Bill > S06591

This bill proposes adding a new article to the New York State Constitution that establishes a recall process for statewide elected officials, specifically the governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, and attorney general. Under this provision, registered voters can initiate a recall by filing an affidavit with the state board of elections, which must include a reason for recall (though the sufficiency of the reason cannot be challenged). Proponents would then have 120 days to gather petition signatures from registered voters, requiring signatures equal to at least 12% of the total votes cast in the previous election for that office, with at least 2,000 signatures from each congressional district. If sufficient signatures are certified, a recall election would be held between 70-80 days after certification, 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 new official can be elected by plurality vote (with the recalled official barred from being a candidate). The bill also specifies that if the governor is being recalled, the lieutenant governor would perform gubernatorial duties, and that the recalled official cannot face another recall attempt for six months. Additionally, county election board costs for the recall election would be reimbursed by the state's general fund.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6591