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Related Topic: Elections

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Pros and Cons

Supporters of the recall process believe it provides a way for citizens to exercise control over elected officials who fail to represent their constituents’ best interests, or who are unresponsive or incompetent. This view maintains that an elected representative is an agent or a servant of their constituents, not their master.

Opponents argue that recalls can lead to an excess of democracy: That the threat of a recall election lessens the independence of elected officials; undermines the principle of electing good officials and giving them a chance to govern; and can be abused by well-financed special interest groups and give them undue influence over the political process.

Related Resources

NCSL Election Resources

The NCSL elections team provides a variety of resources on election issues, including but not limited to 50-state surveys on state laws, legislation databases, a monthly elections newsletter, enactment summaries and other publications.

2024 State Primary Election Dates

This page provides state primary and presidential election dates for 2024 when legislative, congressional, gubernatorial, statewide office and presidential primary contests will be on the ballots in 46 states.
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