Recall Petition Guidelines

The Nevada County Recall Guide is available to view https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13685/Recall-Petition-Guidelines-PDF. In it, you will find information about initiating a recall for local offices, notes on recent changes to the laws, as well as example petitions. 

Procedures for Recalling State and Local Officials (2023) is a state publication and can be found on the California Secretary of State's website: https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/recalls/recall-procedures-guide.pdf. The publication is divided into separate parts that describe state and local recall rules. Be sure to check the Table of Contents and review all parts that are specific to the type of recall process in which you are interested.

Please note that recalls do not apply to federal officers. The removal of Members of Congress is governed by the United States Constitution, Article 1, Sec. 5 (2), which states “Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.” The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States are removed through the process of impeachment which is also governed by the United States Constitution.