Amend Washington States Constitutional Recall Laws
PETITION: WA State Residents Deserve More Power to Recall Elected Officials
To: Members of the Washington State Legislature
Subject: Introduce legislation to amend Article I, Section 33 of the Washington State Constitution
We, the undersigned citizens and taxpayers of Washington State, call on our elected representatives to uphold the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency by amending Article I, Section 33 of the Washington State Constitution to expand the grounds for recalling elected officials.
Current Problem:
Washington’s recall law is one of the most restrictive in the nation. As it stands, elected officials can only be recalled for specific acts of malfeasance or legal violations, which are difficult to prove and limited in scope.
By contrast, states like California and Colorado give citizens more flexibility to hold their elected leaders accountable through broad-based recall provisions. Washingtonians deserve the same power to take action when trust is broken — whether due to gross incompetence, failure to represent constituents, or abuse of executive authority.
Our Request:
We respectfully urge the legislature to introduce and pass a constitutional amendment that allows for expanded grounds for recall. These should include, but not be limited to:
- Neglect of duty
- Gross mismanagement of state resources
- Repeated violation of public trust
- Executive overreach or failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities
- Demonstrated contempt for the will of the people
This reform would not only align Washington with other democratic states, but also send a clear message that no official is above accountability.
Why It Matters:
In a healthy democracy, the people are the ultimate check on power. Expanding the recall process ensures that voters are not trapped under unfit or unresponsive leadership until the next scheduled election.
Let’s bring balance back to Washington politics. Let’s empower the people. Let’s fix Article I, Section 33.
