Which procedure allows voters to remove an elected official from office in many states?

• A. Recall
• B. Initiative
• C. Referendum
• D. Logrolling

Answer: (A)

Recall is the process that lets voters remove an elected official from office before their term ends. It works by circulating a petition to reach a required number of signatures; if that threshold is met, a recall election is held. If a majority votes to remove the official, they’re removed and a replacement is chosen according to state rules. This mechanism exists specifically to hold officials accountable through a direct vote by the people, rather than through legislative actions.

By contrast, an initiative lets citizens propose new laws, a referendum lets voters approve or reject laws already passed by the legislature, and logrolling describes lawmakers trading votes for favors—none of which involve removing a current officeholder through a recall vote.