Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.
Al French recall, Spokane County, Washington (2024)
| Al French recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
| Recall status |
| Recall election date |
| N/A |
| Signature requirement |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2024 Recalls in Washington Washington recall laws County commission recalls Recall reports |
An effort to recall Spokane County Commissioner Al French began on August 27, 2024, after the group Clean Water Accountability Coalition filed a recall petition against French.[1] On September 26, Judge Gary Libey ruled that there were not sufficient grounds for the recall petition due to the petition not being filed in a timely manner.[2]
Recall supporters
Recall organizers allege that French used his authority as county commissioner to block investigations into ground water contaminated with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in the West Plains and Airway Heights areas.[3]
Recall opponents
French has denied that a coverup took place and has said that criticism of him is politically motivated. In a statement released by French, he said: "The claims made in the recall petition have been thoroughly debunked by credible sources, public records, and the media...notably, none of the other Airport Board members were listed in the recall, despite the fact two are continuing to serve as elected officials. Despite this, the far-left group continues to push a false narrative in an attempt to sway public opinion ahead of the upcoming election.”[3]
Path to the ballot
- See also: Laws governing recall in Washington
Washington allows the following grounds for recall: malfeasance or misfeasance while in office or violating the oath of office.[4] Before a recall petition can collect signatures, the grounds for recall must be considered by a superior court judge. If the judge rules that the grounds for recall meet the state requirements, the petition will be approved for circulation. To get the recall on the ballot, supporters must collect signatures equal to 25% or 35% of the votes cast for the office at the last election, depending on the office type.[5] Signatures must be collected within 180 days.[6]
Recall context
- See also: Ballotpedia's Recall Report
Ballotpedia covers recall efforts across the country for all state and local elected offices. A recall effort is considered official if the petitioning party has filed an official form, such as a notice of intent to recall, with the relevant election agency.
The chart below shows how many officials were included in recall efforts from 2012 to 2024 as well as how many of them defeated recall elections to stay in office and how many were removed from office in recall elections.
See also
- Spokane County, Washington
- Recall campaigns in Washington
- Political recall efforts, 2024
- County commission recalls
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ KREM 2, "'Politics at its worst': Al French responds to recall effort and misconduct accusations," accessed September 11, 2024
- ↑ The Spokesman-Review, "Superior Court Judge dismisses effort to recall County Commissioner Al French," accessed November 12, 2024
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Inlander, "'Spokane County Commissioner Al French faces recall attempt over PFAS controversy ," accessed September 11, 2024
- ↑ Constitution of the State of Washington, "Article I, Section 33," accessed October 16, 2023
- ↑ Washington Constitution, "Article I, Section 34," accessed October 17, 2023
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Revised Code of Washington: 29A.56.150," accessed October 17, 2023
