With eight days remaining, the campaign to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Monday evening, February 13, they need approximately 1,000 signatures before an election on Cantrell’s future as mayor can be called. “We’re almost there but we still need a few more of our fellow citizens to take a stand for New Orleans,” said recall chairman Belden Batiste. “If you haven’t signed the petition yet, you still have time.” 

The recall campaign began more than five months ago with a goal of getting 53,000 registered voters in Orleans Parish to sign a petition that would force a recall election. The Louisiana Secretary of State recently reduced the number of signatures needed by approximately 3,000. “We’ve received lots of completed petitions in the mail every day and citizens are stopping by our 10 signing locations including the Recall van parked at Poydras and Loyola,” said one Recall campaign official. “We are even out on the parade routes with petitions. We want to finish strong by getting as many signatures as possible.”  

If the recall campaign gathers all the signatures needed, the registrar of voters will certify the petitions. Then an election will be called where citizens can vote to remove Cantrell from office. That election could take place later this spring. If New Orleans voters choose to oust Cantrell, an election for a new mayor could be held in the fall. A member of the City Council would serve an Interim Mayor until a new mayor is elected.  “We want to thank everyone who has stepped up to sign the petitions and help us with the campaign. We’re almost there. Please help us reach the goal,” Batiste concluded.