LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan leads the country in the number of elected officials facing recall, but major changes to its recall rules could change that.
Citizens hoping to remove public officials from office must adhere to different requirements under a new law. Many recall efforts couldn't start until this month under the measure.
Experts are cautious to predict a drop in recalls at this point, yet say they won't be surprised if a decline occurs.
Key changes include shortening the time to collect signatures and giving voters a choice between the officeholder and a challenger. Recall elections previously were up-or-down votes with replacement candidates elected later.
Another significant revision requires election boards to determine if the reasons for recall are "factual." Election officials previously looked at "clarity" only.
