Illinois communities have established local recall processes.
Oak Park would be joining other Illinois home-rule communities, not inventing an untested form of government.
- Arlington Heights
- Mount Prospect
- Wheeling
- Buffalo Grove
Petition to establish a recall process
Pass a petitionfor a referendumto give Oak Park voters the power of recall.
Let’s make our Village government more accountable and responsive.
Signatures must be collected on paper and in person.
Recall keeps elected officials accountable every day of their term, not only on Election Day.
What the petition would do
Place a binding referendum on the ballot to establish a recall process.
This petition does not remove any current official. It asks voters to establish a recall process that could be used in the future and is applicable to the offices of the Village President, Village Trustees and Village Clerk.
A proven democratic safeguard
Recall is a fundamental part of American democracy.
Communities across Illinois and across the country already give voters this right. It strengthens our democracy by ensuring that elected officials remain accountable to the public every day, not only on Election Day.
Wisconsin and Michigan protect local recall statewide.
Wisconsin allows voters in every city, village and town to petition to recall an incumbent elected official. Michigan permits recall of elected state and local officials as well.
Local recall is part of mainstream American democracy.
Thirty-six states permit the recall of some local officials, while 19 states permit recall at the state level. In all these places, recall improves local democracy and governance. While recall laws may vary, the democratic principle remains the same: voters may file recall petitions and the electorate makes the final decision.
How the proposed recall process would work
The recall process Oak Park voters are being asked to establish.
If Oak Park voters approve the binding referendum, any future effort to recall an elected official would follow the process below.
A high threshold
A recall petition would require signatures equal to at least 25% of the votes cast in the last election for Village President.
Voters make the decision
The removal of an elected official would require a 50%+ majority vote at a recall referendum.
Recall petition→Certification→Recall referendum→Majority decides
01
A check, not a shortcut
To begin the recall process requires a significant number of Oak Parkers’ petition signatures.
02
More responsive government
The possibility of recall gives officials an added reason to listen, explain decisions and remain answerable throughout their terms.
03
Democracy decides
An elected official can only be removed by a majority of Oak Park voters in a recall referendum.
Accountability shouldn’t end on Election Day.
A recall process encourages Village officials to meaningfully listen, respond and remain answerable to the residents they serve.Circulate a petition
Oak Park needs you to sign and circulate our binding referendum petition to establish a recall process.
Each sheet has room for 10 Oak Park voters. Follow every step carefully so the signatures can be counted.
Download and print
Print the official petition sheet at full size. Do not alter the referendum language or signature area.
Gather signatures in person
Every signer must be a registered Oak Park voter and must sign in the circulator’s presence using their current residential address.
Get the petition notarized
A circulator must sign the petition in the presence of a notary. If you need help finding a notary, we can help.
Return petition sheets
Contact the campaign to drop off your notarized petitions. Sheets must be returned by January 4, 2027. To arrange their return, email contact@rightofrecall.org.
Before you start
Use the official petition PDF. Signers must be registered voters residing in Oak Park. All signatures must be collected in person. Contact us at contact@rightofrecall.org to submit your sheets.
Download official petition PDFWhere can I get signatures?
Bring the petition to where Oak Parkers gather.
Look for existing community gatherings where registered Oak Park voters already come together. Obtain any required permission and respect the rules of each location.
Oak Park Farmers’ Market
Bring petition sheets when neighbors gather for the market. Follow market rules and ask permission before setting up in any managed space.
Block parties and community gatherings
With the organizer’s permission, invite Oak Park voters to learn about the proposal and sign in person.
Near polling places
Meet voters only beyond the legally marked 100-foot campaign-free zone. Do not block access to voting or enter a polling place to collect signatures.
Neighborhood canvassing
Walk your block or another Oak Park neighborhood and have respectful, one-on-one conversations with registered voters.
Common questions
Know before you sign.
Does this petition recall a current official?
No. It asks voters whether Oak Park should establish a recall process for the Village President, Village Clerk and Village Trustees.
Who may sign?
The petition states that signers must be qualified electors and registered voters residing within the Village of Oak Park.
Who may circulate?
Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older may circulate.
Can I sign online?
No. The official petition requires a handwritten signature made in the presence of the circulator.
What happens if the referendum passes?
The recall process would be established in Oak Park. A future recall would require the stated signature threshold, certification and a majority vote at a referendum.
What happens if an official is recalled?
The office would be declared vacant and filled in the manner provided by law for filling that vacancy.
Contact the campaign
Questions, petitions or ready to volunteer?
Reach out for help circulating sheets, arranging notarization or returning completed petitions—or leave your information and we’ll contact you.