Recall Elections

The recall, another Progressive Era reform, lets voters remove an elected official before the end of a term. Los Angeles adopted the first recall provision in its city charter in 1903, and Oregon became the first state to allow recall of state officials in 1908. About 19 states now allow recall of state officials, and many more allow recall of local officials such as mayors, council members, and school board members. There is no recall of federal officials, including members of Congress.

A recall begins with a petition. Supporters must gather signatures equal to a set percentage of the votes cast in the last election for the office, often 25 percent, within a limited time. Some states require specific grounds, such as misconduct or neglect of duty, while others allow recall for any reason. If enough valid signatures are submitted, a recall election is held. In some states voters decide on removal and a replacement in a single election, while in others the vacancy is filled separately.

Only two governors have been recalled: Lynn Frazier of North Dakota in 1921 and Gray Davis of California in 2003, who was replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker survived a recall in 2012, and California Governor Gavin Newsom survived one in 2021. Recalls of state legislators, prosecutors, and school board members have become more frequent in recent years. Supporters say recall gives voters a check on officials between elections, while critics say it encourages costly, politically motivated campaigns and punishes officials for unpopular but lawful decisions.