Alameda County Recall Supporters Rally for Special Election to Decide DA's Fate

Supporters of the effort to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price rallied in downtown Oakland on Tuesday, demanding that the county Board of Supervisors hold a special election this summer to decide her fate. The campaign has collected enough verified signatures to trigger the recall process, but there is uncertainty over the election timeline due to the recently passed Measure B, which aligns the county with state recall procedures.

The group Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE) held a press conference, alleging that the supervisors violated county election rules by not setting an election date after the recall petition collected enough valid signatures. SAFE says the board must set a special election date between late July and early September at its April 30 meeting, or else the county's top election official, Tim Dupuis, has 5 days to schedule the election.

However, the situation is complicated by Measure B, and it's unclear which rules apply. Board president Nate Miley says the board will seek legal counsel and expects litigation regardless of their decision. "We're going to get sued one way or the other," Miley said.

SAFE supporters want the recall on a special election ballot, not the November general election, accusing Price of being soft on crime. Price's supporters argue a special election would have low voter turnout and be a waste of money. Victims' families, like Patricia Harris and James Purvis, who initially voted for Price, now believe her policies have failed to get justice for their families.

Why this matters: The outcome of the recall effort against District Attorney Pamela Price could have significant implications for criminal justice policies in Alameda County. The controversy surrounding the election timeline highlights the complexities of local election laws and the potential for legal challenges in the recall process.

The rally drew a few counter-protesters who said the recall is a waste of money given budget problems and a right-wing power grab. Recall supporters are pushing hard for an immediate election date, arguing that Price has caused "so much hurt, harm and damage to Alameda County" and that any delay is "one day too many". The Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss the recall at their next meeting on April 30, but the outcome remains uncertain with the potential for further legal and political complications.

Key Takeaways

• Recall effort against Alameda County DA Pamela Price has collected enough signatures.
• Supporters demand a special election this summer, but timeline is complicated by new law.
• Supervisors seek legal counsel, expect litigation regardless of their decision on election date.
• Recall supporters argue Price's policies have failed victims, while opponents call it a waste.
• Outcome of recall could significantly impact criminal justice policies in Alameda County.