Keeping our leaders in line

An essential part of our representative republic is holding our elected officials accountable. As voters and community members, we have the power and responsibility to ensure our representatives are serving our interests. There are several ways to do this, including censure, recall, and even running for office.

The first tool is called censure. This is a formal condemnation of an elected official’s actions. While it doesn’t remove the official from office, it serves as a public rebuke and can damage their reputation. Typically, bodies use censure for minor misconduct or policy disagreements. The process varies depending on the level of government, but it often involves a formal vote by the elected body. For example, a city council might censure one of its members for unethical behavior or a violation of a board policy such as ex parte communication.

To start a censure, you can contact other members of the governing body and present evidence of misconduct. It’s important to gather facts, document incidents, and build a case for why censure is necessary. While the public can’t directly make the motion or vote on censure, persistent pressure from constituents can influence decision-makers to take action.

For more serious cases of misconduct, a recall is a more powerful tool. A recall removed an elected official from office through a special election. This option gives voters direct control over their representatives’ tenure, and does not require support from anybody else in the government body.

The recall process begins with a petition. Organizers must gather a specified number of signatures from registered voters in the official’s district. This number is usually a percentage of the votes cast in the last election for that position. The clerk of the municipality where the person holds the office will review the application and petition. Once the organizers collect enough valid signatures, the government will hold a recall election. Voters then decide whether to keep the official in the office or remove them.

Recall campaigns require significant organization and community support. They involve educating voters about the reasons for recall, coordinating signature gathering, and campaigning for the special election. While challenging, successful recalls send a powerful message about accountability and can lead to immediate change in leadership. If you spend money to support or oppose a recall, you may need to register with the State of Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) as a group. Call them at (907) 276-4176 for information about this.

For those who want to take an even more active role, there’s always the option of running for office yourself. This approach allows you to challenge an incumbent directly and offer voters an alternative. Running for office is a significant commitment, but it’s also one of the most direct ways to effect change in your community.

You’ll need to file paperwork with APOC to become an official candidate. This involves forms, a filing fee, and possibly a certain number of signatures. Once you’re on the ballot, the actual work begins.

Running for office, even if you don’t win, can still be an effective way to hold officials accountable. It forces incumbents to defend their record publicly and raises awareness about important issues. The mere threat of a strong challenger can influence an official’s behavior and decision-making. The weakness of this method is that you may have to wait a long time to challenge an officeholder since they still have years left in their term.

Regardless of which method you choose – censure, recall, or running for office – the key to holding elected officials accountable is staying informed and engaged. Regularly attend public meetings, read local news, and communicate with your representatives. Keep track of their voting records and public statements. Use social media and community forums to discuss important issues and organize with like-minded citizens.

Accountability isn’t just about punishing misconduct, though. It’s also about recognizing and supporting officials who serve their constituents well. When representatives make decisions that benefit the community, let them know you appreciate their efforts. This positive reinforcement can be just as powerful as criticism in shaping behavior. Holding our elected officials accountable is a crucial part of a healthy nation, borough, and city.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.