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Recalls
Find out what a recall election is and what happens during and after a recall election.
What is a recall election?
A recall election allows voters to decide whether or not to remove an elected official from office before the end of the official’s term.
Who can request a recall election?
Any registered voter can file a petition to recall an elected official. Once filed, the petition is reviewed by the Superior Court to decide if the process will continue. Read the Jurisdiction Manual for more information.
What happens once a petition to recall has been filed?
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Elections sends the recall charge to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for a technical review.
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The Prosecuting Attorney's Office prepares the ballot synopsis and transmits it to the Superior Court to determine sufficiency.
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If the court finds the charges sufficient, signatures can begin to be collected.
The sponsors of the recall have a maximum of 180 days to gather and file the supporting signatures. -
After the petition signatures are filed, King County Elections verifies the voters and signatures.
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If the recall petition signatures are sufficient, the Director of Elections sets a special election date.
The election must take place between 45 and 90 days after the petition is certified. The recall election cannot take place between the Primary and General elections. Whenever possible, the election is scheduled during an existing election (February Special, April Special, August Primary, November General).
What happens after a recall election?
- If the recall passes, the elected official is removed from office. The district then appoints someone to fill the empty position.
- If the recall fails, the elected official stays in the office for the rest of their term.
Current recall petitions
There are no current petitions.