Step 1: Submission - Submit factual recall language to the Oakland County Election Commission. We submitted three petitions.

Step 2: Hearing – Election Commission holds a hearing. The hearing on our three petitions was held on April 27, 2026. Two of our petitions were unanimously approved.

Step 3: Appeal - If language is approved, there is a 10-day appeal period. Chair Dave Woodward appealed the decision on May 6, 2026, when he filed a lawsuit against the Oakland County Election Commission. As a result of this delay, we will start signature collection on July 25 (later than we initially anticipated) with a goal of a recall election in May 2027.

Step 4: Circulation – 60 days to gather signatures from voters in the district.

Step 5: Validation - The Elections Division determines the validity of the petitions and signatures submitted.

Step 6: Election - A special recall election is held in May 2027. Voters in district 1 would then be able to vote for Dave Woodward (if he chooses to run) or for any other candidate who successfully files as an independent.

the recall process