Chapter 24 – Direct Democracy in Ohio
24.3 Recalls in Ohio
A recall is a process that allows the people to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term through a direct vote. This power is not available at the state level in Ohio, meaning state officials such as the Governor or members of the General Assembly cannot be recalled. However, some local governments in Ohio have provisions in their charters that allow for the recall of local officials.
Recalls are an important tool for direct democracy, providing citizens with a mechanism to hold their elected officials accountable. If an official is not performing their duties to the satisfaction of the electorate or is involved in misconduct, voters can initiate a recall to remove the official from office.
The process of initiating a recall at the local level in Ohio varies depending on the specific provisions outlined in the municipal charter. Generally, the steps include filing a petition, collecting signatures, verifying the petition, and holding a recall election.
- Filing a Petition – A group of citizens must file a petition to initiate a recall. The petition must state the reasons for the recall and comply with any specific requirements set by the municipal charter.
- Collecting Signatures – The petition must be signed by a certain percentage of the electorate. The required number of signatures varies by municipality but is typically a percentage of the votes cast in the most recent election for the office in question.
- Verification – Once the signatures are collected, the petition is submitted to the appropriate local authority, such as the city clerk, who verifies the signatures.
- Recall Election – If the petition is deemed valid, a recall election is scheduled. Voters are asked whether the official should be removed from office. If the majority votes for removal, the official is ousted, and a process to fill the vacancy is initiated according to local laws.
Case Study: Dennis Kucinich Recall Attempt as Mayor of Cleveland (1978)
A notable example of a recall attempt in Ohio is the case of Dennis Kucinich, who was the Mayor of Cleveland in 1978. During his term, Kucinich faced significant opposition due to his controversial policies and leadership style. Opponents organized a recall petition, gathering the required number of signatures to initiate a recall election.
The recall election was held in August 1978. Despite the strong opposition, Kucinich narrowly survived the recall, with 60% of the voters choosing to keep him in office. This case demonstrates the recall process in action and highlights the challenges and complexities involved in successfully removing an official from office.
Recent Local Recall Efforts
While recalls of state officials are not permitted in Ohio, there have been various local recall efforts in recent years. These efforts often arise from contentious local issues or perceived misconduct by local officials. For example, in recent years, there have been recall efforts in smaller Ohio cities and towns, focusing on mayors and city council members who were believed to be underperforming or engaged in controversial decisions.
Recalls provide a way for citizens to directly hold their elected officials accountable, but they can also be disruptive, distracting cities from their work. By understanding and participating in the recall process, voters can ensure that their local government reflects their needs and values. When voting in a recall election, it is important for voters to carefully judge the matter, as the recall may or may not be warranted.
References
Ohio Legislative Service Commission. 2023. Legislative Glossary in A Guidebook for Ohio Legislators. Columbus, OH.
Sracic, Paul A., and William C. Binning. 2015. Chapter 9 – Direct Democracy in Ohio in Ohio Government and Politics. Washington, DC: CQ Press.
