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HJRCA 22

CONAMEND-RECALL OFFICIALS

103rd Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 34 co-sponsors

Illinois constitutional amendment would establish a voter recall mechanism for removing elected officials outside of regular election cycles, pending specification of petition thresholds and eligible offices.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. William E Hauter
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Bill Summary · HJRCA 22

Legislative bill overview

HJRCA 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a recall mechanism for elected officials in Illinois. Currently, Illinois has no statewide recall procedure, making this a significant structural change to how officials can be removed from office between elections. The amendment would create a process allowing voters to petition for and vote on removing elected officials.

Why is this important

Recall provisions directly affect democratic accountability and voters' ability to remove officials they believe are unfit or unresponsive. This could reshape political dynamics in Illinois by giving constituents an additional check on executive and legislative power. The specifics—petition thresholds, which offices qualify, timeline requirements—would determine whether recall becomes a routine tool or remains rarely used.

Potential points of contention

  • Petition threshold and feasibility: What percentage of voters must sign a recall petition? Too low thresholds could enable frivolous recalls; too high could make them practically impossible
  • Scope of application: Would recall apply only to statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General) or also to state legislators, local officials, and judges? Each carries different political implications
  • Timing and cost: Recall elections are expensive; disputes will likely arise over who pays, how quickly they occur, and whether they can be weaponized during critical periods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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