall garnered an enormous cushion. They handed in 931,053 signatures and they only needed 540,000. At the end of the day,  900,938 were found valid (4,001 duplicates, 26,114 struck out by staff). This is a 3.2% failure rate. For Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (who appeared on a separate petition), the failure rate was 4%.

 

The Wisconsin verification also appeared to be different and I am unsure if the fact that Governor Scott Walker effectively conceded the success of the signature gathering portion eliminated the challenges.

In the Senate races in Wisconsin in 2018 we saw some similar numbers. For the Senator Galloway petitions, there were 21,022 signatures handed in, and the GAB struck out 1,658. Galloway further challenged 863. The board did not bother looking at the challenged signatures. So the failure rate on the GAB was 7.8%. If we add in the Galloway protests, it is close to 12%. The Senator Wanggaard petitions are a little more complex, as he challenged many more signatures -- if all of his signature challenges had been approved, it would be about a 20% failure rate. From the board's review it was less than 3%. For Senator Moulton, the board threw out 5.7% of the signatures. His challenges would have pushed it up to about 11%. For Senator Fitzgerald, the board tossed out 4.1%. With his challenges, it would be just under 12%.
 

In the 2011 Wisconsin nine Senate recall races, we saw a higher rejection rate, but again it was not clear what was happening. Two petitions posted an alleged 25-27.5% failure rate, there are two (both Democrats) with a 17-18% failure rate, there are three with a 6-8%, and two with effectively zero.

 

What about the other state legislative recalls of the last decade? We have four to choose from.

 

In Colorado in 2013, two State Senators lost recall elections. Senate President John Morse (D) saw a 37.5 percent invalidation rate. Colorado historically seemed to have a high invalidation rate, so this wasn’t a surprise. But the second recall was. State Senator Angela Giron (D) saw a 6 percent invalidation rate with only 818 signatures tossed out of 13,466. Petitioners used a new program that allowed them to check the signatures, which explained their accuracy.

 

In 2011, there were two other recall efforts, with very different verification rates. Arizona Senate Majority Leader Russell Pearce recall saw a 42% failure rate. (Arizona also has a historically high failure rate on the local level). On the other hand, the 2011 Michigan State Rep Paul Scott recall had a 9.4% failure rate.

 

A last example to consider: The 2011 Miami-Dade Mayoral recall, which collected over 100,000 signatures, saw a 16% failure rate.

One other factor to consider is claims of deliberate signature fraud. There are a few examples of signing fraud. Japan just saw a crazy version of this, with the lead petitioner hiring people to simply copy the names out of the registration book. In general, widespread signature fraud appears to be both fairly rare and not that difficult to uncover.

 

That’s not to say that they won’t be made. The claim of deliberate fraud can certainly ignite a party’s base and help muddy the waters against a recall effort.  Much as in the last election, the Republicans banged this drum repeatedly in the Scott Walker recall campaign, where they claimed that a huge proportion of the signatures would be fake – the so-called Mickey Mouse signature.  However, elections officials claimed to have found only 5 fake names in the Walker petitions: Adolf Hitler, Mick E. Mous, Donald L. Duck, Fungky Van Den Elzen, and I Love Scott Walker Thanks. 

 

The Davis campaign seems to have had a similar argument, though once again it was the Republican side that made the claim. One of the companies that said they led the petition gathering efforts claimed that Davis forces ran a "blocking" campaign by hiring all the good signature gathering companies. They also intimated that Democrats were planning on submitting deliberately false signatures, though that seems unlikely (and crazy -- more likely than not, if the verification process missed a fake signature, it would have been included in the count).

 

One last issue --. Los Angeles requires that anyone who wants to remove their signatures from the petition does it the day before the signatures are handed in. This is different than the state law, which gives 30 business days to fight fire with fire and collect signatures from signers of the petition asking to have their names removed. This law was adopted during the Newman recall and did not work for him, but it did help out a Newport Beach Councilman. Nevada also saw uses of a similar provision. As we can see, it is unlikely to make a difference here.

Illinois: Votes cast in favor of removing Dolton Mayor, but court decision may result in rejection of recall effort

The recall election of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard led to a vote for removal, 1953-1532,  though court decisions likely mean that Henyard will not be removed by the June 28 recall vote. 

A judge ordered the clerk to not count the vote in two recall ballot measures (one asks for a recall law -- which succeeded 1948-1506 -- the other calls for Henyard to face a recall vote immediately). The issue seems to be that the measures are taking place at the same time, which is extremely odd.

A Cook County Circuit Court Judge has ruled in favor of efforts to stop the recall election against 

The recall does not seem to have signatures handed in, but was rather put on the ballot by the village board. 

Henyard faced a previous recall effort when she served as trustee, leading to an appellate court decision that the board cannot remove the official by a board vote but can have a recall. 

The recall is over a slew of complaints: taking a Township Supervisor job that pays $250,000 which seen as a conflict of interest; keeping the board from meeting, paying bills and refusing to show what is being paid, as well as hiring a code enforcement officer who spent 24 years in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault. 

Colorado: Poll from recall supporters say majority in favor of removing Douglas County School Board members

A new poll (sponsored by supporters of the recall effort) claim that voters are in favor of removing Douglas County School Board President Mike Peterson and members Becky Myers, Kaylee Winegar and Christy Williams. The group 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. 

Texas: Uvalde Councilmember (and school police chief) resigns in face of recall threats

Uvalde Councilmember (and school district police chief) Pedro Arredondo has resigned from the council in the face of some recall threats. Arredondo missed two meetings and could have been expelled if he missed a third. He has been the subject of intense criticism due to the failures of law enforcement in the mass shooting and killing of 19 students and 2 teachers at an elementary school. Petitioners would have needed less than 50 signatures, but a recall could not have started until February. 

Virginia: Dueling debate on recall effort against Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney

Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney Buta Biberaj (equivalent to a District Attorney) has written a complaint against the recall effort taking place to oust her from office. Here's a letter to the editor in Loudon News attacking Biberaj's complaints. 

Biberaj is one of three Virgina Commonwealth Attorneys who faced recall efforts, including  Arlington County's Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and Fairfax County's Steve Descano.

The "Republican-linked" group, Virginians for Safe Communities, claimed they've raised $250,000 and have another $500,000 pledged  All three of the prosecutors were elected in 2019 with the support of George Soros' Justice and Public Safety PAC. This feel a part of the other prosecutorial recall attempts taking place in the country, including the notable removal of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. 

I haven't looked into this, but this could be either a Recall Trial (unlike to succeed), a recall vote (some place in Virginia have this on the local level -- I don't think it is allowed for county positions, but I haven't the time to check it out now) or completely rejected by the courts. I really don't know yet. 

Philippines: Mabinay mayor facing recall threats

 Mabinay Mayor Ernie "Django" Uy is facing recall threats after he won the May 9 election. 

California: Recalled San Francisco D.A. considers running in replacement race

After being ousted in a recall vote, former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is leaving the door open to run in November or 2023.

Wisconsin: Orfordville Village President wins solo recall vote after previous president resigned

Orfordville Village Board President Dennis Burtness has won his "recall election" 75-2. Burtness faced the vote after signatures were handed in against previous President Gary Phillips. Phillips resigned in the face of a recall election (after signatures were handed in), so Burtness was on the ballot, though he was the only person running.

The issue seemed to be charges of overreaching into police department matters, which led to the resignation of the police chief. The replacement race will be held on June 28

Michigan: Petition language approved against two Rose Township officials

Petition language has approved Rose Township Supervisor Dianne Scheib-Snider and Treasurer Paul Gambka over their votes to spend $30,000 on a labor attorney. The language was rejected on the first try. Petitioners need 807 signatures each. 

Virginia: Prince William County Supervisor facing petitions

Prince William County Supervisor Pete Candland (R) is facing a recall effort over his support for a plan to change the zoning of property for a plan to switch zoning on certain properties, including his own, from agricultural to technology (as part of a plan to open up additional data centers in the area). 

Petitioners need 1796 signatures (10% of turnout). Since it is a county office, this would be a recall trial, meaning that a judge would decide whether Candland stays or goes based on whether he violated the law.

Oregon: Drain City Councilor facing recall vote on July 12

Drain City Councilor Jo Barker is up for a recall election on July 12. Barker is accused of a hostile work environment and complaints against a city administrator.

West Virginia: All seven Morgantown Council members facing petitions

All seven Morgantown Council members, M. Joe Abu Ghannam, Bill Kawecki, Ixva Vega, Jennifer Selin, Danielle Trumble, Dave Hashbarger and Brian Butcher, are facing recall petitions. Petitioners need about 4000 signatures (20% of turnout) to get to the ballot for each. The issues include complaints over new personnel rules opposed by the police and fire unions and complaints about council opposition to a "Big Guns" store. 

Petitioners also want to change term limits and align the elections with general election dates.

Update: Here's an editorial opposing the recall effort.