Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Celerity

(55,486 posts)
6. Federal elected office (US House, US Senate, POTUS, and VPOTUS) recall votes are not constitutional
Wed Sep 17, 2025, 08:08 PM
Sep 2025
https://www.cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt%5Colr%5Chtm/98-R-1540.htm

Any attempt by a state to recall a member of Congress is prohibited by the Federal Constitution. A vacancy in the office of U.S. senator or representative can be created only by the incumbent's death or resignation, the expiration of his term, or some direct action of the body (the Senate or the House of Representatives) which is empowered to expel members (Burton v. U.S. 202 US 344, at 369). There is no constitutional authority to hold a special election that would be required to fill a seat in the event a member was recalled. Article I, section 4 of the Federal Constitution relating to the time for holding a regular election and Article XVII of the Amendments on holding a special election only when a vacancy exists combine to preclude an election to replace a member of Congress who had been recalled. Federal constitutional provisions supersede any state recall procedures for these offices.


https://www.thoughtco.com/why-a-recall-wont-work-3367929

Having regrets about your vote for president? Sorry, there's no mulligan. The U.S. Constitution does not allow for the recall of a president outside of the impeachment process or the removal of a commander-in-chief who is deemed unfit for office under the 25th Amendment.

In fact, there are no political recall mechanisms available to voters at the federal level; voters can't recall members of Congress, either. However, 19 states and the District of Columbia allow for the recall of elected officials serving in state positions: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. Virginia is unique in that it lets residents petition, not vote, for an official's removal.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Just saw the traitor Fett...»Reply #6