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Requirements to recall elected officials "nearly impossible"

Rep. Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg)
Michigan House of Representatives

A law to recall politicians needs to be changed. That’s the assessment of a group trying to recall Representative Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg). He faces federal charges of soliciting bribes, attempted extortion and lying to the FBI.

The state changed the recall requirements in 2012. The period of time to collect signatures was cut from 90 days to 60 days. A recall campaign cannot begin until the elected official has served six months in office.

Kaitlyn Flynn is the Campaign Manager of the recall effort. On the program Stateside, she made the point that it was an unnecessary delay.

“He was indicted in May and we weren’t able to start until July,” she said.  

Flynn added that the changes in the law makes it nearly impossible to recall a legislator.

“We are the first campaign to have gotten this far since 2012,” she said.

The group turned in more than the required number of signatures. If the recall does make it to the ballot, instead of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, the changed law means it would become an election. Inman could run again.

Lester Graham reports for The Environment Report. He has reported on public policy, politics, and issues regarding race and gender inequity. He was previously with The Environment Report at Michigan Public from 1998-2010.
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