​Recall Procedures

A recall petition is filed where the candidate filed to run for office​. For statewide offices, state legislative positions, supreme court, court of appeals and superior court positions the candidates file with the Washington Secretary of State's Office. Candidates for Kitsap County, city, school, fire, port, utility and park district positions file with the Kitsap County Auditor.

An elected official may be recalled on grounds of malfeasance, misfeasance, or violation of the oath of office, as those terms are defined in the recall statutes. Under the recall procedure, a voter may file a charge stating the grounds for recall with the state or county, depending on where the candidate filed to run for office. A ballot synopsis is prepared regarding the charge by the prosecuting attorney, and the superior court then determines whether the charges are sufficient to meet the criteria for a recall and whether the ballot synopsis is adequate.

If the recall petition reaches the signature gathering stage, the number of signatures required is determined pursuant to RCW 29A.56.180, and based on the total number of votes cast for the candidates for the office to which the official whose recall is being demanded was elected.

If the court finds the charges to be sufficient and the sponsors of the recall gather a sufficient number of signatures on a recall petition, a recall election is held. The voters then decide by majority vote on whether to recall the elected official.