Bill > A05263

This bill proposes adding a new constitutional article that establishes a recall process for statewide elected officials in New York, specifically for the governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, and attorney general. The recall process allows registered voters to initiate a recall by filing an affidavit with the state board of elections stating their intent and reason for recall, which can be filed no sooner than six months after the official takes office. To trigger a recall election, proponents must gather petition signatures from registered voters equal to at least 12% of the total votes cast in the previous election, with at least 2,000 signatures from each congressional district. If sufficient signatures are certified, the governor must call a recall election within 70-80 days, or potentially within 180 days to consolidate with a general election. If a majority votes in favor of recall, the official is removed from office, and a successor can be elected by plurality vote, with the recalled official barred from being a candidate. The bill also stipulates that if the governor is being recalled, the lieutenant governor will perform gubernatorial duties, and that county election board costs will be reimbursed by the state. Additionally, an official who is not successfully recalled cannot be reimbursed for recall election expenses and cannot face another recall attempt for six months.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5263