This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia by introducing new sections that establish a formal process for recall elections for elected officials, specifically targeting county commissioners and county board of education officials. The new sections, designated as 3-1-53, 7-1-17, and 18-5-55, outline the procedures for initiating a recall election, which includes the requirement for a petition signed by at least 10% of the qualified voters from the previous election. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a recall question can be presented at a county commission or board meeting, or during a primary or general election, provided that a petition with at least 20% of signatures is submitted.
The legislation ensures that no more than one recall election can be held for an officer during their term, thereby providing a structured approach to accountability for elected officials. The bill aims to empower voters by allowing them to initiate recalls and vote on the retention of their elected representatives, thereby enhancing democratic participation at the local level.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 3-1-53, 7-1-17, 18-5-55