Definition
A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official before their term ends through a special election. Democracy's buyer's remorse option, though it's expensive and rarely successful.
Example Usage
The governor faced a recall election after a grassroots campaign collected enough signatures to force a vote.
Origin
Populist-era reform adopted by some US states in the early 1900s
Fun Fact
California has recalled only one governor (Gray Davis in 2003), replacing him with Arnold Schwarzenegger in an election featuring 135 candidates including a porn star and Gary Coleman.
Source: State electoral procedures
Related Terms
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See “recall election” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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