Recall Petition Launched Against Dade County Executive

Recall Petition Launched Against Dade County Executive

TRENTON, GA – A recall petition effort has been initiated against Dade County Executive Don Townsend, marking the beginning of a rare process in local politics that could ultimately lead to a special recall election.

The petition is being led by local resident Coy Williams Jr., also known as Bubba Que,. Williams is seeking 100 signatures to officially move forward with the recall.

How Recall Works in Georgia

Under Georgia law, recalling a local elected official is a multi-step process designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and due process:

1. Sponsor Signatures Required

   • At least 100 registered voters (or 10% of voters in the jurisdiction, whichever is less) must sign as sponsors to submit the recall application.

2. Superior Court Review

   • Once the initial signatures are gathered, the petition goes before a superior court judge.

   • Petitioners must present specific allegations and supporting evidence of misconduct, violation of oath, misuse of funds, or failure to perform official duties.

   • The judge determines whether the stated grounds are legally sufficient.

3. Petition Circulation

   • If approved by the court, petitioners are authorized to collect signatures from the broader electorate over 3,000.

   • Organizers typically have 90 days to gather the required number of valid signatures.

4. Certification & Recall Election

   • If enough valid signatures are collected, the recall petition is certified.

   • The election superintendent then schedules a special recall election within 30–45 days.

   • Voters decide whether the official remains in office or is removed.

The last time a recall in Dade County made it before a Superior Court judge was during the administration of then-County Executive Ben Brandon. That effort, while significant at the time, ultimately set the precedent for how challenging and complex the recall process can be under Georgia law.

What’s Next

This is a developing story. More details are expected this week as DiscoverDade’s Vince Lennon will try to reach out to Williams to ask what evidence, will be presented to a judge if the current recall effort advances.

Updates will be provided as the process unfolds.