 Voters approved a constitutional amendment that gives the public
limited power to recall unpopular governors. The amendment had 66
percent support with 94 percent of precincts reporting.Voters
will be able to hold special recall elections to boot governors out
of office. However, the recall power wouldn't apply to any other
public officials, and it could only be used if enough state
legislators agreed.
The process would be complicated. To launch the recall process,
citizens will have to get support from 30 legislators -- at least 20
from the House, 10 from the Senate and no more than half from the
same party.
Next, they have to collect hundreds of thousands of signatures on
a petition to place the recall on the ballot. To ensure some
statewide support, activists would need at least 100 signatures from
a minimum of 25 counties.
If recall backers succeed, then a special election would be held.
A simple majority would be enough to oust the governor. The
lieutenant governor would take over until another election could be
held to choose a permanent replacement.
Many reform advocates wanted broader recall powers, but
legislators would not go along.
[Associated Press]
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