GUEST BLOG: RECALL THE ROGUES

Listener Mark Davis sends this along. Link to RECALL THE ROGUES.org (We do not necessarily endorse this action, but thought it worthwhile to present the pitch from at least one group tired of the deadlock.)


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Eligible for Recall: Only state and local officials

Signature Requirement: 25% of the total votes cast for Senate in the previous election

Circulation Time: 90 days

Type of Recall Election: Recall election followed by a separate special election for successor

Constitutional Provision: Article VIII Section 6

Sec. 6. Recall. A member of the senate or the house of representatives, an executive officer of the state identified in section 1 of article V of the constitution, or a judge of the supreme court, the court of appeals, or a district court is subject to recall from office by the voters. The grounds for recall of a judge shall be established by the supreme court. The grounds for recall of an officer other than a judge are serious malfeasance or nonfeasance during the term of office in the performance of the duties of the office or conviction during the term of office of a serious crime. A petition for recall must set forth the specific conduct that may warrant recall. A petition may not be issued until the supreme court has determined that the facts alleged in the petition are true and are sufficient grounds for issuing a recall petition. A petition must be signed by a number of eligible voters who reside in the district where the officer serves and who number not less than 25 percent of the number of votes cast for the office at the most recent general election. Upon a determination by the secretary of state that a petition has been signed by at least the minimum number of eligible voters, a recall election must be conducted in the manner provided by law. A recall election may not occur less than six months before the end of the officer’s term. An officer who is removed from office by a recall election or who resigns from office after a petition for recall issues may not be appointed to fill the vacancy that is created. [Adopted, November 5, 1996]

 

Initial Procedure: A petition for recall must set forth the specific conduct that may warrant recall. A petition may not be issued until the supreme court has determined that the facts alleged in the petition are true and are sufficient grounds for issuing a recall petition.

Contact Info:
Office of the Secretary of State 
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building 
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100 
St Paul, MN 55103 
Phone Lines: (9 a.m. – 4 p.m., M-F)
Metro Area (651) 296-2803; Greater MN 1 (877) 551-6767
Email: business.services@state.mn.us
Fax: (651) 297-7067