The recall process has several required steps. In simple terms, a small starter group begins the process, a petition is circulated, signatures must be gathered quickly, the City Secretary reviews the filing, and if the petition is sufficient, a recall election is called.
Five registered voters from the district start the process by giving written notice to the City Secretary.
After written notice is received, the full petition must be completed and filed within 60 days.
For a district council seat, signatures must equal at least 15% of those eligible to vote for that seat in the last general municipal election.
Five registered voters from the district prepare the written notice and launch the effort.
The written notice goes to the City Secretary on the same day the petition is first circulated.
Petition pages must include the grounds for recall and be circulated properly.
Only qualified voters in that council district can sign, and enough valid signatures must be collected.
The completed petition must be filed with the City Secretary before the 60-day deadline expires.
The City Secretary reviews the filing and determines whether the petition is sufficient.
If the petition is certified as sufficient, the City Council calls a recall election.
The voters then decide at the recall election whether the council member remains in office.