Nancy Jenkins recall, Michigan House of Representatives (2011)

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An effort to recall Nancy Jenkins, a member of the Republican Party, from her elected position representing District 57 in the Michigan House of Representatives was launched in June 2011.

In June 2011, recall language was approved targeting Nancy Jenkins for recall for her support of a strengthened emergency financial manager law. Organizers needed to deliver 7,317 signatures to the Secretary of State by 5 p.m. on August 5 in order to trigger a recall vote, something they said would not be a problem.

However, Daniel Long, who was to deliver the petitions, reportedly had a family member involved in a car crash. Rushing to the hospital, Long left the petitions in his car, missing the deadline. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson's office refused an extension request. Long said he had planned to submit the signatures the next week, in order to get on the February 2012 ballot, but he never did, leaving many puzzled.

On August 25, members of a state recall committee made a formal request for an investigation by the state police into what happened to the petitions. Long turned over some 1,400 signatures to the state group, but claimed to have more than 10,000. Marian Townsend, who filed the complaint, said of the signatures, “If they did exist and are now missing, that would be a crime under the election laws.”

As of September 20, the police investigation was continuing, while Long had not responded to calls for comment nor made any public statements since August 5.

In early November, state police closed the investigation, stating there was "no evidence any signed petitions disappeared," while Lenawee County Prosecutor Jonathan Poer ruled here was no evidence to support any criminal charges.

See also

• Recall campaigns in Michigan
• Political recall efforts, 2011
• Laws governing recall in Michigan