Recall election

Voters petition to force a vote on whether an official keeps their post. If the vote goes against the official, they are removed and a successor is chosen, either in the same election or later.

Recall adds accountability between regular elections and, unlike impeachment, is a political rather than legal process. Designs differ in the signature threshold, whether grounds must be given, and how the replacement is chosen.

• Los Angeles adopted recall in 1903; Oregon added the first state-wide provision in 1908. Nineteen US states, plus the District of Columbia, now allow recall of state officials.
• North Dakota recalled Governor Lynn Frazier in 1921.
• California recalled Gray Davis on 7 October 2003 (55.4% yes) and Arnold Schwarzenegger won the successor contest. Gavin Newsom was retained on 14 September 2021 (61.9% no).

Critics say recall can turn ordinary political disputes into costly special elections and reward organised minorities, and that a successor may win with a low plurality. Supporters respond that it gives voters a remedy for serious misconduct or loss of confidence.

Recall is used mostly against local officials; only four governors have faced recall votes in US history, and two were removed. Evidence on whether it improves accountability is limited.