By Eric Pool
July 20, 2023
The preamble to the constitution begins with: We the People. The intentions of our founding fathers was for the people to have the control, not a king or an autocratic ruler. Its design is as simple as that. We have the power to elect and remove our leaders. The state of Nebraska has guidelines for recall, the removal of unsatisfactory leaders, and we want to discuss and inform those who want to understand this process. And as always, we implore people to do their own research and read beyond this article and get informed on what your rights and responsibilities are as citizens in our free country.
The definition of recall is as follows: Recall is a power reserved to the voters that allows the voters, by petition, to demand the removal of an elected official. Ballotpedia states, "Municipalities in Nebraska are allowed by section 2 of article XI of the Nebraska Constitution under some circumstances to adopt a city charter. If they do adopt a city charter, the state's recall statutes apply to the recall of the city's mayor and city council even if the city charter has specifically adopted contrary provisions." So the people have the right to exercise accountability.
So now we know its meaning, what's next? As the definition states " by petition", as well as the time line requirements. Ballotpedia stated, According to 32.1309, "No recall petition shall be filed against an elected official within twelve months after a recall election has failed to remove him or her from office or within six months after the beginning of his or her term of office or within six months prior to the incumbent filing deadline for the office." The petition must be filed with the appropriate clerk (city or county) and the signatures collected must be submitted to the clerk within 30 days of the petition being issued. So the time is now for a petition.
How many signature are needed? Hence, the Simple Math.
In the case of county commissioners; According to NRS 32.1303, a recall petition must be "signed by registered voters equal in number to at least thirty-five percent of the total vote cast for that office in the last general election.
Phil Sanders' seat IN TOTAL received 976 votes between himself an his opponents, making his magic number 342=(976 x 35%) signatures needed in 30 days to place him on a ballot for recall.
Darrell Johnson's seat IN TOTAL received 787 votes between him and his opponents, making his magic number 276=(787 x 35%) signatures needed in 30 days to place him on a ballot for recall.
In the case of the city council, the law reads: "for an office for which more than one candidate is chosen, the petition shall be signed by registered voters equal in number to at least thirty-five percent of the number of votes cast for the person receiving the most votes for such office in the last general election". That person was Paul Strommen (4 year term) and he received 1149 votes. So to place Brad Sherman on a recall ballot for example, this simple formula makes his magic number 402=(1149 x 35%) signatures. And a side note, Sherman only received 904 votes.
So as we demonstrated with this Simple Math, The People have the power to hold elected officials accountable who are not being transparent, are constantly increasing budgets and raising taxes, are not holding unelected bureaucrats accountable, spending tax dollars on frivolous pet projects and so on and so forth. Are you tired of elected officials disregarding your voice? It really is this easy to make meaningful changes and feel empowered by holding nonperforming dismissive officials accountable.
Do the Simple Math and make your voice heard.