Our friends at Michigan Liberal put together a nice, short explantion of what it takes to run a recall. Thanks for the help.
How a Recall works?
Step 1 - File Petition Language
? The reasons for the recall developed by the recall petition sponsor must be submitted for clarity determination before the recall petition is placed in circulation. The clarity determination is rendered by the County Election Commission established in the county where the officer resides. The County Clerk, County Treasurer and Chief Judge of Probate serve on the County Election Commission.
? The recall sponsor submits the reasons to the county clerk. The individual submitting the recall language must be registered to vote in the electoral district represented by the officer.
? In the case of a multi-county district, the language must be submitted to the county that has the largest portion of the district.
? The County has 24 hours to notify the officer that recall language has been filed.
? The County Election Commission must meet to rule on the recall language between 10 and 20 days from the filing of the language.
Step 2 - Circulate Petitions
? The signatures needed on a recall petition must be collected within a 90 day "window" period. Any signatures which are dated more than 90 days prior to the date the recall petition is last preceding election for the office of governor in the electoral district of the officer sought to be recalled
? The petitioner needs to collect signatures equal in number to 25 percent of the number of persons voting in the previous Gubernatorial election.
? Separate recall petition must be circulated for each officer whose recall is sought.
Step 3 - Petition Filing
? Completed petitions must be submitted to the Secretary of State
? The filing official notifies the officer of the filing of the recall petition in writing no later than the business day following the date of the filing. The written notice 1) specifies the date of the filing 2) informs the officer of the right to examine the petition and obtain copies of the petition sheets if desired. 3) informs the officer of their right to challenge the signatures on the petition. 4) specifies the deadline for signature challenges.
Step 4 - Petition Processing
? The Secretary of State has 7 days to verify the petitions and signature count and 22 days to verify that the circulators were registered voters.
? The officer has 30 days to challenge the signatures. They must provide a list of all the signatures they wish to challenge.
? If the recall petition is considered valid, a special election will be called in that district at the next regular election date at least 95 days after the petition was filed.
