Statewide Recall Laws

Washington Washington state adopted a recall law in 1912, applicable if the official has violated the oath of office or commissioned "some act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office." To hold a recall election, the petitioner must have signatures totaling 25 percent of votes cast in the election for the official being recalled. Judicial officers are exempt from recall. The petition may not circulate for longer than 90 days. If the recall is successful, the replacement is appointed by a county board of commissioners from a list submitted by his party.