07.17.25 Jackson County Executive vetoes recall election ordinance

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2025

 

Jackson County Executive vetoes unlawful, costly recall election ordinance

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced his veto of Ordinance 5993, citing clear violations of state and federal election laws, a complete disregard for election authorities’ guidance and the unnecessary waste of nearly $2 million in taxpayer money.

“This ordinance is not just unlawful, but it’s also fiscally reckless and a dangerous misuse of the democratic process,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “It forces our local election boards to break the law, waste taxpayer dollars and invites chaos into how recalls are conducted in Jackson County. The people deserve better.”

Key facts:

  • The election date is unlawful: Both the Jackson County and Kansas City Boards of Election have filed a verified lawsuit stating that holding the recall election on August 26, 2025, would violate multiple state and federal election laws, including absentee ballot rules, military and overseas voter protections (UOCAVA) and public notice requirements.
  • The petitions are legally deficient: The recall petitions were never deemed sufficient as required by the County Charter. They fail to state any legal cause for removal, contain invalid and outdated signatures collected over more than two years and have improper circulator affidavits that do not comply with state law.
  • It wastes taxpayer dollars: The August election would cost Jackson County taxpayers at least $1.8 million, with no funding appropriated to pay for it, plus additional, unknown litigation costs already being incurred to defend an unlawful process.

County Executive White emphasized that the Legislature still has the opportunity to adopt a lawful solution that protects voters’ rights and fiscal responsibility.

“It’s never too late to do the right thing. The Legislature can move the recall to the November 2025 ballot which would comply with the law, protect the will of the people and save taxpayers millions,” said White. “Jackson County residents deserve leaders who stand up for the law and protect taxpayer dollars, not political stunts that cost more and deliver less.”

A copy of the full veto message(PDF, 223KB), top five facts one-pager(PDF, 55KB) and the Board of Elections lawsuit(PDF, 737KB)  are attached.

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