Governor Quinn Hails Passage Of Groundbreaking Recall Legislation

SPRINGFIELD – October 15, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn applauded passage of new recall legislation that enables Illinois residents to vote on a constitutional amendment for the power to remove a governor from office. If the measure is approved by voters next year, the Illinois Constitution would be amended to include the recall process.

“Recall empowers everyday people by providing them an opportunity to remove a governor who is not working in the public’s best interest,” said Governor Quinn. “Recall is the ultimate ethics reform and I applaud the General Assembly for taking this important step.”

Today, the Illinois Senate passed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 31 by a vote of 56 to 1.

The proposal now goes on the November 2010 ballot and 60 percent of voters must approve the measure for the Illinois Constitution to be amended to allow recall.

If voters give themselves recall authority, the measure then requires them to clear several hurdles before voting to remove a sitting governor. Among them is a requirement that voters seeking to recall the governor collect signatures from 15 percent of the total number of voters in the previous race for governor within five months.

“The people of Illinois will use recall wisely and prudently,” said Governor Quinn. “This measure will make sure that our government stands up right and our governor stands up right all the time."

At present, 18 states permit the recall of state officials, including Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in the Midwest. Governor Quinn has been a long time advocate for recall in Illinois.

• Historical editorial support for recall in Illinois