Note: To search for a specific word or phrase, use Ctrl + F.
The Recall process has changed multiple times in the last decade. The most recent change moved the special district recall process in the Special District Act, where it is less likely to be altered by changes to other local government or election codes.
How many signatures are required for a petition for nonpartisan officers?
A petition to recall any director shall be signed by the lesser of three hundred eligible electors or forty percent of the eligible electors demanding the recall of any director named in the petition shall be filed in the court.
C.R.S. Section 32-1-906, 32-1-909(2)
What are the limitations on recalling an elected official?
A petition may not be filed against a director who has served less than six months; nor if a director’s term of office expires in less than six months
C.R.S. Section 32-1-906
If a director faces a recall election and voters decide in said directors favor, a subsequent recall petition for the same director and the same term increases to 50% of eligible electors.
C.R.S. Section 32-1-913
With whom is the petition filed?
Before the petition is circulated for signatures, it is filed with district court. The court then orders the appointment of a DEO. The DEO then reviews the petition as to form.
C.R.S. Section 32-1-909(2)
Note: SB21-250 Changed language to clarify that the petition will request that the court appoint a DEO.
Who approves the petition form? Who verifies signatures?
The district court-appointed DEO approves the petition as to form, and, after circulation, also verifies signatures meet eligibility and numeric requirements (the lesser of 300 or 40% of district eligible electors).
C.R.S. Section 32-1-909(2), 32-1-910(2)
The form cannot be circulated until the DEO has approved the petition form.
C.R.S. Section 32-1-910(1)
After the DEO approves the petition form, how long do the petitioners have to circulate for signatures?
Sixty days
C.R.S. Section 32-1-910(2)
What should the petition include?
For a detailed description, see 32-1-909(4) through (6).
Who may circulate the recall petition?
A person must be over 18 years of age. See statutory reference for more details.
C.R.S. Section 32-1-910(2)(c)