How does the recall process work?
As per the City Charter, we need a written petition detailing the grounds for the recall including specific examples of incompetence, unfitness, misconduct, or malfeasance. The petition then needs to be signed by 25% of the total number of votes in the mayoral election. We’re using the vote total from the general election because the charter does not specify general or runoff and there was higher turnout for the general. Using the general election number and rounding up allows us to cover our bases and creates a safety net if signatures are invalidated by the city secretary. This is how we reached the 64,000 figure.
After we collected the signatures they will be delivered to the City Secretary along with the petition and they will notify Mayor Whitmire that the petition has been filed. Whitmire then has the option to object either to the grounds of the petition or validity of the signatures. That will be considered by the City Council. During this time the City Secretary will assess the validity of the signatures are certify them to the Council. If the Council approves the reason for the recall and the signatures are certified we proceed to the next steps, if not, we are allowed to amend the petition and/or recollect signatures and the process starts over.
Once the petition is approved and signatures are certified City Council will order a special election on the next uniform Texas election date that will decide if Whitmire is recalled. So not only do we need to get 64,000 signatures, we also need to get the majority of voters to vote “yes” in the recall election. If the people of Houston vote to recall him there will be an election on the next uniform election date to elect the new mayor. In the interim, mayor pro tem and council member, Martha Castex-Tatum will be mayor.
When and where are we collecting signatures? Am I able to sign digitally?
Signature collection has begun! The plan is to collect through November 5th and use the 6th for last minute prep before turning in the petition and signatures that day. However, if you can only sign on the 6th we can work with you to get your signature. You must be a registered City of Houston voter to sign.
Signing Options:
- You can use our google calendar (linked on the “Volunteer” and the ‘Stay Updated‘ pages) to track what events and meetings we’ll be at around the city. We will also be updating on our Instagram stories and Twitter. If you can make it to any of those events or are in the area you can meet with us to sign.
- You can pledge to sign the petition and we will have someone come to you with the petition.
- You can print, sign, and fill out your signature on one sheet and contact us for a convenient pick-up/drop-off. Visit this link and print the last page: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:15c891b3-3b58-4fa3-8595-e875de215557
If you’re interested in volunteering for collecting signatures click here to fill out the interest form and view our ‘Volunteer’ page for everything you’ll need. You can collect signatures if you live outside the city.
Unfortunately, the petition requires us to collect “wet” signatures, so digital signatures are not allowed. However, once we finish the petition, we will upload it online. We also plan to post updates on where and when were are collecting signatures.
Can I sign if I work for the city, counties, or a non-profit?
Yes! You would be signing this as an individual Houston voter, unaffiliated with any group or job. This is a way to exercise your first amendment and engage in the democratic process. If you are fired for signing that would be a wrongful termination.
Why are we asking for donations?
ADMIN: Starting an organization like this requires maintenance and start up fees for things like a website, mailbox, printing, and bank services.
OUTREACH: We need to reach approximately 64,000 Houstonians so the bulk of our donations will go towards outreach. This includes but is not limited to: designing and printing mailers and informational material; buying shirts for volunteers; event planning; and paying for ads.
CANVASSING: Hiring professional canvassers to help us coordinate and lead groups during the collection period would increase efficiency and the chance of reaching our goal number. We would also like to provide a signature tracking app and helpful supplies to our canvassers and volunteers while they’re out collecting.
Are we backed by special interests?
No, Recall for Houston was founded and is run by regular people who live, work, and/or attend school in the Houston area. We rely on your donations to fund the recall effort. No elected or government officials or members of the media have created or work for this group.
Recall for Houston 