The clock started ticking Monday on an effort to recall Colorado’s governor — the second attempt to remove Gov. Jared Polis since he took office less than two years ago.
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office approved the petition for circulation Monday, and organizers have until Nov. 13 to collect 631,266 valid signatures to force a special election, as the Colorado Sun first reported. A recall election would also include a question asking voters to select a replacement.
Backers of the effort say they’re taking the step because Polis has abused his powers during the pandemic, including by forcing businesses and houses of worship to close and mandating masks.
“People are just plain frustrated mad,” said Greg Merschel of the Recall Polis 2020 committee.
Merschel, who also was part of last year’s effort, said the vandalism to the Capitol and surrounding businesses has added fuel to the fire.
In a statement, governor’s spokesperson Conor Cahill said Polis has focused on delivering “real results for Coloradans.”
“Now during this unprecedented pandemic, Colorado has been a model for the country thanks to the bold and swift actions by Governor Polis, including being one of the first states to reopen,” he wrote. “Like the majority of Coloradans, the Governor believes that playing politics during this challenging time for our state and country is simply inappropriate and shameful.”