There is a right to recall a mayor who abuses the office or the voters' trust.You'll need to research the exact process for your specific town because regulations and procedures can vary based on location.You will need to circulate a recall petition and hold a special election if you know the specifics.
Step 1: State law should be researched.
The process and conditions you need to meet when recalling a mayor varies from state to state.For information specific to your state, check the statutes.You can find the revised code in your state online.If you can't find the information online, you should be able to get it in print at a public law library.Special attention should be paid to the deadlines, signature requirements, and ground requirements in the state statutes for local recall information.Different states have different requirements for the number of signatures on a recall petition.Most states have time limits on when a recall petition can be started and how long it can take to circulate.Some states will require certain grounds to be met before a recall petition can be accepted.
Step 2: Check the law.
Each city may have its own laws regarding the recall process.You need to check the law regarding the recall of local officials.Your city's municipal code can be found online.If you can't find it online, you should be able to get a copy at most local law libraries or most city agencies.Similar to state law, pay close attention to deadlines, signature requirements, and other restrictions on the recall process.There are conflicts between state and local law.If the municipal law is questioned in court, the state law will usually have power over it.
Step 3: The mayor's position needs to be verified.
Some city mayors have more power.Depending on the circumstances, your mayor may or may not be governed by recall law.You can find out about the role of the mayor in your city by contacting city hall.Some mayors are just ordinary council members, while others have a lot of power within the city government.To find out if there are different recall procedures for each department, you need to determine if your mayor is a member of the legislative or executive department.Mayors who do not have voting power but can vote with other council members are not considered members of the governing body.
Step 4: There are grounds for recall.
Do you have grounds for a recall of the mayor?You will not be able to move forward with the process if your reasons for wanting to recall the mayor are insufficient.You don't have to meet any specific grounds to recall a mayor in many states.The grounds for recall are usually fairly basic.Misconduct in office, incompetence, or failure to perform official duties are some of the reasons they may include.
Step 5: Determine how many signatures you need.
Determine the number of signatures you will need for your petition to succeed by reviewing state and municipal code.To inquire about the exact number, contact your city hall.The requirement is usually based on the number of votes cast in the previous municipal election.This amount varies from 10% to 40% of voters.
Step 6: Write the petition.
The petition needs to state your intent and reasons.Make sure the petition conveys your stance and the language is easy to understand."Petition for recall" is the title of the petition.Underneath the title, you should state the position of the official and the mayor.There is an argument for recall.If possible, explain your key points in one paragraph.Beneath your summary paragraph, include any additional documentation or evidence that is needed.
Step 7: You can create a signer's form.
Attach a form to the petition.The title of the petition and your first summary paragraph should be written at the top.The form needs to be divided into four to six columns.Columns for printed name, address, phone number and signature are required.It is not always necessary to include a fifth column for the date and a sixth for voter registration number.
Step 8: A notice of intent can be filed.
You should fill out a notice of intent to circulate a petition after you have the petition and signer's form ready.The notice must state the name and office of the mayor.The reasons for your petition should be stated in 300 words or less.At the bottom of the notice, you may need to provide a certain number of signatures.You will need to file the notice with the city hall and publish it in a daily newspaper, depending on the law.Make sure you start the process on time.A petition for recall can't be filed before the mayor has been in office a certain amount of time or until the next general election.
Step 9: Get enough signatures.
Immediately after the notice of intent has been filed, you should begin circulating your position.All columns of the signer's form should be filled out for each signature, and only registered voters should sign your petition.You will need to use as many methods as possible to get the word out about the petition, as there are many different ways to circulate it.Speak to people in person and spread the word online.Local newspapers, radio stations, and television news stations can provide coverage.
Step 10: The petition needs to be filed on time.
You need to file your petition with the city clerk by the legal deadline.Within the time limit, collect as many signatures as you can.Since some signatures may not be valid, it is better to exceed the minimum number of signatures than to barely meet it.The time limit varies by state and city, but usually lasts between 40 and 160 days.
Step 11: Wait for the petition to be processed
The city clerk needs to verify the signatures after you submit them.State or local law may have a time limit on signature verification.Within 30 days, most signatures must be verified.If enough signatures are verified, the city clerk will send you a notice that the petition has passed and a recall election will take place.The process will end if you don't have enough valid signatures for your petition.There will be no recall election.
Step 12: You should wait for a date.
The council must set a date for a special election immediately after the city clerk has verified a petition.The special election will usually take place between 90 and 180 days after the petition is signed.The person who filed the petition is required to be made aware of the special election date by the city council.The information will be made public, but the city is not obligated to spread it around.
Step 13: Spread the word.
When the recall election takes place, you should begin notifying voters in the city.Contact the people who signed the petition.Let them know that the recall election will be held soon.Spread word to the rest of the city's voting population the same way you spread word about the petition.People can be contacted by phone, online and in person.The recall election can be covered by the local media.
Step 14: You can cast your vote.
You can vote to recall the mayor on the day of the election.Regulations governing municipal elections in your city will apply to this recall election.The name and office should be at the top of the recall ballot.The individuals nominated to succeed the mayor will also be on the ballot.The statement published by the proponent of the recall will usually be on the ballot.The mayor's response will be included.
Step 15: Wait for the results to come in.
The ballots will be counted when the election is over.The mayor will be recalled if a majority of votes approve the recall.The mayor will stay in office if a majority does not approve the recall.The candidate who received the most votes will be the next mayor if the recall succeeds.